It’s been a long week and it’s not even over, so I’m just going to run through the basics tonight.
The cost:
One year ago, a russian missile attack cut short the lives of Yaroslav Bazylevych’s family — his wife Yevheniya and their daughters Yaryna, Daria, and Emilia.
We will not forget or forgive. We owe Yaroslav justice, in loving memory of his loved ones.
— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 5:37 AM
President Zelensky met with the Coalition of the Willing today.
Here is the video of his address at his joint presser with President Macron today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
Statement by the President of Ukraine during a Joint Press Conference with the President of France
4 September 2025 – 18:53
Dear Emmanuel, dear friend, dear Mr. President!
Dear attendees!
First of all, I thank you for organizing these meetings at such a high level. For our meeting yesterday and the many-hour discussion between our teams about supporting Ukraine, our steps, security guarantees, air defense, and the future of our air fleet. We discussed many issues yesterday and reached many agreements. Thank you for today’s organization, for your attention, for this special moment and very special negotiations.
Today, a meeting of the countries participating in the Coalition of the Willing took place: all of free Europe, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand. I would like to congratulate you – this was the largest meeting so far in terms of the number of participating countries. Congratulations to you on the organization. Once again, Emmanuel, I am very grateful.
Thank you also… I’d like to join Emmanuel in thanking all the leaders who were with us today in Paris: Ursula, President of the European Commission; António, President of the European Council; Alex, President of Finland; Mette, Prime Minister of Denmark; Donald, Prime Minister of Poland; Dick, Prime Minister of the Netherlands; Bart, Prime Minister of Belgium. Also at the meeting was Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy of President Trump. Many leaders and representatives of countries joined online. We thank everyone for their activity, ideas, and – most importantly – their readiness to provide support on the path to peace – now with concrete steps.
We spoke with President Trump. The day before, we held a meeting in Copenhagen in the Ukraine–Nordic–Baltic format. This is also an important format. The key topic for everyone is the same – ending the war as soon as possible through strong actions and decisions, and guaranteeing security for Ukraine. In fact, all our meetings are based on two elements: our security now – meaning support for defense and diplomacy – and long-term security guarantees – what exactly and when must be implemented.
Key points.
First. Everyone agrees that strength for Ukraine means strength for peace. That is why we are actively working to ensure our strength and resilience right now. Everyone can see that Russia rejects every peace initiative. And there is no consent to peace from Putin. There is also a very specific impression after the meetings in China, which Putin will obviously try to use as a kind of permission to continue the war. And overall, through his behavior, Putin tries to demonstrate that pressure does not affect him. But in fact, we believe the situation is fundamentally different. Pressure is working – the situation is becoming increasingly difficult for the Russian economy and for those who trade with Russia. We will continue along this line. Today, we spoke about new sanctions, including secondary sanctions and special trade tariffs that can help.
Second. The Coalition of the Willing is working very actively – the military, politicians, advisors. Significant groundwork has been laid. Our teams have worked for many days and weeks. We now understand what the foundation of real security guarantees should be. The basic framework is in place. We also understand that security guarantees are not about the future, “someday” – they also apply to the situation right now. A strong Ukrainian army is and will remain the central element of security guarantees. Therefore, it is about the capabilities of our army – financing, weapons, training, weapons production. We are providing all of this, and it must be in place a year from now, five years from now, and ten years from now – both in the current conditions of war and to guarantee security afterward, in peacetime. We already have a basis for the plan – regarding forces and specific steps. We are identifying which countries will participate in the various components of security: who will operate on the ground, who can help in the air, who at sea, and who in cyberspace. Those without their own capabilities can contribute financially. This also includes specifics regarding production. We note that European production lines are still not operating at sufficient capacity. But all of this needs to be scaled up – and it is clear how. Volumes must be greater. The pace must be faster. Ukraine itself has significant production capacity today, which is not being used due to shortages and lack of funding. This is indeed significant – almost 60% of all the weapons we use in Ukraine today are produced domestically. Ukrainians are successful at this. I believe they are of high quality. And we must help every European country be successful in one production area or another. Technological leadership is critically important for Europe – it means a healthy industry, enough jobs, sufficient investment and cooperation, and leadership in global competition. Europe must be a leader. And we are promoting this in particular as we build new security guarantees for Ukraine. We are preparing documents on guarantees and determining each country’s investment in security. As Emmanuel said, 26 countries have agreed to provide Ukraine with security guarantees. And I think that today, for the first time in a long while, we have something truly concrete and serious. I congratulate all of us on this. And I congratulate you, Emmanuel, and Keir – as co-chairs of the Coalition of the Willing.
Third. It is important that America is with us. And we are working in many formats – from initiatives such as PURL, which allow the purchase of American weapons, to the United States’ readiness to participate in security guarantees long-term. Today we had a conversation with President Trump. We are grateful for the support. It was a long and detailed discussion about how to push the situation toward peace. We discussed different options. The most important thing is pressure – to force an end to the war through strong measures, including economic ones. The key to peace is depriving Russia’s war machine of money and resources. We also raised the issue of maximum protection for Ukraine’s skies. This is about saving lives. And until peace comes, Ukrainians must not be at the mercy of constant Russian attacks, Russian missiles, Iranian drones. They must not take Ukrainian lives. This is important. And it is possible. We are counting on this program. We agreed on further contacts.
Thank you, Emmanuel.
Glory to Ukraine!
First Lady Zelenska participated in an extended meeting of the Interagency Coordination Council on Mental Health Protection and Provision of Psychological Assistance to Victims of the Armed Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. Video followed by write up.
Olena Zelenska Visited the Main Medical Clinical Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Plast Training Center in the Kyiv region
4 September 2025 – 11:52
First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska took part in an extended meeting of the Interagency Coordination Council on Mental Health Protection and Provision of Psychological Assistance to Victims of the Armed Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.
Together with Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Health Viktor Liashko, Head of the Coordination Center for Mental Health at the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Oksana Zbitnieva, and State Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Inna Yashchuk, the President’s wife visited the Main Medical Clinical Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and spoke with its staff about the work of the mental health department.
This is a pilot project, launched at the Medical and Psychological Rehabilitation Department. In almost three years of its operation, more than 2,500 defenders from the Ministry of Internal Affairs system have received help here, including those who survived captivity.
The Department now regularly conducts psychoeducational activities and provides recreation areas as well as a sports ground.
“I thank all the specialists of the Department for physical and mental protection. As both are equally essential for life,” the First Lady said.
In addition, Olena Zelenska, together with Minister of Youth and Sports Matvii Bidnyi, Head of the Coordination Center for Mental Health at the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Oksana Zbitnieva, Head of Kyiv Regional Military Administration Mykola Kalashnyk, and his deputy Zhanna Osypenko, visited the Plast Training Center in Bucha.
This institution is part of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program “How Are You?” which, in addition to training, hosts workshops, consultations, and art therapy sessions for children, young people, veterans, and their families.
The center’s sports area is also part of the President of Ukraine’s program “Active Parks,” created to ensure that as many Ukrainians as possible can do sports free of charge. Overall, 1,500 sites across different regions of Ukraine have already joined the initiative, with more than 4 million people taking part in various activities.
“Sports and exercise are among the methods recognized by psychologists for coping with stress and anxiety. And every Ukrainian, whether adult or child, can see this for themselves by joining Active Parks, Plast, or other active and meaningful leisure,” the First Lady concluded.
Georgia:
GD supporters spit and assaulted Editor-in-Chief of Publika, Lika Zakashvili.
GD supporters sat on activists, hurled insults, and struck Publika editor-in-chief Lika Zakashvili. Later, one spat at her again. Police on site did nothing.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 5:52 AM
It’s actually ridiculous just how much the “F*ck the Georgian Dream” chant/song irks them.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 6:05 AM
🚨 Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli’s lawyers have appealed the 2-year prison sentence handed down by Batumi City Court. They argue the verdict is unlawful, unfounded, and violates her right to a fair trial.
#RepressionInGeorgia
#JournalismIsNotAcrime
#FreeMzia
batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/articles-in-…— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) September 4, 2025 at 1:14 PM
After all the omnipresent regime propaganda and money spent on forging an anti-EU majority in Georgia…
The Georgian Dream succeeded in the support for the EU integration standing at 78% 🤡
CRRC latest polls.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 8:36 AM
There was an incident today when regime court security went after each other 🍿 #GeorgiaProtests
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 9:10 AM
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 10:47 AM
My friend went to a fortune teller.
She said many Georgian Dream members go to her, and that she tells everyone that their time’s up soon and that they’ll need to be packing up.Unsure if she sees it or just makes them feel destined to lose, but not all heroes wear capes. 🫡
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 2:54 PM
2 days ago, they arrested ~ 25 during a small but brave protest.
My friend who accompanied a lawyer to detention centers said that all families present exuded calmness, noted with pride that their children had not missed a day of protests, and even found themselves amused by mocking the regime. 1/
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 2:42 PM
This resilient pride and mocking the enemy who wants to see you as all-powerful are very important tools in this fight.
And this further demonstrates that every protest, however small, is backed by families, relatives, and hundreds of thousands of others. #GeorgiaProtests 2/2.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 2:42 PM
The US:
Trump’s special envoy, Witkoff, left the “coalition of the willing” meeting just 20 minutes after it began, according to the Élysée Palace. 👀
It is noted that he will return when the Europeans call Trump.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 6:51 AM
Trump reportedly lashed out at EU leaders during a phone call, which became heated.
According to reports from Axios and Bild, Europeans no longer expect Trump to impose sanctions against Russia.
After the call, Trump posted a photo with Putin from Alaska.
Here we go again.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Timing is exceptional 😬
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Part of the context here is that the Trump admin announced they were casing the colors/disbanding the 4th Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) back in May. The 4th SFAB’s focus was on working with our European allies & partners. The SFABs are also GEN Milley’s babies. These guys hate GEN Milley and anyone or anything associated with him.
Back to Ukraine.
Have you ever seen a drone carpet bombing? By “Nemesis” unit
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Kyiv:
A Kyiv Harmonia orchestra has created a musical overture titled “Shahed” (russian drone).
It freaked me out because of how believable it is.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Chernihiv:
The Russian Ministry of Defense is sharing a video of a Russian Iskander missile strike near Chernihiv.
They are deceitfully presenting it as a strike on a drone crew🤬. It was a strike on humanitarian deminers
The footage shows no evidence of drones, only civilian white cars
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Zaporizhzhia:
“My friend and I were at a coffee shop, just sitting, relaxing, and having coffee. We looked up and right above us was a drone. It stopped right next to us. We just sat there, looking at it, and it was “looking” at us. We didn’t know what to do. It hovered for just a few seconds,
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 12:48 PM
then started flying away to the side. We hit the floor, and it exploded right away. I was in a state of panic, probably for 40 minutes after.” recounted Khrystyna, a resident of Zaporizhzhia.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 12:48 PM
In the middle of the day, Russians attacked Zaporizhzhia, injuring four women. A cafe, a service center, and an apartment building were also damaged.
Interview source- Suspilne Zaporizhzhia
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Zaporizhzhia. In broad daylight, a Russian drone struck a residential apartment building in the Pisky neighborhood.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 4:19 AM
Epic detonation of the Russian S-300 V4
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 3:31 AM
Kherson Oblast:
Russian sabotage group on a boat destroyed in Dnipro river. Kherson region.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Russian occupied Luhansk:
Strike on an oil depot in occupied Luhansk a few hours ago🔥
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Occupied Luhansk. Oil depot 🔥🔥🔥
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Oil depot in occupied Luhansk is… out of order 🔥
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Kadiivka, Luhansk region. A Ukrainian medium-range kamikaze drone Ram-2x inscribes a gravestone for a Russian Armed Forces KAMAZ driver who was transporting a tank.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 6:46 AM
Kharkiv:
There is air raid alert, and there are drones in Kharkiv region.
And it’s 01:20. All I want is just sleep.— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 6:21 PM
The Black Sea:
A video has surfaced online showing underwater footage in which a diver allegedly discovered fragments of a downed Storm Shadow cruise missile somewhere off the coast of the Black Sea.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Rostov Oblast, Russia:
📡Tonight in Rostov Oblast, two radars were attacked:
📍 47.617210063497865, 40.681188368078
📍 47.4907316375655, 42.41919517835579A day ago, radar was attacked in Anapa:
📍 44.8407637, 37.3514889Locals in crimea also reported that radar near Lazurne was targeted:
📍 44.6398344, 34.3855186— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 4:05 AM
/2. Recently targeted Russian stationary radar sites on a map.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 4:10 AM
Ryazan Oblast, Russia:
Ryazan oil refinery in russia is on fire for some reason 👀🔥
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Ryazan oil refinery in russia looks unwell 🔥
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 6:42 PM
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
Here’s some pretty kitties from the Kharkiv Ecopark:
These little ones live in Kharkiv Ecopark, and they are adorable 😍
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) September 4, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Open thread!
War for Ukraine Day 1,288: A Brief Thursday Night UpdatePost + Comments (14)
