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War for Ukraine Day 1,212: More Russian Missiles in the Small Hours

by Adam L Silverman|  June 20, 20259:53 pm| 15 Comments

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

Painting by NEIVANMADE. It has a white background an in the center are Soldiers in green doing air defense by firing at incoming Russian missiles in the upper right. The missiles are red and yellow. In the upper left, written in green, is the text: "SAVE THE BRAVEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD!" Below the Soldiers, also written in green, is "SUPPORT FOR KHARKIV"

(Image by NEIVANMADE)

All of Ukraine is under air raid alert at 3:50 AM local time in Ukraine/8:50 PM EDT. It started about an hour ago.

Ukraine is under russian missile attack right now. The alert is spreading

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 7:52 PM

DeepState analysis shows Russian forces are pushing to keep up attack intensity in June, with a spike in assaults mid-month. Most active on the Pokrovsk front 32% of attacks, followed by Kursk 16.4%, Novopavlivka 15%, Lyman 10.3%, and Toretsk 9.5% sectors.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 8:37 AM

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

show full post on front page

The Russian Economy Is Already Crumbling; We Will Support This Process Even More – Address by the President

20 June 2025 – 20:26

I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians!

A brief update on today. Another phase of the exchange has been completed, and we are preparing the ones to follow. Today, our warriors returned home to Ukraine – warriors from various branches of our Defense Forces, many of whom had been in captivity for over two years. The exchange process must continue.

Also today, there was a meeting of the Staff – a very detailed report on the frontline. Particular attention was paid to the Sumy region, to operations in the border areas. I am grateful to our units for their resilience. The Russians had various plans and intentions there – absolutely insane, as usual. We are holding them back and eliminating these killers, defending our Sumy region. We also held very detailed discussions on all agreements regarding arms supplies: contracts, funding, and specific commitments from partners. The volume of support this year is the largest since the start of the full-scale war. I instructed that work with partners be increased even further to secure investment in our production, in our weapons. We are also preparing a new platform for such production. This is a long-term, systemic effort, and I want to thank every country already taking part. We are preparing new agreements for next week – together with our NATO partners. Specifically regarding investment in production. These are primarily technologies – first and foremost, drones and artillery shells. We are also making separate efforts on interceptor drones, which must strengthen our defense against Shahed attacks. Several of our domestic enterprises – and accordingly, drone types – are already delivering results. We are working with our partners to secure more substantial funding, and I am confident we will get it. Production volumes of interceptors are already increasing.

Today, there was an extensive report on our sanctions policy, specifically in regard to the areas affecting Russia’s economic capabilities in our temporarily occupied territories. We are preparing relevant National Security and Defense Council decisions.

Today, we also have a new sanctions package adopted by our state, targeting individuals and legal entities who help Russia, including with drone production. We will continue this pressure together with our partners. Our sanctions will be extended by our partners – we are working on that, and, by the way, not only in European jurisdictions.

And one more thing.

I’ve instructed the team to prepare some additional options for cooperation within the Coalition of the Willing – efforts that will strengthen our shared security architecture. Today, the Russians once again openly and absolutely cynically declared that they are “not in the mood” for a ceasefire. Russia wants to wage war. Even brandishing some threats. This means the pressure the world is applying isn’t hurting them enough yet, or they are trying very hard to keep up appearances. Well, the Russian economy is already crumbling. We will support this process even more. Ayatollah Putin can look at his friends in Iran to see where such regimes end up, and how far into decay they drive their countries. More of our decisions will follow, for the sake of restoring security. I thank everyone who is helping us! I thank all our people!

Glory to Ukraine!

Georgia:

Day 205 of daily, nationwide protests in Georgia. This is Rustaveli Avenue, blocked for almost 7 months. ✅

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 2:04 PM

“Revolution!” written in front of the Georgian Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue, which has been blocked for the 205th day in a row.

Protests continue in 8 cities. We demand the resignation of the GD regime, free and fair elections, and the release of our 60+ political prisoners.

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 1:57 PM

People chant: Revolution

#GeorgiaProtests
Day 205

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 1:54 PM

Georgia’s route to freedom is currently excruciatingly slow, but I believe we are on the right path and are going through all the purgatories to get there. In the meantime, more frequent public use of the word “Revolution” is observable. 1/2

📷 @rusudandjakeli.bsky.social

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 2:31 PM

Day 205 of #GeorgiaProtests and the 6th anniversary of the day when Georgia’s liberation essentially began, the June 20, 2019 anti-Kremlin protest and the subsequent violent crackdown. 2/2.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 2:31 PM

Those detained during the pro-European rallies, whose court hearings were held today, expressed solidarity with the media and NGOs from the courtroom.

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 6:42 AM

Nika Melia has been charged with contempt of court after throwing water at a judge – an offense punishable by up to 2 years in prison. He is already imprisoned for failing to pay bail after skipping a GD investigation commission hearing, which carries a 1-year sentence.

#TerrorinGeorgia

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 6:46 AM

❌ Judge Shota Siradze of Kutaisi Court of Appeals upheld a GEL 2K fine against Mzia Amaglobeli — despite expert reports proving that the video evidence presented by the MIA was recorded after her release from administrative detention and could not depict the events that led to the charges.
#FreeMzia

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— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 20, 2025 at 8:51 AM

🗣️ “Mzia’s case is very high on the agenda, we are all watching what is happening with huge concern”, Interview with the #EU Ambassador to #Georgia, Pawel Herczyński.
@euingeorgia.bsky.social

#FreeMzia
#RepressionInGeorgia

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— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 20, 2025 at 10:23 AM

One might assume that the liberation of Georgia began on June 20, 2019, the “Gavrilov’s Night.”

Since then, it’s constant crisis, broken promises and perpetual struggle. 1/

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 11:24 AM

The Georgian Dream put a Russian MP Sergey Gavrilov in the Chair of the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia and spontaneous anti-Kremlin protests erupted, brutally suppressed by the regime. Several people lost eyes with rubber bullets. 2/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 11:24 AM

Ivanishvili then promised fully proportional representation to trick people into leaving the streets, only to abandon his promise later.

Today, activists coloured the fountain at the Parliament in red. “We remember what you did on June 20.” 3/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 11:24 AM

The Minister of Internal Affairs back then was Giorgi Gakharia, now-one of the opposition leaders whose resignation was demanded by the protesters but instead got him as the Prime Minister. 4/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 11:24 AM

While Gakharia states that it wasn’t him who gave the order to assault people, he also does not expose the guilty ones, and maintains that he was protecting the Parliament and the state from an assault.

This is one of the main reasons why Gakharia has not been embraced by the public. 5/5.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 11:24 AM

“Today, Russians arrested my teacher.” 🥺 Nino teaches Georgian language and literature.

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 2:10 PM

Another woman, Nino Datashvili, now arrested for up to 7 years over a physical confrontation with a court security guard, which he started to begin with. #terrorinGeorgia

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 5:42 AM

The US:

Trump telling everyone to watch their mouth when asked about Ukraine is fucking rich, considering he never does.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 6:20 PM

He should know. He doesn’t, but he should.

Odesa was on fire last night. Meanwhile, the US Senate delays russia sanctions bill “due to the Middle East escalation.”
Indeed, why rushing? russia’s war has only been ongoing for almost 12 years. Ukrainians can wait another decade until busy people find time to deliver “peace through strength.”

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— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 4:03 AM

Just in case you forgot who we’re dealing with.
This is a real patch worn by Russian soldiers. It says:

“I’ll take back everything that’s mine”

If you’re still thinking “it’s not our war” think again.

They are ill and that’s their mindset.

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— SAINT JAVELIN (@saintjavelin.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 5:49 AM

Some Americans risk their lives to help Ukrainians rebuild what other Americans allow Russia to destroy.

Those in power are clearly not acting in the interest of their own people — polls show support for Ukraine is only growing.

You don’t have to love Ukraine to condemn and stand up to evil.

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— Victoria (@victoriaslog.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 7:12 AM

The EU and Germany:

Curious what intelligence Germany has that is leading it to this conclusion:

‘…“We are very certain, and we have intelligence evidence for this, that Ukraine is just a step on the path to the West,” [BND chief] Kahl told the Table Today podcast on June 9…’

apnews.com/article/euro…

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— Shashank Joshi (@shashj.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 9:52 AM

From The Associated Press:

BRUSSELS (AP) — Russia poses a direct threat to the European Union through acts of sabotage and cyberattacks, but its massive military spending suggests that President Vladimir Putin also plans to use his armed forces elsewhere in the future, the EU’s top diplomat warned on Wednesday.

“Russia is already a direct threat to the European Union,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said. She listed a series of Russian airspace violations, provocative military exercises, and attacks on energy grids, pipelines and undersea cables.

Kallas noted that Russia is already spending more on defense than the EU’s 27 nations combined, and this year will invest more “on defense than its own health care, education and social policy combined.”

“This is a long-term plan for a long-term aggression. You don’t spend that much on (the) military, if you do not plan to use it,” Kallas told EU lawmakers in Strasbourg, France.

“Europe is under attack and our continent sits in a world becoming more dangerous,” she added.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has said that Russia is producing as much weapons and ammunition in three months as the 32 allies together make in a year. He believes that Russia could be in a position to launch an attack on a NATO ally by the end of the decade.

Last week, the head of Germany’s foreign intelligence service (BND), Bruno Kahl, warned against underestimating Russian intentions toward the West and NATO.

“We are very certain, and we have intelligence evidence for this, that Ukraine is just a step on the path to the West,” Kahl told the Table Today podcast on June 9, according to German news agency dpa.

Russia’s goal is to expand its sphere of influence westward, the BND chief said.

“They want to catapult NATO back to the state it was in at the end of the 1990s. They want to kick America out of Europe, and they’ll use any means to achieve that,” Kahl said.

He warned that “this must be nipped in the bud,” and that deterrence is the “most bloodless way” to prevent war. NATO countries are set to agree a new defense investment pledge at a summit in the Netherlands next week, pouring billions of dollars more into security-related spending.

Estonia:

Estonia has begun actively building dozens of bunkers and digging anti-tank ditches on the border with Russia

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 1:03 PM

Back to Ukraine.

Another prisoner of war exchange between Ukraine and Russia has taken place!

After more than two years in captivity, our people are finally home.

Welcome back, heroes, you were never forgotten. ❤️‍🩹

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 7:35 AM

Tortured and starved, but alive! Welcome home, defenders!

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 10:02 AM

Ukrainians and their unique problems 😂

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 6:08 PM

Putin claims Russia supposedly isn’t pushing for Ukraine’s surrender, just wants them to accept “realities” on the ground.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 11:36 AM

Putin claims the Russian and Ukrainian people are one, so “all of Ukraine is ours.” He falsely insists “we never questioned Ukraine’s sovereignty.” Showing imperial vibes, he added, “where a Russian soldier steps, it’s ours.”

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 12:24 PM

Wherever a russian soldier sets foot, there is death, destruction, mass graves, mined kids’ toys, murdered animals, torture chambers, and of course looted homes

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— Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 (@reshetz.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 4:10 PM

If allowed, Putin will take the whole of Ukraine. But he won’t stop there: He considers the Baltic states, and the whole of what used to be the “Soviet bloc” of Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria – all now EU states – to be vassals of the Kremlin.

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 1:56 PM

Statements like these definitely provide the framing context for the German intel analysis and the EU’s assessments of Putin’s/Russia’s intentions.

⚡️🇺🇦 You can’t hide in the pipes! The enemy infantry is destroyed!
The orcs tried to hide in the canal pipes. But the 5th Assault Brigade’s FPV drone operators found the hiding place and destroyed the infantry group with a direct hit. No hiding place can save you from the accuracy of our work 💥

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— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 3:30 PM

Odesa:

Last night, ten russian drones attacked Odesa, causing fires and significant destruction. The attack killed one person and injured 14 others, including three rescue workers.

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 3:10 AM

If you justify, romanticize, or “understand” russia — you are aligning with what it’s doing: the bombings, the terror, the murder.
There is no neutral ground between the victim and the assassin.

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— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 5:35 AM

Russia attacked the Langeron beach area in Odesa, right next to the most popular hotel for kids — Nemo.

There’s damage near the dolphinarium. I’m not sure who’s more shocked the children or the dolphins.

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— Victoria (@victoriaslog.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 6:22 AM

Kharkiv:

A Russian drone strikes a parking lot wedged between apartment buildings in Kharkiv yesterday evening.
No one was killed by some miracle

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 11:12 AM

The Kursk cross border offensive:

Ukrainian Air Force dropped a slick GBU-39 airstrike on a Russian drone operators’ base somewhere in Kursk Oblast.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 12:38 PM

A destroyed Russian assault group on the border between Russia’s Kursk region and Ukraine’s Sumy region. Yesterday, footage showed five bodies of Russian infantrymen at this location. Today, the number has grown to around two dozen.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 11:28 AM

Sumy:

Putin: “We don’t have the task of taking Sumy, but, in principle, I don’t rule it out.”

Putin chooses his words carefully when he plans a TV appearance meaning there is a message he wants to send. In this case, Russian attempts to take Sumy have collapsed. At least for now.

#OSINT #UkraineWar

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— OSINT Intuit (@urikikaski.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 7:15 PM

Putin: We’re not aiming to take Sumy, but I wouldn’t rule it out.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 11:55 AM

Putin also added that Russia supposedly has to create a security zone along its border with Ukraine. He also noted that Kyiv’s actions in Kursk have effectively doubled the frontline length.

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 11:58 AM

The Russian occupied portion of Zaporizhzhia Oblast:

Ukrainian fighters from the 65th Mech Brigade UAV unit pulled off a successful op behind Russian lines on Zaporizhzhia front, hitting an enemy post, then destroying a 1L122 “Garmon” radar and wrecking their gear.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 2:24 PM

Tula, Tula Oblast, Russia:

Per ASTRA, Ukrainian forces hit Tula’s Shipunov Instrument Design Bureau twice in three days, halting operations. On June 18, five drones damaged a power station, three warehouses, and an admin building, sparking a 400 sqm fire. On June 20, one drone wrecked a loading hangar’s roof and walls.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 10:05 AM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

A new Patron video!

@patron__dsns

Передробоче. Проводжу інструктаж для Марсика (він же Марс, який і планета, і шоколадний батончик). Така кличка, бо він чимось схожий на марсохід, тільки замість космічних кратерів бачить кратери від мін. Страшний трудяга: ніколи не гавкає, не валяється в траві, не обнюхує кожну калюжу на вході. Офіційно Марс робот, а для мене — напарник. Він холодний, але точно не бездушний. Хвилююсь за нього дуже. Бо такі, як Марс, дуже цінні у нашій роботі. Не те, що я не ціную всіх інших… Та Марсик має залізний характер і не має нервових закінчень. Це значить, що йому не болітиме, якщо станеться щось страшне. Але я дуже хочу, аби йому ніколи, ну просто ніколи(!) не довелось це перевіряти. Мрію оце тепер, щоб у Марса зʼявилась подружка. Марселла. Бо думаю, що йому може бути самотньо. А поки спробую подружити його з роботом-пилососом. А що у вас цікавенького? Всім лизь 👅 #песпатрон

♬ Jet2 Advert – ✈️A7-BBH | MAN 🇬🇧

Here’s the machine translation of the caption:

Pre-work I conduct briefings for Marsik (aka Mars, which is both a planet and a chocolate bar). Such a nickname, because it is somewhat similar to a rover, only instead of space craters it sees craters from mines. Terrible hard worker: never barks, never lies in the grass, never sniffs every puddle at the entrance. Officially, Mars is a robot, and for me it is a partner. He is cold, but definitely not heartless. I am very worried about him. Because people like Mars are very valuable in our work. It’s not that I don’t appreciate everyone else… But Marsyk has an iron character and no nerve endings. This means that he will not be in pain if something terrible happens. But I really want him to never, well, never (!) have to check it. Now I dream that Mars will have a girlfriend. Marcella Because I think he can be lonely. In the meantime, I will try to make him friends with a robot vacuum cleaner. What is interesting about you? Everyone lick 👅#песпатрон

Open thread!

War for Ukraine Day 1,212: More Russian Missiles in the Small HoursPost + Comments (15)

Friday Evening Open Thread: Musical Interlude

by Anne Laurie|  June 20, 20255:25 pm| 73 Comments

This post is in: Music, Open Threads

Per Rolling Stone, “Talking Heads Celebrate 50th Anniversary With ‘Psycho Killer’ Video Starring Saoirse Ronan”:

Fifty years ago, the Talking Heads performed for the first time, opening for the Ramones at CBGB. They’d go on to become one of the most influential art-house bands in music history, leaving fans with tons of iconic songs over the decades. Today, they’re celebrating their anniversary by reminding people of one specific classic: They’ve released a video for “Psycho Killer,” the first song they ever wrote as a band…

Anybody else got tunes, or thoughts, for the end of another fraught week?

Friday Evening Open Thread: Musical InterludePost + Comments (73)

Fucking Bloody Hell

by John Cole|  June 20, 20254:08 pm| 240 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads, Democratic Stupidity

This makes me want to vomit:

Representative James E. Clyburn of South Carolina, a veteran lawmaker who was once the highest-ranking Black member of Congress, endorsed former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary on Friday.

Mr. Clyburn made the case that Mr. Cuomo was the right candidate to help Democrats fend off the ill effects of President Trump’s second term, when Mr. Trump is “challenging the pillars of our democracy.”

“The mayor of New York is uniquely positioned to play an important role in the future of the national Democratic Party,” Mr. Clyburn said in a statement, adding that Mr. Cuomo had the “experiences, credentials and character to not just serve New York, but also help save the nation.”

We’re never going to get rid of this man, Cuomo, are we? My god how must women feel about him. I wish he would not have endorsed him.

Fucking Bloody HellPost + Comments (240)

Dodger Stadium Standoff Open Thread

by Anne Laurie|  June 20, 202510:28 am| 143 Comments

This post is in: C.R.E.A.M., Immigration, Open Threads, Trump Crime Cartel

It is the official position of ICE that this very real event that did, in fact, happen was not them.
Vigilantism is worse. It would be nice if federal agents had means to identify themselves as legitimate law enforcement.

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— Matt Ortega (@mattortega.com) June 19, 2025 at 4:42 PM

This feels pretty notable IMO

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— Nute (@nutedawn.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 3:36 PM

NB: The Athletic is the NYTimes’ sports sub-blog:

The Los Angeles Dodgers said they denied federal immigration officials access to the area around the team’s stadium on Thursday morning.
The news comes hours after The Athletic reported the team’s plans to announce assistance to immigrants impacted by recent militarized raids.

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— The Athletic (@theathletic.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 5:12 PM

Looking weak like this in the Trump administration is literally begging to get Miller come to your office and shout for hours and hours, it's not surprising they're all rushing to cover they asses.

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— Schnorkles O'Bork (@schnorkles.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 5:41 PM

show full post on front page

if you don’t know the history of Dodger Stadium you can’t fully understand what unfolded today. thanks @chrislhayes.bsky.social for the opportunity to share it.

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— Jacob Soboroff (@jacobsoboroff.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 9:05 PM

Imagine being one of these pampered blow-dried TV dolts giggling like a child about the idea of mass deportations at a Dodgers game.
So much misery and chaos! It would be so much fun for these assholes to watch from their living rooms.

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— Kevin M. Kruse (@kevinmkruse.bsky.social) June 16, 2025 at 6:18 PM

Sure looks like ICE got their assignment to stage a raid at Dodgers Stadium from these giggling dipshits.

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— Kevin M. Kruse (@kevinmkruse.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 3:22 PM

Barry Petchesky, reporting for Defector — “The Dodgers Can’t Sit This Moment Out”:

… Around 8 a.m., a line of unmarked vans and SUVs attempted to enter the stadium parking lot. They were feds—they said as much, although as has been characteristic of this campaign there was no sure way to tell by looking. They wore no uniforms, displayed no badges or service logos, and covered their faces. In short, they looked and dressed like immigration officers have looked and dressed around the country as they perform deportation raids on terrified communities—like thugs, or kidnappers, or just criminals…

It should be noted that they were not, or not entirely, ICE, but rather Customs and Border Protection agents—another enforcement organization under the Department of Homeland Security, with much of the same powers and purview. It’s a distinction without a difference; they all act more or less the same. The agents themselves were not exactly forthcoming with their identities, they told an L.A. Times reporter only that they were “DHS.”

Denied entrance, the line of vehicles relocated to another gate outside a closed parking lot, where they gathered before gradually dispersing. They had apparently intended to use Dodger Stadium’s lot as a quiet place to process people arrested in early-morning raids, including a major one at a Home Depot in Hollywood that had targeted day laborers and street vendors. One activist showed the Times photos of vehicles that were present at both the Home Depot raid and at Dodger Stadium. That activist also told the Times that a CBP agent had told her why they sought the apparent isolation of a closed stadium parking lot.

“We bring the detainees here to process them and conduct our investigation without public interference,” the agent said, according to [Emily] Phillips, who wrote down his quote. “We can’t do it in the Home Depot parking lot because the public makes it dangerous.”

Angelenos made sure they couldn’t do it at Dodger Stadium, either. After images of the feds at the stadium began spreading on social media, protestors showed up in an attempt to confront them.

The protestors were kept from the federal agents by LAPD. The feds eventually left as more protestors arrived over the course of the morning.

The Dodgers, in the wake of Thursday’s showdown, announced they will delay announcing their community initiatives. “Because of the events earlier today, we continue to work with groups that were involved with our programs,” Dodgers president Stan Kasten said. “But we are going to have to delay today’s announcement while we firm up some more details. We’ll get back to you soon with the timing.”

If the exact form of Thursday’s events wasn’t predictable, the broad strokes absolutely were. This isn’t the type of politics where neutrality can be maintained indefinitely. Any pro sports team will inevitably be entwined with its community, and this is especially true of the Dodgers, from the composition of their fanbase to their immigrant megastar to their stadium’s very origins. They didn’t ask to be involved, but neither did those Angelenos being targeted and terrorized by the government. Not an inch can be given.

Dodger Stadium Standoff Open ThreadPost + Comments (143)

TGIFriday Morning Open Thread: Waiting for the Doc Dump(s)

by Anne Laurie|  June 20, 20258:31 am| 140 Comments

This post is in: Immigration, Open Threads, Religion, Trumpery

Rev. Michael Pham, the first U.S. bishop appointed by Pope Leo XIV is calling on faith leaders across the Diocese of San Diego to accompany asylum seekers to court this Friday, June 20, in honor of World Refugee Day.
JRS/USA applauds this call to solidarity and action.
Read more: ow.ly/nvQ150WbRgj

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— Jesuit Refugee Service/USA (@jrsusa.bsky.social) June 18, 2025 at 2:35 PM

… In a joint letter with Reverends Ramón Bejarano and Felipe Pulido, Rev. Pham announced that a group of clergy and faith leaders will stand in solidarity with migrants at San Diego’s federal courthouse from 7 to 10 a.m. The letter described the migrants’ situation as a “difficult predicament,” noting they are being summoned to court only to face swift expulsion from the country.

While acknowledging their presence is unlikely to change the outcome, they emphasized that migrants are treated with greater dignity simply by virtue of their being there.

“Following the court appearances, the faith leaders will have a press conference so that the clear message that people of faith stand with immigrants and refugees can be delivered to the broader public,” the letter stated…

Rev. Pham is himself a former refugee. He fled Vietnam in 1980 at the age of 13 with his older sister and younger brother. The siblings spent time in a refugee camp in Malaysia before they were sponsored by an American family in Minnesota in 1981. His family was reunited in 1983, and they eventually settled in San Diego two years later.

Pope Leo appointed Rev. Pham to be the seventh Bishop of the Diocese of San Diego last month, and his installation Mass will be held on July 17. Rev. Pham will be the first Vietnamese American to lead an American diocese…

===

Back in April, the Trump Admin gave states a choice: comply with ICE, or lose funding for roads, bridges and public transit.
That ultimatum is completely illegal, a federal judge just ruled:

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— Erik Uebelacker (@uebey.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 7:44 PM

===

BREAKING: An appeals court allows President Donald Trump to keep control of National Guard troops he deployed to Los Angeles following protests over immigration raids.

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— The Associated Press (@apnews.com) June 19, 2025 at 10:59 PM

===

Will he wear a mask too?

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— Patrick Chovanec (@prchovanec.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 3:59 PM

show full post on front page

Love how this administration talks about LA like it's fucking Dresden in 1945. Let me go instead, you babies. I've been craving a jalapeno egg burrito from the Tacos Por Favor on Olympic for like six months now.

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— Tim Onion (@bencollins.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 4:08 PM

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Your continuing reminder that Trump.literally thinks Stealth technology is the plane is invisible.

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— Schnorkles O'Bork (@schnorkles.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 9:47 PM

Welch: I have no faith in him all because he acts like a guy who got a day pass from the memory wing of a nursing home. When you see him on TV, he's slurring. He's not competent. It is just terrifying when you see the chyron that says Trump is reviewing war plans.

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— Acyn (@acyn.bsky.social) June 18, 2025 at 10:46 PM

TGIFriday Morning Open Thread: Waiting for the Doc Dump(s)Post + Comments (140)

Late Night Open Thread: Another Musk Rocket Goes Boom

by Anne Laurie|  June 20, 202512:10 am| 99 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads, Science & Technology, Space

ICYMI: Elon Musk's SpaceX suffered another failure and exploded in southern Texas on Wednesday night after experiencing "a major anomaly” at about 11 pm local time on the test launch while preparing for the tenth flight test at Starbase. 
Luckily, no one was hurt or injured.

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— Amee Vanderpool (@girlsreallyrule.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 5:38 PM


===

SpaceX Starship rocket explodes
ABC: A Spacex Starship rocket being tested in Texas exploded Wednesday night, after the craft "experienced a major anomaly" while on the test stand preparing for the tenth flight test at the firm's Starbase facility.

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— Olga Nesterova (@onestpress.onestnetwork.com) June 19, 2025 at 5:19 AM


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“SpaceX is happy to introduce its newest consultant, Michael Bay.”

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— In Two Weeks Hat (@kenwhite.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 2:09 PM


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At this point it feels like the “major anomaly” for SpaceX are the rare times it *doesn’t* explode?

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— Kevin M. Kruse (@kevinmkruse.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 11:55 AM


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SpaceX has their tails between their legs. No bravado as usual after they mess up.
Though this "There is no commonality between the COPVs used on Starship and SpaceX’s Falcon rockets" tee shirt has me asking questions answered by the shirt
www.spacex.com/updates/#sta…

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— Rude Law Dog (@esghound.com) June 19, 2025 at 4:24 PM


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SpaceX is short for SpaceXplode

— Thor Benson (@thorbenson.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 1:05 AM


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Anyone still defending SpaceX as a serious organisation is neck-deep in tech-bro Kool-Aid.
It’s no longer a company, it’s a cult propped up by hype, hubris, and government handouts.

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— Dr Farbod (@emergencybod.medsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 6:37 PM


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Stop saying Starship had another failed launch!
It actually exploded before launch so it actually just failed to stand upright.

— Jack (@jackinpogform.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 2:31 PM


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i don’t even think spacex is making rocket, i think they did a pivot to fireworks

— Emma Bolden (@emmabolden.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 3:01 PM


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that’s not fair, parts of it traveled hundreds of feet

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— GOLIKEHELLMACHINE (@golikehellmachine.com) June 19, 2025 at 9:14 PM


===

Maybe NASA should consider contracting with Acme Rocket Company for their heavy lift vehicle. The company always came through for Wiley Coyote, right?

— Gyrogeerloose (@gyrogeerloose.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 1:51 PM


===

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk wants to send a cargo ship to Mars by the end of next year. Here’s why that plan likely won’t pan out.

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— CNN (@cnn.com) June 19, 2025 at 7:02 PM

Late Night Open Thread: Another Musk Rocket Goes BoomPost + Comments (99)

War for Ukraine Day 1,211: Another Drone Swarm in the Small Hours

by Adam L Silverman|  June 19, 20258:57 pm| 11 Comments

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

Painting by NEIVANMADE. It has a white background an in the center are Soldiers in green doing air defense by firing at incoming Russian missiles in the upper right. The missiles are red and yellow. In the upper left, written in green, is the text: "SAVE THE BRAVEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD!" Below the Soldiers, also written in green, is "SUPPORT FOR KHARKIV"

(Image by NEIVANMADE)

Russia has unleashed more drone swarms on Kharkiv tonight/this morning.

❗️Russia is attacking residential areas of Kharkiv with drones!

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 5:08 PM

Explosion in Kharkiv ‼️ it’s the second Russian drone attack on our city tonight.

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 6:50 PM

One of the Russian drones that struck Kharkiv tonight ignited the roof of the apartment building

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 7:01 PM

These drone strikes follow Russia spending much of the day attacking Kharkiv with drones.

They also hit more civilian facilities in Odesa this evening:

Apartment building is on fire following the russian attack on Odesa

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 7:39 PM

President Zelenskyy returned from the G-7 meeting. He went to pay his respects to those murdered by the Russian strikes on civilian residences in Kyiv on 17 June.

After returning from Canada, Zelensky paid tribute to the victims at the site of the strike on the apartment building in Kyiv.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 5:08 AM

President Honors the Memory of Those Killed in the Russian Attack on Kyiv

19 June 2025 – 11:20

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy honored the memory of those killed at the site of the Russian attack on a residential building in the Solomianskyi district of Kyiv.

The Head of State laid flowers at the destroyed section of the apartment building that was struck by Russia in the early hours of June 17. The attack claimed the lives of 23 residents.

Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko reported to the President that search operations at the site had been completed. More than 400 rescue workers and over 200 units of equipment were involved in responding to the aftermath of the attack. According to him, 500 residents have submitted applications to document the loss of their homes.

Head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, Tymur Tkachenko, reported that more than 1,000 people had sought assistance from the district headquarters. All necessary support is being provided to them.

Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration – Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, Oleksii Kuleba, reported that technical inspections of the building are currently underway. If a full reconstruction proves impossible, residents will receive compensation for the destroyed housing.

That night, Russia launched a combined massive strike against Ukraine, using 440 Shahed drones and 32 missiles. In Kyiv, buildings in eight districts were damaged as a result of the attack.

The strike killed 28 people in the capital. 142 residents were affected, including six children.

Here is his address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.

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Russia Must Continue to Suffer Entirely Justified Losses for Its Aggression – Address by the President

19 June 2025 – 20:52

Dear Ukrainians!

This morning, I visited the site where a Russian missile struck a residential building in Kyiv. An ordinary apartment building. The missile went through every floor, all the way down to the basement. 23 people were killed by this single Russian strike alone. My condolences to their families and loved ones. The rescue operation lasted nearly 40 hours – until the very last moment, rescuers were trying to pull people out alive from under the rubble. In total, with that massive strike on Ukraine, the Russians killed 30 people and injured 172. There was no military purpose to this strike whatsoever. It brought Russia absolutely nothing in military terms. It was deliberate terror, the same thing Russia’s army under Putin has done everywhere, from Chechnya to Syria. This is the only thing Putin and his Russia truly know how to do well – kill and destroy. And this is exactly the dimension that unites Russia with regimes like those currently in Iran and North Korea. Right now, Russia is trying to save Iran’s nuclear program, there’s no other way to interpret its public signals and behind-the-scenes activity. When one of their accomplices loses the ability to export war, Russia suffers, and tries to intervene. This is cynicism at its worst. And this, time and again, proves that aggressive regimes must not be allowed to unite and become partners. When Iranian Shahed drones – now significantly upgraded – and ballistic missiles from North Korea – also modernized – kill our people in Ukraine, it is a clear sign that global solidarity and global pressure are not enough. Sanctions must be ramped up significantly. We must greatly enhance our cooperation – especially in the technological sphere – among all those around the world who are defending life. This is exactly what we agreed on with partners recently in Canada – at the G7 Summit. And we will continue discussing it next week through other formats of our cooperation in Europe, particularly within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing.

I held a meeting on sanctions today. A very important meeting. I instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the intelligence services, and the entire team of our state to propose to our partners new formats of sanctions coordination – and this will be done. I also instructed to step up all the efforts necessary to synchronize sanctions – the sanctions of partners against Russia within our jurisdiction, and Ukrainian sanctions within jurisdictions around the world. The task is clear: everything that reduces Russia’s ability to finance the war simultaneously increases the chance for real peace. There were also meetings today with our military and Ukraine’s Minister of Defense: Syrskyi, Hnatov, Palisa, Umerov. Separately, I also met with the team of the Security Service of Ukraine and General Horbatiuk regarding deep strikes. Russia must continue to suffer entirely justified losses for its aggression. I thank all our warriors, every unit of ours that makes this possible.

Today I also signed a decree appointing the Commander of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine – Brigadier General Hennadii Shapovalov, who had been carrying out tasks in Wiesbaden, Germany, coordinating with our NATO partners. All the positive experience of coordination and all the real combat experience of our warriors must now be implemented within the Land Forces of Ukraine. Change is needed – and it is a must.

And one more thing.

The return of Ukrainians from Russian captivity. For the fifth time in a few weeks. Men from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, our State Border Guard Service. Many of them had been in captivity since 2022, including since the defense of Mariupol. We must bring back every single one of our men – and we will. We are working on every name. What is needed is an “all-for-all” exchange – so that every family is reunited with their loved ones. So that there are no ultimatums. A real ceasefire is needed. A real end to the war is needed. Ukraine is ready to meet at the highest level – that is the level where actual decisions are made. I am ready to meet in any format with those who make decisions and hold the proper authority, including Putin, even though he has overstayed his constitutional term limit by at least three terms. And hopefully, the war can be brought to an end during President Trump’s current term. I count heavily on his help. I count heavily on the influence of the United States. That is something that can make a difference. Sanctions are needed. Diplomacy is needed. Security is needed.

Glory to Ukraine!

First Lady Zelenska attended the first high-level training program on diplomacy and international relations “Soft Power and Geopolitics,” which was held in Vienna for First Ladies and Gentlemen.

First High-Level Training Program on Diplomacy, Protocol, and Geopolitics for Spouses of World Leaders Held in Vienna

19 June 2025 – 19:50

The high-level training program on diplomacy and international relations “Soft Power and Geopolitics” was held in Vienna for First Ladies and Gentlemen. The program was organized by the Global Platform of the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen at the initiative of the First Ladies of Ukraine and Austria, in partnership with the Diplomatic Academy of the Austrian capital.

Participants included the First Ladies of Ukraine – Olena Zelenska, Austria – Doris Schmidauer, Albania – Armanda Begaj, Estonia – Sirje Karis, Guatemala – Lucrecia Peinado, Serbia – Tamara Vučić, Finland – Suzanne Innes-Stubb, the First Gentleman of Slovenia – Aleš Musar, and the wife of the Prime Minister of Armenia – Anna Hakobyan.

The program consisted of four thematic sessions dedicated to modern public and diplomatic leadership. Participants discussed the role of soft power and public diplomacy, the practical importance of international protocol, current geopolitical challenges, and women’s participation in peace and security matters.

The program was led by experts, diplomats, scholars, and representatives of international organizations. Among the session speakers were:

  • Ambassador Emil Brix, Director of the Vienna School of International Studies;
  • Konrad Jagodziński, Place Branding Director at the British company Brand Finance;
  • Barbara Zehnder and Daniel Senn from International Courtesy Competence Ltd;
  • Former President of Slovakia Zuzana Čaputová;
  • Dr. Robert Schuett, Chair of the Austrian Political Science Association;
  • Melissa Dobner-Mujanayi, Specialist in International Crisis Management at the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defense;
  • Ursula Gamauf-Eberhardt, Senior Program Manager for Peace Education at the Austrian Center for Peace and Director of the OSCE Summer Academy.

During the event, participants discussed tools for strengthening their countries’ humanitarian initiatives, fostering international cooperation, and contributing to the resolution of global issues through partnerships and knowledge exchange.

The aim of the high-level training program on diplomacy and international relations is to enhance the capacities of First Ladies and Gentlemen and improve their practical skills in public diplomacy, international relations, and understanding the role of gender in geopolitics.

Georgia:

Day 204 of daily, nationwide protests in Georgia. Rustaveli Avenue is blocked once again. Protests continue in 8+ cities. ✊🇬🇪

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 2:06 PM

JUST IN: a whole new level of terror in Georgia – the regime IMPRISONED the MOTHER of an activist as a revenge!

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 8:44 AM

1/ Judge Marina Fomaeva found Mzia Amaghlobeli guilty of an administrative offence for putting up a sticker and fined her 1,000 GEL. The hearing took place today at Batumi City Court, though Amaglobeli was not present.

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 6:32 AM

2/ The Ministry of Internal Affairs was accusing the detained journalist of putting up a sticker on an auxiliary building near the police station on the day of her arrest.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 6:32 AM

3/ It was precisely this action that led to Mzia Amaglobeli’s detention on the night of January 11.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 6:32 AM

4/ According to her lawyers, since the legislation did not permit detention for this type of administrative offence, the case was fabricated, and she was instead charged with insulting and disobeying the police—charges for which she has already been fined by the court.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 6:32 AM

5/ That same night, Mzia Amaghlobeli was arrested again by the police, this time under the Criminal Code. She faces 4 to 7 years in prison for allegedly slapping the head of Batumi police.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 6:32 AM

🟥 The @europarl.europa.eu adopted a resolution condemning the detention of Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli (Batumelebi&Netgazeti co-founder) as politically motivated. It calls for her immediate release, denounces media crackdown in #Georgia & urges sanctions on those responsible.
#FreeMzia

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— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 19, 2025 at 6:09 AM

📢“Solidarity with the Media” – read the sign 19yo Saba Jikia held in court today.

In a message to his friends, Saba wrote: “We won’t break. I am in good spirits. I am ready.”

The young prisoner of conscience, arrested during the #GeorgiaProtests in #Tbilisi, faces 4 to 7 years in prison.

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— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 19, 2025 at 10:10 AM

Back to Ukraine:

Our people are home and safe after years of torture in russian captivity.
It’s one of the rare and so much needed good news.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 11:04 AM

Our people are home‼️

Ukraine returns of AFU soldiers, National Guard members, and border guards from Russian captivity — most of whom had been in captivity since 2022.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 8:07 AM

Every release of Ukrainians from russian captivity is like a breath of fresh air these days. A lot of those who returned today are seriously ill. Many defended Mariupol ❤️‍🩹 welcome home, welcome!

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— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 7:58 AM

Disregarding the Geneva Conventions, fascist Russia systematically abuses Ukrainian prisoners of war.

While released Russians look fit and healthy, returning Ukrainians resemble Belsen victims.

There’s no clearer demonstration that democratic Ukraine is the side of good.

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 8:23 AM

“A surgeon did this,” — said a medic about the inscription “Glory to Russia” carved into the body of a soldier freed from captivity.
t.me/c/1377735387…

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 2:43 PM

“Typical Ukrainian Windows”

by Oleksiy Kustovsky

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 9:18 AM

The russians destroyed the warehouse of “Ukrainian Priority” publishing house. In this video: its founder, Volodymyr Shovkoshytnyi, also co-author of Ukraine’s Constitution, stands among the ashes of their books. How is this not genocide, when russia deliberately burns everything Ukrainian to ashes?

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— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 4:59 AM

+2 interceptions of Russian Gerbera drones. 24 total in June 2025 . t.me/ssternenko/4…

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 8:30 AM

5 Shahed kamikaze drones launched by Russians intercepted by FPV.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 5:17 AM

“An evening meditative video” of combat operations by the pilots of the 11th Separate Army Aviation Brigade “Kherson.”

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 3:23 PM

Kharkiv:

School in Kharkiv region destroyed by russian attack today.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 8:00 AM

Above Kharkiv’s Central Railway Station, the black-and-white “Flag of Hope” was raised as a symbol of faith in the return of captured defenders and the missing, and a tribute to those who perished in captivity.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 7:11 AM

Odesa:

Odesa right now ‼️

Fuck russia!

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 8:18 PM

Russian drone strikes an apartment building in Odesa tonight.

I remember the time when we called this terrorism.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 8:25 PM

Odesa right now ‼️

Russia is a terrorist state!

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 8:30 PM

Dachi, Kherson Oblast:

The occupiers attempted to bring in additional reserves to the village of Dachi across from Kherson, but this didn’t align with the plans of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

As a result, all the Russian junk was destroyed before it could even reach the positions.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 8:12 AM

St. Petersburg, Russia:

In St. Petersburg, at the economic forum, Russians displayed the flag of the Taliban. Yes, Taliban, a terrorist organization.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 3:42 PM

Orenburg, Orenburg Oblast, Russia:

“What should I do? Where should I run?” — Meanwhile, in Orenburg, 1000 kilometers from Ukraine, unidentified drones were flying, sirens were wailing, explosions were heard, and local social media pages were spreading horror stories about “sabotage groups” and urging people to stock up on water.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 3:13 PM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

A new video!

@patron__dsns

🥹❤️ #песпатрон

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Open thread!

War for Ukraine Day 1,211: Another Drone Swarm in the Small HoursPost + Comments (11)

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