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Cold Grey Dawn Open Thread: Other New England Political Races

by Anne Laurie| October 25, 20253:18 am| 28 Comments

This post is in: Local Races, Open Threads

Massachusetts: Seth Moulton Wants A New Job
Before the GOP became a wholly-owned subsidiary of TrumpCo LLC (or in a less thoroughly Democratic state than my beloved Commonwealth), Moulton would’ve been a centrist Republican. He’s a nice man, I hear, with a sterling background, but it’s very unlikely he’ll be able to unseat Senator Ed Markey, who is both very crafty and known for ferocious constituent service. However, challenging Markey now means Moulton can spend the next several months giving interviews about how Youth Must Be Served… and, after that, many more months giving speeches / serving on right-wing think tank boards explaining that He Didn’t Leave His Party, It Left Him. Which is, I suspect, more money for less stress than listening to Masshole constituents bitch.

Per his local Tewksbury Town Crier, “Rep. Moulton challenges Sen. Markey”:

U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, a moderate Massachusetts Democrat who represents Wilmington and Tewksbury, said Wednesday that he will challenge U.S. Sen. Edward Markey for the Democratic nomination in next year’s Senate race, arguing it’s time for the party to embrace a new generation of leadership.

In a video accompanying his announcement, Moulton, 46, said the Democratic Party was stuck in the “status quo” and “isn’t fighting hard enough.”…

“We’re in crisis, and with everything we learned last election, I just don’t believe Sen. Markey should be running for another six-year term at 80 years old,” Moulton said in the video. “Even more, I don’t think someone who’s been in Congress for half a century is the right person to meet this moment and win the future.”

Moulton, who enlisted in the Marines after the Sept. 11 attacks and served four tours of duty in Iraq, was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014. Last year, he ran unopposed. In his announcement, Moulton said he would be focusing his campaign on issues including affordability, health care, banning assault weapons and protecting democracy…

After Democrats lost the White House and both houses of Congress last year, Moulton caught flak from some members of his party for saying he didn’t want his daughters playing in sports against transgender girls. Critics said Moulton echoed Trump’s talking points against allowing transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports.

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“I think that Republicans have a hateful position on trans issues,” Moulton told The Associated Press last year, but he insisted that Democrats still lose voters because of the party’s “attitude.”

Markey, for his part, has been here before. He faced a hard-fought challenge from Kennedy in 2020. He turned to his progressive allies to overcome a challenge from a younger rival from America’s most famous political family.

During that race, Markey appealed to voters in the deeply Democratic state by positioning himself as aligned with the liberal wing of the party. He teamed up with a leading progressive, New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, on the Green New Deal climate change initiative — and at one point labeled Kennedy “a progressive in name only.”…

Click over for an amazing visual…

Taking it to Seth Moulton for the primary.

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— emptywheel (@emptywheel.bsky.social) October 19, 2025 at 11:04 AM

Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) at the Boston No Kings rally today, wore the trans pride flag like a scarf draped over his shoulders and included in his speech. “Because here in Massachusetts, we stand for what is right. We stand with trans people because trans rights are human rights.”

"[Moulton] was greeted by boos and expletives from some rally goers…"
“You sold out trans kids! "Fuck you!” Knowles, yelled from the crowd. “You don’t belong here, Seth Moulton, you traitor! Trans kids matter.”
www.masslive.com/politics/202…

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— Alejandra Caraballo (@esqueer.net) October 18, 2025 at 8:37 PM

Lexington knows a thing or two about taking on a king. #NoKings pic.twitter.com/GzfJAJUW8N

— Ed Markey (@EdMarkey) October 24, 2025

***********

New Hampshire: Who’s More Powerful in the Granite State?

John E. Sununu enters GOP primary race in New Hampshire for the U.S. Senate seat he lost in 2008.

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— The Associated Press (@apnews.com) October 22, 2025 at 6:41 AM

… National Republicans consider Sununu a strong candidate and one who allows them to go on the offensive as they look to hold their majority in the chamber next year.

In statements, the Republican National Committee said Sununu’s entrance creates “a formidable Republican field poised to make this seat competitive in 2026.” The Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC linked to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, said they were “excited” about Sununu’s bid and that it “expands the Senate map and puts the Granite State in play for Republicans.”…

Sununu must first win the primary though, and his past opposition to President Donald Trump could be problematic. While Brown has aligned himself closely with Trump and served as his U.S. ambassador to New Zealand, Sununu backed Nikki Haley in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, writing an op-ed calling Trump a “loser.”

Trump went on to win New Hampshire’s leadoff primary, but the state’s voters rejected him for a third time in the general election. And while Republicans control the Statehouse and governor’s office, Democrats have held all four of New Hampshire’s congressional seats since 2017.

Sununu has been in contact with the White House about the Senate campaign, according to a senior White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity and was not authorized to discuss private conversations…

Per The Downballot:

John Sununu announced Wednesday that he would run to reclaim the Senate seat he lost all the way back in 2008, and prominent national Republicans were quick to consolidate behind him.

“The @NRSC is all-in for @SununuSenator!” tweeted Tim Scott, the South Carolina senator who leads the Senate GOP’s campaign arm. The well-funded Senate Leadership Fund also backed Sununu, who is both the older brother of former Gov. Chris Sununu and also the son and namesake of another ex-governor.

But one vocal New Hampshire Republican wasn’t deterred by the ex-senator’s entry into the race to succeed retiring incumbent Jeanne Shaheen, the Democrat who unseated Sununu 17 years ago.

“Anyone who thinks that a never-Trump, corporate lobbyist who hasn’t won an election in a quarter century will resonate with today’s GOP primary voters is living in a different universe,” former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown, who began running in June, told the Washington Examiner just before Sununu’s launch. Brown, whose last victory was in the 2010 special election for Ted Kennedy’s old Senate seat, has never won office in New Hampshire…

Sununu emerged on the political scene in 1996 when, at the age of 32, he prevailed in a hotly contested U.S. House race, an outcome that ensured his family’s influence would continue into the next generation. (Sununu is often identified as “John E. Sununu” to distinguish him from former Gov. John H. Sununu, who achieved national prominence as George H.W. Bush’s first White House chief of staff.)

The congressman later waged a successful primary challenge in 2002 against Sen. Bob Smith, who had temporarily abandoned the GOP to run for president as an independent, before he dug in for a tough general election against then-Gov. Shaheen.

George W. Bush’s popularity in the aftermath of 9/11 and the lead-up to the Iraq War helped propel Sununu to a 51-46 victory over Shaheen in what proved to be her only loss at the ballot box during her long career. Multiple Republicans were later implicated for their involvement in a plot to jam Democratic phone lines to disrupt the pro-Shaheen get-out-the-vote operation, with several sentenced to prison.

Bush, though, was anything but an asset for Sununu in his 2008 rematch against Shaheen…

… The former senator, who went on to join several corporate boards, kept a relatively low profile as his brother, Chris, became the top Republican in the state and won four straight two-year terms as governor.

On the rare occasions Sununu stepped back into the political world, it was chiefly to endorse presidential primary candidates who wound up losing to Trump. In 2016, he supported then-Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s doomed campaign, while last year, he backed Nikki Haley’s failed effort to stop Trump and penned an op-ed in the Union Leader titled, “Donald Trump is a loser.”

He wasn’t even the GOP’s first-choice Sununu. Republican power-brokers had long sought to recruit Chris as a Senate candidate, but after he repeatedly turned them down, they instead turned to John…

The Sununu family is a New-England-lite version of the Bush clan — they’ve got their grubby hooves in every trough of the state’s politics, and done very well by their (shall we call it) persistence. But if Scotty Brown can ding John up during the primary, I’ll bring the popcorn.

Also, is ‘Donald Trump’s pick!’ gonna be a magical mantra up here, next year?

EXCLUSIVE: The GOP redistricting effort in New Hampshire is frozen.
Republican lawmakers see no path forward without buy-in from Gov. Kelly Ayotte.

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— Politico (@politico.com) October 24, 2025 at 11:33 AM

… State Sen. Dan Innis has yanked his own bill that would have kicked off a mid-decade redraw of the state’s two congressional districts in the face of resistance from GOP Gov. Kelly Ayotte.

“The governor wasn’t that supportive of it since it’s in the middle of the normal redistricting cycle,” Innis, a Republican who recently ended his U.S. Senate campaign, told POLITICO. “Rather than create a difficult situation in my own house, the New Hampshire State House, I thought it made sense to save this for another time.”…

The White House had been ratcheting up pressure on New Hampshire Republicans to put forward a new map for months, threatening a take-no-prisoners approach that included weighing a primary challenge to Ayotte. Trump ally and longtime New Hampshire resident Corey Lewandowski, who is serving as a Department of Homeland Security senior adviser, said days later he was considering running for governor against Ayotte…

“We’re in the middle of the census, I don’t think the timing is right for redistricting,” Ayotte recently told local television station WMUR, adding that “the thing [Granite Staters are] talking to me about is not redistricting.”

New Hampshire’s biggest ‘industry’ is tourism — and most of those tourists, I believe, come from the states immediately north of Delaware, plus the eastern regions of Canada. Areas not particularly Trump-enthusiastic, shall we say. Ayotte’s a native New Hampster, a ‘true conservative with libertarian tendencies’… and she ain’t stupid.

Cold Grey Dawn Open Thread: Other New England Political RacesPost + Comments (28)

War for Ukraine Day 1,338: A Brief Friday Night Update

by Adam L Silverman| October 24, 20258:02 pm| 7 Comments

This post is in: Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, Military, Open Threads, Russia, Silverman on Security, War, War in Ukraine

A couple of housekeeping notes: First, I had a long day today, so just a brief(ish) update tonight. I have several more through Wednesday, so barring something major happening the updates will be on the just the basics side. And they may come in a little later than normal.

The cost:

Karina Dementiy, head of the Ukrposhta branch in Kherson, was killed this morning, October 24, during a Russian attack.

She was on her way to work. Riding a regular city bus, with ordinary people. At that moment, Russian Grad rockets rained down on the city.

She leaves behind a son and a husband.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 8:18 AM

The russian occupiers hold 21yo Yana Suvorova hostage. They fabricated criminal charges against her which foresee 14yrs in prison. She was kidnapped at the age of 19.

Everyone who advocates for Ukraine ceding lands support these repressions against Ukrainians.

russian occupation is not peace.

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— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 11:03 AM

The Russians hammered civilian targets in Kharkiv, Kherson, and other parts of Ukraine. I’ll get to all of that during the jump.

The Zelenskyys had another busy day today.

Putin wants a humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine this winter, Zelenskyy said during a meeting with UK PM Keir Starmer at Downing Street.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 8:33 AM

The president agreed with Starmer’s observation that the Russian dictator shows no intention of ending the war, evidenced by attacks paralyzing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. “We are not alone in this situation,” Zelenskyy stated.

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 8:33 AM

Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.

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Europe Is Politically Ready to Channel Frozen Russian Assets Into Comprehensive Support for Ukraine – Address by the President

24 October 2025 – 21:01

Dear Ukrainians!

A meeting with leaders in London has already taken place – this is the third positive development for Ukraine in just a few days. More sanctions against Russia are coming – and they will be aligned with the decision of the United States. This is a very right move by the U.S. President – sanctions against two Russian oil companies that export large volumes of oil. Today, all participants, without exception, in the Coalition of the Willing agreed that this is exactly how pressure should continue – on Russian oil: Russian oil companies, terminals, Russian tanker fleet, and the entire infrastructure of the aggressor. Today we agreed on decisions that can help us a lot. We will not disclose all the details yet, to make things harder for Putin.

And even though Russia is now signaling to the world that sanctions supposedly don’t affect its economy, everyone can see the truth: gas station lines inside Russia, bankrupt Russian regions, and Russia’s federal budget deficit. Sanctions remain one of the most painful blows for Putin, personally for him.

Second, there are very important agreements on financial support for Ukraine. Europe is politically ready to channel frozen Russian assets into comprehensive support for Ukraine and Ukrainians, and yesterday the European Council reached a political decision – the clear framework for using the assets, and this framework has been defined. We now also agreed in Europe that this framework must be implemented by the end of the year. Overall, the mood in Europe is such that we understand: funding for Ukraine, for our people, will be secured for next year.

Third – everything related to weapons, air defense, and positions on the frontline. There are already new packages from our partners; our approach to long-range capabilities is also gaining more support. And this means there will be more precise long-range sanctions – direct-action sanctions against Russia’s war machine. And it works over thousands of kilometers.

I also want very much to thank everyone supporting us in the issue of air defense, of systems: we are working with countries to increase the number of Patriots and compatible missiles. There is also a decision from Italy today – they are preparing a support package for our energy sector. Thank you. There is a decision from Norway to fund gas purchases – thank you very much! We have good agreements with other countries, our European partners, and teams are now working to implement them. And we will continue addressing energy issues with the new Japanese Government– the new Prime Minister of Japan took part in the Coalition of the Willing meeting today. And we expect that each G7 member – from the U.S. and Canada to Japan – will continue their steps to support us, support Ukraine, and support our people.

And of course – Sweden. There is a new and major agreement for our combat aviation: we are working on the Gripen fleet, excellent combat aircraft. We have signed the first document, and we are counting on 150 aircraft. And this is a long-term security guarantee for a strong and modern independent Ukraine. This is a historic step. We thank everyone who is helping us!

Glory to Ukraine!

He also made a statement during the joint press conference of the leaders of the Coalition of the Willing at the NATO summit today.

Statement by the President of Ukraine During the Joint Press Conference with Leaders of the Coalition of the Willing Member States and the NATO Secretary General

24 October 2025 – 22:12

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

Keir, Mette, Dick, Mark, and everyone here,

Thank you for today’s meeting, today’s Coalition. These are two important days for us, very important: today the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in London, and the day before there was an EU leaders’ meeting in Brussels.

I thank you, guys, for all the support and your readiness to keep helping.

And today all the partners confirmed that next year they will continue to support Ukraine – our country, our resilience – especially the financial support, which is crucial.

And today the new Prime Minister of Japan joined the Coalition for the first time, and all the signals are clear – thank you.

We all see the challenges these days. The Russians are carrying out a campaign of terror against our energy system. They really want to make the winter cold a tool of torment and pressure on Ukraine – on our people and on our defense.

Russia’s goal hasn’t changed – they want to break us, they want to break Ukraine, and they are doing everything to achieve it. So that’s why our defense means everything that truly stops Russia from killing, destroying, and terrorizing.

First – air defense.

Today we spoke in detail with our partners about the systems. It’s important that our partners focus on what’s most practical and effective. We gave all the details.

Second – of course, it’s important that everyone agrees the front needs substantial attention, and the focus must be on it, and thanks for all the steps of help.

And third – we are promoting a more meaningful approach to diplomacy. Diplomacy matters only when it can lead to real decisions. And when it comes to Russia, that “dish” has many ingredients. The essential ones are real forms of pressure on Russia: sanctions, our long-range capabilities, political pressure, accountability for war crimes, and real actions regarding Russian assets. Today we all agreed.

Sanctions that hit Russian oil infrastructure, Russian oil companies are a big step. And I thank President Trump and all our partners who are implementing this.

And we have to apply pressure not only to Rosneft and Lukoil, but to all Russian oil companies like Surgutneftegas and others, and to the shadow fleet and its infrastructure, and to Russia’s oil terminals.

And we have to implement all we have discussed today about Russia’s shadow fleet.

Besides, we are carrying out our own campaign of pressure with drones and missiles – specifically targeting the Russian oil sector. So the long-range capability directly strengthens diplomacy – the more losses Putin suffers on his own territory, the fewer assaults he can carry out on the front line, and the faster he will agree to meaningful diplomacy. That is why we are working to secure Tomahawk cruise missiles, additional Storm Shadow missiles, and other capabilities. Thank you very much, Keir, for today’s decision. Thank you for your support, for what you said, including about the long-range capability. There must be no option left for Russia except to end the war and return peace to our country.

Of course, I also want to thank our partners for working with us to produce weapons – for investing in our country, for joint projects, and for the agreements we are now implementing.

And one more point is the PURL program, I thank you for each contribution. Mark, thank you for coordinating this program, for each contribution. And today we agreed to step up in the coming months.

Peace is born from pressure on the aggressor, and that is what we must continue to do. Thank you.

Here’s the video:

First Lady Zelenska spoke at the unveiling of a monument to Queen Ellisiv, the wife of King Harald Hardrada of Norway.

Ukrainian–Norwegian Friendship Began Almost a Thousand Years Ago, Not Merely With Diplomatic Agreements, but With Human Relationships – Olena Zelenska at the Unveiling of a Monument to Queen Ellisiv (Elizabeth of Kyiv) in Oslo

24 October 2025 – 19:47

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, together with Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, Mayor of Oslo Anne Lindboe, and Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, attended the unveiling of a monument to Queen Ellisiv, the wife of King Harald Hardrada of Norway. Elizabeth of Kyiv, the eldest daughter of Yaroslav the Wise, Prince of Kyiv, married King Harald Hardrada in 1045.

“It is especially moving that the marriage of Ellisiv and King Harald Hardrada was not merely a dynastic matter, but also an expression of affection – we know this because poems written by the future king and dedicated to his bride have survived,” the First Lady said.

The President’s wife also noted that Oslo itself was founded during the reign of this royal couple.

“Thus, Ukrainian–Norwegian friendship began almost a thousand years ago, not merely with diplomatic agreements, but with human relationships, mutual support, and trust that we can still see today. Ukraine is receiving vital support from Norway, and thousands of Ukrainians have found a temporary home and safety here,” Olena Zelenska said.

The First Lady also spoke with members of the Ukrainian community who attended the unveiling ceremony.

Here’s the video:

Georgia:

Brave Georgian protesters are still blocking Rustaveli Avenue, risking days or even years in jail.

GD has arrested more than 80 protesters in the past few days for participating in the #GeorgiaProtests.

Day 331 of uninterrupted protests.

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 1:26 PM

Despite all the arrests and imprisonments, protesters blocked Rustaveli again today.

October 24, 21:20

#GeorgiaProtests
#TerrorinGeorgia

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 1:35 PM

While Rustaveli Avenue remains blocked, musician Vakho Babunashvili performs a song from his 90s band, Soft Eject. ❤️

This is the 331st consecutive night that protesters have blocked the avenue — at great personal risk to themselves.

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 1:40 PM

Police have cleared the road, and activists have calmly moved back to the sidewalk. It’s hard to move, the sidewalk is packed.

Rustaveli Avenue was blocked for about 25 minutes.

Day 331 of uninterrupted protests in 8+ cities across Georgia. 🇬🇪

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 1:54 PM

Every day, Ivanishvili’s regime arrests dozens of protesters. Every day, the Rustaveli Avenue is still packed.

Day 331 of uninterrupted protests in 8+ cities across Georgia. 🇬🇪✊

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 1:55 PM

This is Nino Svanidze of opposition party Droa. She’s just served 5 days in jail for peacefully protesting on Rustaveli Ave.

Behind her, my friend holds her tightly, begging her not to step off the sidewalk as it could mean a year in prison.

Day 331 of #GeorgiaProtests.

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 3:35 PM

“EU, UK, USA, please, pull all the levers – we can’t manage without you.”

Nino Svanidze left detention today, and again proceeded to close the road on Rustaveli. The second time is already a criminal offense for the regime.

1/2

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 3:42 PM

This is why Natia Chikovani tried to prevent Nino from closing the road – tying her hands around Nino.

This is where we’re at, and we aren’t stopping.

Proud to be in the same Droa party team as Nino Svanidze.

#TerrorinGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests

2/2.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 3:42 PM

⭕️Tamar Lortkipanidze, 48, who climbed onto a patrol car during the Oct. 22 protest in #Tbilisi, has been formally charged by the Prosecutor’s Office with violence and attacking a police vehicle.
💢Charges carry a potential prison sentence of four to seven years.
#GeorgiaProtests #RepressionInGeorgia

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— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) October 24, 2025 at 12:19 PM

“Everyone in jail!”

A one-man protest in Georgia: comedian Onise Okriashvili stands alone before the Rustaveli statue. He often protests solo in public places.

Georgia now has nearly 200 political prisoners.

📷 Publika

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 12:23 PM

As a sign of resistance, Droa’s Mariam Sitchinava wore a mask at the Zugdidi protest — now punishable by up to 15 days in jail.
When police searched her, she demanded a female officer — and they brought her classmate.
In small towns, friends are forced to arrest friends.

🎥 Mariam Sitchinava

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 12:55 PM

Natia Letodiani’s Grandma: “Natia, are you being arrested?”

Natia: “Yeah!”

Grandma: “Put something warm on!”

Natia: “Okay, I’ll get a coat.”

@DroaParty member Natia Letodiani’s arrest👇🏻

#TerrorinGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests

📷 MOSE

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 12:59 PM

Formula TV’s founder, director, and producer Giorgi Liponava has also been arrested for participating in the #GeorgiaProtests. Three of Formula’s journalists, Vakho Sanaia, Keta Tsitskishvili, and Tsira Zhvania, have likewise been detained on the same charges.

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— Anna Gvarishvili (@annagvarish.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 9:41 AM

Police have arrested Davit Gagreli — the young man from yesterday’s striking #GeorgiaProtests photo. According to his Facebook, he’s pursuing a PhD in aviation engineering. He’s also an internally displaced person (IDP) from Gagra, Abkhazia.

Dozen of arrests today in Georgia.

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 10:37 AM

Police released Basti after 40 minutes and told him they mistook him for someone else. Yet, they knew everything about him, including the fact that his grandmother was visiting from Guria.

Local journalists see this as a shot across their bow.

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 10:21 AM

🧵 Publika.ge’s Statement on the Illegal Detention of Our Journalist, Basti Mgaloblishvili.

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 1:03 PM

1/ As the public is already aware, today the co-founder of Publika and journalist Basti Mgaloblishvili was illegally deprived of his liberty by officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 1:03 PM

2/ Plainclothes police officers detained him in a car for approximately 50 minutes, restricting his freedom of movement, forcibly seizing his phone, and preventing him from contacting his family, colleagues, or lawyer.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 1:03 PM

3/ After the incident became public and widely reported, he was released and told him that they detained him mistakenly.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 1:03 PM

4/ However, according to Mgaloblishvili, the circumstances clearly indicate that the officers were aware of his identity and had deliberately targeted him, they knew his name, surname, and address, had been waiting at his home since morning, and were aware that his grandmother was visiting.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 1:03 PM

5/ Since the founding of Publika, journalist Basti Mgaloblishvili has been actively reporting on current events in Georgia and, in recent days, has been covering the Rustaveli protests.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 1:03 PM

6/ Publika condemns this unlawful detention as an act of pressure on independent media and an attempt by the government to suppress freedom of speech and expression.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 1:03 PM

7/ Jurnalists of Publika have frequently become targets of police violence, disinformation, hate speech, and propaganda spread by high-ranking government officials.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 1:03 PM

8/ We recognize that this has become part of the daily reality for media workers in Georgia, yet we refuse to accept it. We call on the government to end the ongoing practice of beating, arresting, intimidating, and otherwise repressing journalists.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 1:03 PM

9/ Freedom to Mzia Amaglobeli!

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 1:03 PM

Around an hour after regime propaganda media posted about Giga Lemonjava’s detention,

Giga was detained in the yard of Tbilisi City Court, where he was attending sham trials of regime prisoners.

1/2

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 10:15 AM

Giga is the Executive Secretary of our Droa party, the second person after already jailed Elene Khoshtaria.

They could have detained Giga over “closing the road” days ago, but they did so on his birthday.

#TerrorinGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests

2/2.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 10:15 AM

Lasha Bregvadze was abducted by the regime police as he took his child to school.

His “crime”? “Closing the road illegally.”

#TerrorinGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 5:36 AM

Apparently, on October 22, Putin appointed a new special representative for “demarcation and delimitation” of “borders Georgia, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia.”

1/2

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 7:59 AM

There’s a belief in certain democratic experts in Georgia that eventually the goal of the Georgian Dream Russian proxy regime in Georgia is precisely to recognize the independence of the two breakaway, Russian-occupied regions.

2/2.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 7:59 AM

NATO:

Putin is running out of money, soldiers and ideas in the war against Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said at a Coalition of the Willing meeting in London.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 2:44 PM

France:

France will supply Ukraine with Mirage fighter jets and more Aster air defense missiles, Emmanuel Macron announced. Paris will also boost funding and support Ukraine’s energy resilience, and urged the EU to start work on a 20th sanctions package against Russia.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 12:01 PM

The UK:

A London court sentenced six people to prison terms ranging from 8 to 17 years for setting fire to warehouses containing humanitarian aid for Ukraine on behalf of the Wagner Group.

The fire occurred on March 20, 2024, and caused £1.3 million in damage. www.bbc.com/news/article…

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 2:32 PM

“Octopus” interceptor drone which will be co-produced in Britain

In the first stages, it is expected that about 2,000 drones will be produced per month, which will be transferred to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 12:42 PM

The US:

Key talking points from Dmitriev, who arrived in the US where a meeting with Witkoff is scheduled.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 12:59 PM

Back to Ukraine.

Destruction of a russian “ Shahed ” right in the air 🔥
Effective combat work of our Gods of the Sky 🦾

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— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 1:21 PM

A russian drone flies right into the back of a Ukrainian soldier and miraculously does not detonate 🫂🇺🇦

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— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 2:15 PM

A pair of Ukrainian F-16s flying in formation

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 11:39 AM

Kharkiv:

Russia is bombing Kharkiv outskirts right now. There were 7 explosions just outside the city so far ‼️

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 5:50 PM

The above was at 6:30 PM EDT.

❗️Russia dropped five aerial bombs on one district in Kharkiv, injuring at least six civilians.

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 5:12 AM

In Kharkiv, nine people were injured; one man is in serious condition. Russia struck the city with five aerial bombs.

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 8:05 AM

Russia struck Kharkiv with six glide bombs earlier today, injuring three people, destroying a car repair shop, and damaging other civilian facilities.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 7:09 AM

Kherson:

Early this morning, russia shelled apartment buildings and houses in Kherson, killing a woman and injuring at least 13 others — among them a 16-year-old boy.

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 2:46 AM

Horrific footage from this morning’s Russian attack on Kherson. Artillery shells exploding in a residential neighborhood.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 6:17 AM

❗️Three civilians killed and 22 injured in Kherson.

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 6:06 AM

Kostiantynivka:

Kostiantynivka, Ukraine.
Russia is destroying it.
They destroy everything.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 11:55 AM

The Lviv-Kramatorsk railway:

Russians attacked the Lviv-Kramatorsk passenger train with a drone near Kramatorsk station but missed, damaging windows in three carriages with no casualties, Ukrainian Railways reported.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 11:05 AM

Russian occupied Mariupol:

Russians started evicting people from apartments in occupied Mariupol, with courts declaring flats “ownerless” if residents missed Russian property registration deadlines or could not return, Andryushchenko reports, calling it state-backed raiding and legalized theft through fake courts.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 10:31 AM

Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Russian occupied Crimea:

HUR operators detected and destroyed three high-value Russian air defense systems on 23 and 24 October, including a Buk-M3 launcher and two Nebo-SVU radar stations in occupied areas of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions and Crimea, the agency reported.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 9:57 AM

Donetsk Oblast:

Russian forces are hunting Ukrainian farmers in Donetsk region, the 12th Azov Brigade said, releasing intercepted FPV drone footage showing operators targeting civilians and farm equipment.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 8:13 AM

Torske:

Ukrainian assault groups cleared the settlement of Torske, stretching nearly nine kilometers on the Zaporizhzhia axis, eliminating up to 100 Russian troops, the 425th Assault Battalion Skelia reported.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 8:07 AM

Ryazan Oblast, Russia:

(Reuters) – Russia’s fourth-largest oil refinery, the Ryazan plant has suspended operations at its AVT-4 unit following a Ukrainian attack on Thursday. The unit has a capacity of 4 million tonnes of oil per year.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 11:21 AM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron.

There are no new Patron skeets or videos tonight. Here is some adjacent material.

Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.

Nastia used to be scared of dogs. That changed once she met the furry heroes at Ukraine’s police canine center.

Meet the pups keeping Ukraine safe by sniffing out mines and searching for survivors.

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— Tim Mak (@timkmak.bsky.social) October 18, 2025 at 10:10 AM

From The Counteroffensive:

Walking to school as a second-grader, my biggest fear came true.

A large local stray dog ran up. I just stood there crying hysterically, as she jumped on my chest with her front paws.

My parents had always told me, “Don’t trust dogs and don’t approach large ones, they are animals first of all.”

The dog who attacked me that morning was a pretty big one. She had no home, but always followed local kids. That day, she simply wanted to play at least once with me, as I always avoided her before.

Despite my fears, deep inside, I always knew: even half of the love a dog has in its heart would never fit in a human’s one. And nowhere would it become more clear than during wartime.

Ukraine is among the most heavily mined countries in the world, with about a quarter of its land laden with explosives.

This week, Russia carried out one of the biggest ballistic missile attacks — none of the missiles were intercepted. The weakness of air defense against ballistic threats leads to more direct hits on residential buildings, leaving many people trapped under the rubble.

This is where rescue dogs step in.

Where human emergency responders wear down from the tough circumstances they operate in, dogs think about emotions differently (just ask the German Shepherd who jumped on seven-year-old me).

For them, search and rescue operations are games. And after three-and-a-half years of war, they are getting really good at them: across Ukraine, dogs and their handlers are setting the international standard for canine search and rescue — and opening their training for others to learn for other international crises.

Open thread!

War for Ukraine Day 1,338: A Brief Friday Night UpdatePost + Comments (7)

Repubs in Disarray! Open Thread: Mad God-Emperor Edition

by Anne Laurie| October 24, 20253:32 pm| 264 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads, Republican Stupidity, Republicans in Disarray!, Trumpery

lol okay this is pretty good
*AD TRUMP COMPLAINED ABOUT TO AIR DURING WORLD SERIES: ONTARIO

— George Pearkes (@peark.es) October 24, 2025 at 2:07 PM

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Trump is having a tariff meltdown on Truth Social this morning

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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) October 24, 2025 at 8:14 AM

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It wasn't fake. It was edited. But Reagan really did spend a five-minute speech – an April 25, 1987, national radio address that the Reagan Library has published on YouTube – to rail against tariffs. It was a full-throated expression of support for free and fair trade.
https://cnn.it/4o5pBGv

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— CNN (@cnn.com) October 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM

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So they didn’t like the ad. Let’s just post Reagan’s 5 min speech against tariffs as it appears on YouTube.
Over and over. On all platforms (some of y’all are still on X).
*1981 Sherrilyn horrified by 2025 Sherrilyn saying “let’s post Reagan’s speech.”
youtu.be/5t5QK03KXPc

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— Sherrilyn Ifill (@sifill.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 1:14 PM

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President needs his timeout yes.

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— Schnorkles O'Bork (@schnorkles.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 9:41 AM

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When Trump hears what Ronald Reagan said about immigrants he’s going to have DOJ arrest him for mortgage fraud.

— Radley Balko (@radleybalko.bsky.social) October 24, 2025 at 9:02 AM

<em>Repubs in Disarray!</em> Open Thread: Mad God-Emperor EditionPost + Comments (264)

Seriously???

by WaterGirl| October 24, 202511:00 am| 211 Comments

This post is in: Breathtaking Corruption, Breathtaking Criminality and Lawlessness, Open Threads

(New York Times)

On my way out the door, so no time for a proper post.

But seriously? He sees a video ad that features a former Republican president talking about tariffs and this is what he does?

Let’s try to describe this behavior in a single word, shall we?

You guys first, I’ll chime in when I get home.

Open thread.

Seriously???Post + Comments (211)

Friday Morning Open Thread

by Anne Laurie| October 24, 20256:31 am| 356 Comments

This post is in: C.R.E.A.M., Open Threads, Proud to Be A Democrat, Show Us on the Doll Where the Invisible Hand Touched You, Trumpery

Friday’s inflation report is likely to show that consumer prices worsened in September for the second straight month as President Donald Trump’s tariffs have lifted the cost of some groceries and other goods.

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— The Associated Press (@apnews.com) October 24, 2025 at 5:00 AM

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All of the pilfering, vandalism, and outright death caused by DOGE cuts, and all of the thefts from the future by illegally stopping research grants, didn't save a penny, Trump spent the money and more on corruption and incompetent ICE goons.

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— Max Kennerly (@maxkennerly.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 11:15 AM

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Hey, remember when Elon Musk was going save hundreds of billions of dollars by revoking Social Security benefits for dead people? Didn't happen, because hardly any dead people were getting Social Security. Instead, there's been a big *increase* in Social Security recipients since Musk's DC stint.

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— Justin Fox (@byjustinfox.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 11:35 AM

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“.. It’s to the point now where .. I could lose everything … Being a small business owner isn’t worth it when your country turns on you,” said Jared Hendricks, the CEO of Village Lighting, a small business selling Christmas products.
@cnbc.com
www.cnbc.com/2025/10/17/h…

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— Carl Quintanilla (@carlquintanilla.bsky.social) October 17, 2025 at 7:12 AM

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ENTEN: “.. Trump's at new lows when it comes to economic net approval. .. Q-Pac (-19 pt) & CNBC (-13 pt) find him at the lowest level of either of his presidencies.
“.. Also, he's lower than any president at this point in a presidency or 2nd term on record.”
@cnn.com @cnbc.com

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— Carl Quintanilla (@carlquintanilla.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 10:52 AM

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Generally this is best seen as a measure of enthusiasm.

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— Schnorkles O'Bork (@schnorkles.bsky.social) October 22, 2025 at 10:29 PM

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I think many people of various ideological persuasions are missing how much the ground has shifted against Trump in the realm of public opinion in the last 9 months. Mostly because they’ve bought into the manufactured media narrative that Trump won a “mandate”—which wasn’t true.

— jack ?? (@kyriakos.bsky.social) October 22, 2025 at 5:54 PM

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I think the topline moves are understating what’s happening, too- opposition is hardening and the remaining Trump supporters keep adding caveats

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— ghost malone ergo propter malone (@proptermalone.bsky.social) October 22, 2025 at 7:14 PM

Friday Morning Open ThreadPost + Comments (356)

Late Night Open Thread: Bigger Heist Than the Louvre Job

by Anne Laurie| October 24, 20251:24 am| 34 Comments

This post is in: C.R.E.A.M., Grifters Gonna Grift, Open Threads, Trump Crime Cartel, Lock Him Up...Lock Them All Up

1. Promote and write code for Trump’s stablecoin.
2. SEC drops its Binance lawsuit.
3. Get a Trump pardon.
@wsj.com
www.wsj.com/finance/curr…

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— Carl Quintanilla (@carlquintanilla.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 11:18 AM

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Trump rewarded Changpeng Zhao, a business partner who boosted his crypto venture, with a pardon for crimes that Zhao pleaded guilty to.
Trading presidential favors for self-interest.
You can’t get more classically corrupt than this.

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— Ahmed Baba (@ahmedbaba.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 2:16 PM

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Breaking News: President Trump pardoned the billionaire founder of the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, Changpeng Zhao. Zhao admitted in 2023 to money-laundering violations that allowed terrorists, drug traffickers and other criminals to move money on the platform. nyti.ms/3J9mazz

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— The New York Times (@nytimes.com) October 23, 2025 at 12:18 PM

“Trump Pardons Founder of the Crypto Exchange Binance” [Gift link]:

President Trump granted a pardon to Changpeng Zhao, the billionaire founder of the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, wiping away one of the U.S. government’s most significant crackdowns on crypto crime.

Mr. Zhao had pleaded guilty to money-laundering violations in 2023 and served four months in federal prison, after a yearslong investigation by financial regulators and U.S. prosecutors…

The pardon was the latest example of how high-profile business partners of Mr. Trump and his family have benefited from his rollback of the wide-ranging crypto crackdown orchestrated by President Joseph R. Biden Jr. To seek the pardon, Mr. Zhao hired lawyers and lobbyists with ties to the Trump administration, while Binance struck a business deal with World Liberty Financial, the Trump family’s crypto start-up.

That deal alone is poised to generate tens of millions of dollars a year for the Trumps and the family of Steve Witkoff, the president’s top Middle East adviser.

show full post on front page

Mr. Trump has granted clemency to several other prominent crypto executives, including Ross Ulbricht, who ran the Bitcoin-fueled drug marketplace Silk Road. And since Mr. Trump took office, regulators have dropped lawsuits against Coinbase and other large crypto firms.

But even in the context of Mr. Trump’s broader dismantlement of crypto enforcement, the pardon for Mr. Zhao was extraordinary.

Long considered the crypto industry’s richest man, Mr. Zhao — a Chinese-born executive who now lives in the United Arab Emirates — admitted that he had violated the law by failing to install rigorous compliance systems at Binance. That allowed people in countries under sanctions, and terrorist groups like Hamas, Al Qaeda and the Islamic State, to move money on his platform.

When he pleaded guilty, Mr. Zhao, who goes by CZ, stepped down as chief executive of Binance, though he remained its majority owner and held on to virtually all of his wealth.

Now he could have an opportunity to retake direct control of the exchange. The pardon could also make it easier for Binance to establish a presence in the U.S. market and challenge domestic exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken…

In November 2023, Mr. Zhao and Binance both pleaded guilty to violating rules aimed at preventing money laundering. Janet L. Yellen, who served as Treasury secretary at the time, said Binance had allowed “illicit actors to transact freely, supporting activities from child sexual abuse to illegal narcotics to terrorism.”

Mr. Zhao received a four-month sentence, a light punishment compared with the penalties doled out to some of his colleagues in the crypto world. Even before he reported to prison, he was laying the groundwork for his next act, networking with U.S. tech executives and weighing investments in artificial intelligence.

Mr. Zhao was released in September of last year. Since then, he has become a fixture on the crypto podcast circuit, making flattering comments about Mr. Trump. In one interview, he said he had read books by Marc Rich and Michael Milken, two business tycoons who received pardons…

Re CZ: Binance is sitting on $2B of Trump’s USD1 stsblecoin, allowing Trump to earn interest on the money.

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— Zach Everson (@zacheverson.com) October 23, 2025 at 12:00 PM

Per Forbes, “MGX Cites ‘Compliance History’ In Picking Brand New Trump-Linked Stablecoin USD1 For $2 Billion Binance Deal”

MGX, a state-backed Abu Dhabi fund, told Forbes it chose the Trump-linked USD1 stablecoin to settle its $2 billion investment in Binance based on factors such as business suitability, the currency of the backing assets and “compliance history”—though USD1 was brand new at the time.

Key Facts
– An LLC connected to President Donald Trump and members of his family owns about 38% of World Liberty Financial, the issuer of USD1, a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar and backed by U.S. Treasuries and cash equivalents.

– In May, World Liberty Financial co-founder Zach Witkoff said MGX, a state-backed Abu Dhabi investment fund, was using $2 billion worth of USD1 to invest in Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume…

– The parties opted for a stablecoin given the volatility of other options and selected USD1 because it is “backed 1:1 by a conservative mix of U.S. dollar-denominated assets, including cash deposits, highly liquid short-term government securities and other secure equivalents, all held and managed by an independent, U.S.-based custodian in externally audited custodial accounts,” MGX said.

– MGX said it does not currently hold USD1 and paid no fees to World Liberty Financial, nor has it invested in the company

What Do We Know About Trump’s Link To World Liberty Financial?
World Liberty Financial says it was “inspired by the vision of Donald J. Trump” and lists him as its co-founder emeritus, alongside co-founders Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and Barron Trump. An LLC affiliated with Trump and some family members owns about 38% of World Liberty Financial, per the small print on its website. Stablecoin issuers like World Liberty Financial typically earn money by investing the dollars backing their coin in safe assets like U.S. Treasurys, keeping the interest. MGX’s decision to use USD1, instead of fiat or another cryptocurrency, effectively gave World Liberty Financial $2 billion to invest in U.S. government-backed money markets. That transaction also boosted USD1’s market cap, helping it gain legitimacy and scale. That means an investment fund backed by a foreign state may have directly increased the Trump family’s earnings while Donald Trump was in the White House.

Key Background
Trump can earn income from his businesses while in office through the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust, the same structure he used during his first term. He is its sole donor and beneficiary, with Donald Trump Jr. serving as the trustee. In an April regulatory filing in the United Kingdom, the Trump Organization confirmed Trump retains control over his businesses. As president, he has pledged to make the United States the “crypto capital of the world,” aligning with his expanding interests in digital assets…

Hey, he’s only the president, how is he supposed to know who he is pardoning

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— Tom Nichols (@radiofreetom.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 4:20 PM

Late Night Open Thread: Bigger Heist Than the Louvre JobPost + Comments (34)

War for Ukraine Day 1,337: The War Ends When the Ukrainians Decide It Ends

by Adam L Silverman| October 23, 20259:10 pm| 13 Comments

This post is in: China, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, Military, Open Threads, Russia, Silverman on Security, War, War in Ukraine

Last night in comments, Traveller asked:

Are you, meaning anyone, happy with the Trump proposal, and apparent assent by Mr Zelenskyy, to have a Cease Fire at the current Line of Control?

To save Ukrainian lives and maybe save Ukraine itself…is the current Line of Control….acceptable to people that know better than I?

Personally, I have always insisted to a buffer zone several miles deep on the East side of the Dnipro simply may not be possible…it is not for me to make this decision, but accepting the current LOC would be difficult for me.

Who knows, Trump may deserve praise for his proposal if it works. Best Wishes, Traveller

I’ve written this here before, but apparently it bears repeating: the war ends when the Ukrainians decide to end it. They are, after all, the ones defending their homes, their state, their society, their families, their economy, their religion, their culture, and their very existence from Putin’s and Russia’s genocidal re-invasion. Only the Ukrainians get to decide when their defense is enough. Putin is not interested with just freezing the conflict, which is why despite his having offered that to Trump in a phone call last Thursday, he had abandoned that proposal by this Tuesday. Moreover, freezing the line of control only rewards Putin. creating a buffer zone around it only rewards Putin. Putin through the Russian military, his little green men, and a limited number of Ukrainian collaborators has stolen parts of Ukraine’s territory. Putin through the Russian military has stolen Ukrainian lives. Putin through the Russian military has stolen parts of Ukraine’s cultural heritage. Putin through the Russian military has stolen actual Ukrainian children and awarded them as gifts to his cronies.

When we get to the point where the Ukrainians tell the world that their war to defend their state, society, religion, economy, homes, family, and culture has culminated and they are ready to end their defense against Putin’s and Russia’s genocidal re-invasion, then the war ends.

“No territorial concessions.” – Zelenskyy’s core message ahead of the EU leaders’ summit.

The President also added that a ceasefire is possible and needed by all, but achieving it requires increased pressure on Russia.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 5:53 AM

I trust this clarifies things.

President Zelenskyy and First Lady Zelenska were very busy again today. No daily address, but a statement at the European Council meeting and a press conference for President Zelenskyy and several events for First Lady Zelenska.

“Ukraine is capable of striking targets up to 3,000 kilometers deep inside Russian territory with its own weapons.” – Zelensky.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 12:23 PM

Here’s the video of his statement at the European Council followed by the official write up after the jump.

show full post on front page

We Need to Create Strict Sanctions Control and Real Consequences for Those Who Break the Rules – President at the European Council Meeting

23 October 2025 – 14:34

When Vladimir Putin avoids diplomacy, bluffs, and escalates terror, there must be strong pressure on him to bring him back to reality. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his address to the participants of the European Council meeting in Brussels.

The Head of State emphasized that when Ukraine pushes for stronger sanctions, it is not only about protecting the lives of Ukrainians. According to the President, sanctions limit Russia’s war machine and put pressure on those who influence politics: corporations, Vladimir Putin’s inner circle, Russian oligarchs, and the entire state system. He stressed that thousands of influential people in Russia must clearly feel and understand that Vladimir Putin and this war are a deadly threat to them – to their lives, their money, and their future.

“We waited quite a while for the 19th sanctions package, but it is finally approved. Thank you for that. This is a great success, thank you so much, dear leaders. Now, it’s important to fully put it into action. And we will coordinate with Norway, Switzerland, and the UK, and others so they apply these strong EU measures in their own systems too. And we need to go further – the world should respect EU sanctions the same way it respects U.S. sanctions,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.

The Head of State proposed creating strong sanctions control, and real consequences for those who break the rules.

The President also highlighted the importance of yesterday’s U.S. decision to introduce new sanctions targeting Russia’s oil companies.

“We have been talking about this for a long time, and it will help, of course. And I want to thank President Trump for this decision. When Putin avoids diplomacy, when he bluffs or escalates terror – strong pressure must bring him back to reality,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded.

And here’s the video of his press conference followed by the official write up.

Since the Start of the Full-Scale War, Russia Has Killed 135 Media Workers – President

23 October 2025 – 19:38

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy began his press conference in Brussels by honoring the memory of journalist Olena Hubanova and cameraman Yevhen Karmazin, who were killed today by a Russian Lancet drone strike on their car.

The Head of State noted that special correspondent Oleksandr Kolychev was injured during the Russian drone attack on the media crew in Kramatorsk.

“Since 2022, Russia has killed 135 media representatives – simply because they were reporting the truth about what is happening in Ukraine, about this war, about Russian aggression,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President thanked all members of the media for their professional work and support for Ukraine. According to him, truth and sanctions are the things that truly exert pressure on Russia. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked the European Union and the United States for their recently adopted sanctions decisions.

“Pressure also means weapons and air defense – first and foremost, for us. During such massive attacks, air defense systems and missiles are extremely important,” the President emphasized.

First Lady Zelenska met with leaders of Norwegian higher education as Norway has now joined the Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies. She also met with the President of the Storting, which is Norway’s parliament.

Norway Joined the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies – Olena Zelenska

23 October 2025 – 19:50

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, together with Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, took part in a meeting with rectors and leadership of Norwegian universities and organizations on the occasion of their accession to the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies.

“I am grateful for every initiative in support of Ukraine and for the efforts you make to expand knowledge about our country. Today, as Russian aggression continues to inflict damage on our education system every day – destroying schools, universities, and kindergartens – your assistance is especially important,” said the First Lady.

In particular, there is the UKRAINETT (Norwegian Network for Research on Ukraine) – a platform that brings together Norwegian researchers studying Ukraine and serves as a hub for Ukrainian scholars who were forced to leave their homes and move to Norway because of the war.

The Norwegian government has also launched the Nansen EDU and Program for Ukraina-kompetanse (UA-KOMP) initiatives, which deepen educational cooperation, support Ukrainian universities in recovery, and promote broader understanding of Ukraine within Norwegian society.

The KBT Vocational College facilitates the integration of Ukrainians into Norwegian society through vocational education and entrepreneurship training.

The UiT The Arctic University of Norway, a leading research center in Arctic studies and sustainable development, supports Ukrainian students, researchers, and academic initiatives related to Ukraine.

The University of Oslo offers thematic courses titled “Ukraine in Eastern Europe,” which more than 150 students have completed over the past three years.

Olena Zelenska expressed gratitude to these institutions for joining the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, which now unites 20 leading educational and research institutions from ten countries – among them universities in Finland, South Africa, the Czech Republic, Austria, Canada, South Korea, the United States, Estonia, Italy, and Japan. Another 17 memorandums of accession are in the final stage of approval.

“Everyone who today chooses to learn about Ukraine and the Ukrainian becomes part of the great story of restoring justice and reaffirming humanity,” the First Lady emphasized.

Olena Zelenska also held a meeting with Masud Gharahkhani, President of the Storting (Parliament) of Norway.

“I thank both the Storting, where all nine represented parties support Ukraine, and the Government of Norway for their steadfast backing. We value Norway’s participation in air defense procurement initiatives for Ukraine and all the social, educational, and medical assistance provided to 80,000 of our people,” the First Lady said.

She also addressed the participants of the Ukrainian Women’s Congress.

To Ensure Women Can Be Themselves, Unlock Their Potential, and Fulfill It to the Fullest, We Must Create Opportunities for Them – Olena Zelenska in an Online Address to the Ukrainian Women’s Congress 2025

23 October 2025 – 10:41

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska addressed the participants of the Ukrainian Women’s Congress 2025 online. The event’s slogan was “The Courage to Be Yourself,” and it focused on stories of women whose courage is transforming Ukraine every day.

“When we see women changing professions – installing solar panels, mastering machinery, assembling drones, driving heavy vehicles – is it only about the new responsibilities brought on by the war, or also about self-realization? In my view, whenever a person takes a brave and conscious step, they always take it toward themselves. Being yourself is not something static – it is constant growth,” Olena Zelenska emphasized.

The event included four discussion platforms: “The Courage to Be First” – focusing on youth, innovation, and technology; “The Courage to Be Visible” – about women in communities and business; “The Courage to Be in Power” – on political participation and leadership; “The Courage to Be Different” – on diversity and inclusion.

The First Lady noted that, according to statistics, this year the world reached its best indicators of gender equality since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The global gender gap index decreased to 68.8%. Ukraine ranks 62nd, having closed 73% of the gap, reflecting the progress the country has made in addressing related challenges.

“But there are still gaps to close. Therefore, for women to truly be themselves, to unlock their potential and fulfill it fully, we must create opportunities – a comfortable infrastructure. Guaranteed kindergartens, safe schools with shelters, accessible healthcare, transport, housing, attention to their needs, and care. To be yourself in a way that makes life around you better – that is the ideal formula both for a person and for a country. And Ukrainian women are already making it a reality,” the First Lady concluded.

Not sure why she dressed like a pilgrim as Thanksgiving is still a month away.

Georgia:

Rustaveli Avenue now, on day 330 of uninterrupted protests in Georgia. 🇬🇪

Yesterday, Georgian Dream arrested ~41 people. Most of them stood right here and were dragged away from the sidewalk. Still, more people showed up today.

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 1:03 PM

In the morning, illegitimate PM Kobakhidze declared the protests over since yesterday people were forced off the road and abducted from the pavement, for the first time in 329 days.

Today, it’s sufficient people that the pavement can no longer contain them. The road’s closed “naturally.” 1/2

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 1:47 PM

They will, however, still jail people, just like they fined people EUR 1,800 in around January/February for “artificially closing the road” even when thousands were out.

This is a small but encouraging win. Steady stubbornness.

#TerrorinGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests Day 330

2/2.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 1:47 PM

‪The regime police F-ed off. ‬

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 1:49 PM

High turnout on Rustaveli Avenue tonight despite mass arrests yesterday.

Day 330 of uninterrupted protests in 8+ cities across Georgia.

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 1:06 PM

The sidewalk in front of parliament is packed — it’s hard to move — yet police won’t let protesters step onto the street. Students have tried to block it with their hands raised.

Day 330 of uninterrupted protests in Georgia.

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 1:35 PM

Once again, protesters in Georgia have tried to block the Rustaveli Avenue, risking arrest. GD arrested ~41 people yesterday. Most protesters are staying behind on the sidewalk.

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 1:41 PM

Rustaveli Avenue has been blocked for 20 minutes already. ✅

The sidewalk is packed. More people have stepped onto the road than yesterday. This is despite mass arrests in the last few days (~70 activists in total).

Day 330 of uninterrupted #GeorgiaProtest.

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 1:53 PM

At great personal risk to the activists, Rustaveli Avenue has been blocked for the 330th consecutive day.

Yesterday, it was only blocked for a few minutes before police stormed in and arrested dozens. #GeorgiaProtests

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 2:02 PM

Georgian protesters are fearless! Today, they blocked Rustaveli Avenue despite several attempts by police to stop them, and despite dozens of arrests yesterday.

The sidewalk is packed, and the avenue remains blocked. Day 330 of uninterrupted protests.

📷 Mo Se, Netgazeti

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 2:17 PM

Georgian activists reopened the Rustaveli Avenue themselves. It was blocked for about an hour.

Day 330 of uninterrupted, nationwide protests.

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 2:31 PM

Georgian police still wait for protesters to exit Rustaveli Avenue, searching them for face masks — then filing reports to later sentence them to up to 15 days in jail.

📷 Netgazeti

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 3:30 PM

This is how the police arrested protesters yesterday: they were standing on the sidewalk, but were arrested for blocking the road.

#GeorgiaProtests
#TerrorinGeorgia

Video: Formula TV

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 4:13 AM

Judge Zviad Tsekvava imposed a 14-day imprisonment on Afgan Sadigov, an Azerbaijani journalist, for “illegally blocking the road”. He was arrested yesterday, on October 22.

#TerrorinGeorgia

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 7:54 AM

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 4:27 AM

7 people altogether prosecuted over “hindering the journalistic work” of propaganda outlets TV Imedi, Rustavi 2, and Public Broadcaster on October 4.

#TerrorinGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 12:24 PM

GD is determined to make it harder for Georgian youth to study abroad—first by abolishing the 12th grade (effectively cutting Georgia off from the Bologna process), and now by shutting the International Education Center, which has provided scholarships to hundreds of Georgian students since 2014.

— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 3:30 PM

Georgia has always been Russia’s testing ground. From secessionism to embargoes and outright invasion,

the current takeover is actually a step further, it’s what Russia aims to do with Ukraine eventually.

Helping Georgians means crushing Russia’s playbook for the future.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) August 30, 2025 at 12:49 PM

The EU:

lethal sanctions 😁

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 10:51 AM

The PRC:

Interesting 👀

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 9:19 AM

Back to Ukraine.

Ukrainian military evacuates civilians from the combat zone.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 3:10 AM

In Kazakhstan, fragments of a Ukrainian drone were found.

The debris was discovered on the outskirts of the city of Aksai, located about 30 km from the Russian border. The UAV was likely downed by Russian electronic warfare systems.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 12:31 PM

“Madjar” addressed Hungarians on the anniversary of the 1956 revolution, wishing them to free themselves once again from Russian influence.

t.me/c/1680956281…

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 12:47 PM

Today, 1,000 bodies – claimed by Russia to be Ukrainian servicemen – were repatriated. Ukrainian law enforcement and forensic experts will soon conduct examinations and identification procedures.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 6:27 AM

Kramatorsk:

Awful news. Olena Hubanova and Yevhen Karmazin, Ukrainian journalists working for TV channel Freedom, were killed in a Russian Lancet drone attack in Kramatorsk, according to the city’s mayor and local media reports.

This makes three deaths of journalists in eastern Ukraine just this month.

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— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) October 23, 2025 at 5:49 AM

Slobozhanske, Kharkiv Oblast:

A 68-year-old tractor driver was killed in Kharkiv Oblast when a russian FPV drone struck his vehicle near the village of Slobozhanske.

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 8:12 AM

Kupyansk, Kharkiv Oblast:

In Kupiansk district, russia carried out a double-tap strike — hitting rescuers who had arrived to extinguish a fire after a drone attack.

One rescuer, Yurii Chystikov, was killed and five others injured.

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 1:45 AM

Kherson Oblast:

I’m glad Grandma Lora, who was murdered by a russian drone while walking with her two goats, is at least being remembered.

Today, Russia killed another elderly woman the same way, in the same city. In Kherson.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 2:33 PM

Kharkiv:

Police have released bodycam footage from the first moments after yesterday’s Russian strike on a kindergarten in Kharkiv.

In it, officers are seen evacuating terrified children from the basement. The kids are visibly shaken. their building had just exploded above their heads.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 11:03 AM

Watch it with the sound on, even if you don’t understand the language. Every human can recognize the terrified screams of a child and the desperate cry of “Mama!”

Towards the end, a little girl asks the officer carrying her to safety, “I’m not going to die, am I?”

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 11:03 AM

He comforts her, and she replies, “Thank you very much” with a composure only a child raised in war could possess.

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 11:03 AM

Kyiv:

In Kyiv, police recovered two unexploded drones, one from an apartment and another from a balcony, after they crashed into residential buildings 😱

The Shahed drones failed to detonate; police safely removed them and transported them to a testing range for disposal.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 7:54 AM

Bakhmut:

Russian troops shot civilians in Zvanivka, Bakhmut district. On Oct 20, a family hiding in a basement was attacked after interrogation. One occupier returned and killed the father and two sons. The wounded mother escaped to Ukrainian-held territory, where prosecutors documented her testimony.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 11:05 AM

Russia:

Putin threatens “serious” and even “overwhelming” response if Ukraine will be provided with long-range missiles to strike deep into russian territory.

Will undead warlord strike another kindergarten or hospital? Or maybe ✨️invade our country✨️?

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 12:46 PM

Ryazan Oblast, Russia:

Ryazan oil refinery last night 🔥
Ukrainian sanctions in action 💪

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 8:03 AM

Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russia:

Aftermath of the explosion of the Russian military plant near Chelyabinsk. Artillery shell fragments are visible throughout the area. 10 factory workers confirmed dead, 12 more missing. So total number of casualties is likely ~22.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 12:29 PM

Stavropol Krai, Russia:

HUR eliminated three Russian paratroopers in Stavropol, Russia.

On October 22, 2025, during a successful HUR operation supported by the Caucasus Liberation Movement, at least three servicemen of the 247th Caucasian Cossack Airborne Regiment were killed.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 12:12 PM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

There are no new Patron skeets or videos today. Here’s some adjacent material.

Stop asking me if I run this account

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— Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 (@reshetz.bsky.social) October 23, 2025 at 8:14 AM

Open thread!

War for Ukraine Day 1,337: The War Ends When the Ukrainians Decide It EndsPost + Comments (13)

Their shamelessness is their super power.

Is it irresponsible to speculate? It is irresponsible not to.

You don’t get to peddle hatred on saturday and offer condolences on sunday.

But frankly mr. cole, I’ll be happier when you get back to telling us to go fuck ourselves.

Wake up. Grow up. Get in the fight.

Seems like a complicated subject, have you tried yelling at it?

A democracy can’t function when people can’t distinguish facts from lies.

“Everybody’s entitled to be an idiot.”

They are not red states to be hated; they are voter suppression states to be fixed.

Michigan is a great lesson for Dems everywhere: when you have power…use it!

A norm that restrains only one side really is not a norm – it is a trap.

“In the future, this lab will be a museum. do not touch it.”

The way to stop violence is to stop manufacturing the hatred that fuels it.

It may be funny to you motherfucker, but it’s not funny to me.

Trump should be leading, not lying.

No one could have predicted…

If you’re gonna whine, it’s time to resign!

Books are my comfort food!

All hail the time of the bunny!

Fucking consultants! (of the political variety)

T R E 4 5 O N

This chaos was totally avoidable.

Let the trolls come, and then ignore them. that’s the worst thing you can do to a troll.

Republicans cannot even be trusted with their own money.

Cold Grey Dawn Open Thread: Other New England Political Races

War for Ukraine Day 1,338: A Brief Friday Night Update

Europe Is Politically Ready to Channel Frozen Russian Assets Into Comprehensive Support for Ukraine – Address by the President

Statement by the President of Ukraine During the Joint Press Conference with Leaders of the Coalition of the Willing Member States and the NATO Secretary General

Ukrainian–Norwegian Friendship Began Almost a Thousand Years Ago, Not Merely With Diplomatic Agreements, but With Human Relationships – Olena Zelenska at the Unveiling of a Monument to Queen Ellisiv (Elizabeth of Kyiv) in Oslo

Repubs in Disarray! Open Thread: Mad God-Emperor Edition

Seriously???

Friday Morning Open Thread

Late Night Open Thread: Bigger Heist Than the Louvre Job

War for Ukraine Day 1,337: The War Ends When the Ukrainians Decide It Ends

We Need to Create Strict Sanctions Control and Real Consequences for Those Who Break the Rules – President at the European Council Meeting

Since the Start of the Full-Scale War, Russia Has Killed 135 Media Workers – President

Norway Joined the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies – Olena Zelenska

To Ensure Women Can Be Themselves, Unlock Their Potential, and Fulfill It to the Fullest, We Must Create Opportunities for Them – Olena Zelenska in an Online Address to the Ukrainian Women’s Congress 2025