(Image by NEIVANMADE)
At 2:30 AM local time in Ukraine/7:30 PM EDT, all of Ukraine is under air raid alerts for drone swarms. There’s no indications of Russian ballistic missiles or strategic bombers. Yet. We’ll have to watch and wait to see if this is just drone swarms or the drone swarms are to exhaust Ukrainian air defense for the missiles and bombers.
Very large numbers of Russian/Iranian Shahed attack drones now in Ukrainian airspace. Just got an alert on my phone air raid app about increased alert in the capital. From past experience, a Russian ballistic missile attack is very likely later.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Earlier, the air raid alerts had Russian MiGs inbound from western Russia and their khinzal warnings.
MiG take off. Missiles join drones. I fucking hate russia.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 3:56 PM
❗️Right now, Ukraine is under massive russian drone attack! Additionally, Kinzhal missile launches reported!
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Again, we watch and wait.
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
It Is Important That the Bestowing of State Awards and Special Ranks on Our Warriors Be Faster and More Thorough – Address by the President
8 July 2025 – 19:53
I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians!
Today has brought several important decisions. First of all, I have signed decrees today awarding the titles of Hero of Ukraine to Nazarii Hryntsevych and Dmytro Fisher. The nomination and all relevant documents for Vitalii Karvatskyi have also been prepared. The decree will be issued once the necessary evaluations are complete. And it is important that the bestowing of state awards and special ranks on our warriors be faster and more thorough. Unfortunately, both the warriors themselves and their families currently have to wait far too long for their well-deserved awards due to various checks and bureaucratic procedures. The responsible officials must speed up these processes.
Today, I held a meeting with our military leadership: the Commander-in-Chief, the General Staff, the Ministry of Defense, and the Security Service of Ukraine – regarding the situation at the front and our operations, including those on Russian territory. I am grateful to all units of our Defense Forces, the Security Service of Ukraine, and our intelligence agencies for their results in exerting pressure on the occupier and blocking Russian logistics. Also today, I instructed Ukraine’s Minister of Defense and the Commander-in-Chief to intensify all contacts with the American side. We now have the necessary political statements and decisions in place, and we must implement them as quickly as possible to protect our people and to defend our positions. It mainly involves air defense, as well as all other elements of supplies from the United States. These are critical supplies upon which the lives of our people and the defense of Ukrainian cities and villages depend. I expect results from these engagements in the very near future. In particular, this week we are preparing meeting formats for our teams – both military and political.
Today, the Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine reported on Russia’s vulnerabilities. We also discussed the exchange process – implementation is ongoing for the agreements reached during the second meeting in Türkiye. We are working to free as many of our people from Russian captivity as possible. There was also a report from the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the upcoming meeting of all Ukrainian ambassadors, scheduled for July 21. Clear tasks have been set for the diplomats, as well as several Reform steps within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs system – these will be presented by the Minister. We are preparing to significantly expand the capabilities of Ukrainian diplomacy.
I also spoke today with the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. It is necessary to ratify the Agreement on the Establishment of a Tribunal for the Russian Aggression, to unblock the signing of the law on multiple citizenship, and to formalize Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention on landmines. I am grateful to all Members of the Ukrainian Parliament who support these and other essential decisions, and it is important that votes on them take place as soon as possible.
And one more thing.
We are also continuing our sanctions work in Ukraine. Today, we have a package of sanctions against companies from China that, unfortunately, supply components for Russia’s weapons production, particularly for Shaheds. There is clear evidence of this. The details are found in the remains of downed Shaheds. We will also discuss this with our partners so they align with Ukraine’s sanctions. There is also a new decision to synchronize European sanctions within our jurisdiction – three more EU sanctions packages are now fully in force in Ukraine. We will continue to strengthen our pressure. I thank everyone who is helping us! I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine!
Glory to Ukraine!
First Lady Zelenska visited the Cosmocamp: Space for everyone inclusive summer camp, which is funded by her foundation.
Olena Zelenska Visits Inclusive Summer “Cosmocamp,” Held for the First Time With Support From Her Foundation
8 July 2025 – 21:12
The President’s wife visited the inclusive summer camp “Cosmocamp: Space for Everyone,” which this year is being held for the first time with financial support from the Olena Zelenska Foundation.
The First Lady met with the children and camp coordinators, was briefed on the program, and joined in its activities. Warm-ups, workshops, creative classes, themed games, and parties are held here.
About a hundred young Ukrainians will get to enjoy “Cosmocamp” this summer. Among them are children with disabilities, those who have lost one or both parents due to the war, children who were forced to flee their homes and relocate to safer regions, and children in guardianship care.
“A state’s capacity is measured by that of its most vulnerable citizens. We strive to provide every opportunity, protection, and support to those who face the greatest challenges – children with disabilities who require rehabilitation and special care. This is also part of the state’s barrier-free strategy,” Olena Zelenska noted.
The NGO “See With Your Heart” has been running “Cosmocamp” since 2016, creating a safe, inclusive space every summer that brings together children with different needs and experiences.
Psychosocial support for children, adolescents, and young people is one of the key priorities of the Olena Zelenska Foundation. As part of this effort, the Foundation has supported rehabilitation camps for over 700 children in different regions across Ukraine.
Georgia:
For the 223rd consecutive day, Rustaveli avenue is blocked. I can tell that more and more people are joining these everyday protests. 🇬🇪✊🇺🇦
Protests continue in 8+ cities in Georgia.
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Activist Beka Papashvili has been taken from his own home by the Criminal Police to undertake a drug test. They insist that he’s under drug influence. #terrorinGeorgia
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Businessman Giorgi Ramishvili, who was detained at Tbilisi Airport on charges of illegal possession of a firearm, has been released by the court on bail set at 70,000 GEL.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 7:47 AM
The decision was issued by Judge Nino Enukidze.
Administrative proceedings against Helen Khoshtaria were launched on June 24 in connection with an incident during the arrest of Strategy Aghmashenebeli leader Giorgi Vashadze.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 7:57 AM
Most Georgian Dream officials sanctioned by the US or UK have been sidelined or demoted. 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇬🇪
🔹 9 total officials sanctioned
🔹 6 are now out of office
🔹 1 demoted
🔹 1 remains in post
🔹 1 promoted — Tamazashvili now head of the Adjara government.Source: Netgazeti
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 8:22 AM
🚨 What’s Missing in the Videos Against Detained Pro-European Protesters?
A defense lawyer reviews prosecution footage and points out key details that challenge the case.
The videos, examined in court on July 4, relate to 8 of 11 detained protesters.
#TerrorinGeorgia
🧵1/
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 11:09 AM
2/
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 11:09 AM
3/
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 11:09 AM
4/ “Evidences” against Andro Chichinadze:
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 11:09 AM
5/
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 11:09 AM
6/ “Evidences” against Onise Tskhadadze:
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 11:09 AM
7/
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 11:09 AM
8/ “Evidences” against Luka Jabua:
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 11:09 AM
9/
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 11:09 AM
10/ “Evidences” against Jano Archaya:
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 11:09 AM
11/
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 11:09 AM
12/ “Evidences” against Ruslan Sivakov:
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 11:09 AM
13/ “Evidences” against Guram Mirtskhulava:
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 11:09 AM
14/
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 11:09 AM
15/
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 11:09 AM
16/ “Evidences” against Valeri Tetrashvili:
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 11:09 AM
17/
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 11:09 AM
18/ “Evidences” against Giorgi Terishvili:
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 11:09 AM
6 more people have been taken to undergo drug tests in a coordinated city-wide operation.
Three of them are high-ranking managers of Lelo party: Oto Parulava, Levan Jorbenadze, and Beka Beridzishvili.
Further reports might be incoming.
The regime has already been weaponizing their new drug laws.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Musician Kordz was assaulted near his grandmother’s home.
He is also known for making anti-regime songs/mixes.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 3:02 PM
One of the most touching stories in the entire liberation struggle.
Tsaro assumed the role of regime prisoner Archil Museliantsi’s “mother” because they happened to protest together and Archil shared that he had nobody who’d worry about him.
Archil is passing university entrance exams from prison.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 5:52 PM
The US:
COLLINS: Did you approve of the pause of weapons shipments to Ukraine?
TRUMP: We want to put defensive weapons because Putin is not treating human beings right
COLLINS: So who ordered the pause?
TRUMP: I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) July 8, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Statement by Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell: At President Trump’s direction, the Department of Defense is sending additional defensive weapons to Ukraine to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while we work to secure a lasting peace and ensure the killing stops.
— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) July 7, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Statement by Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell: At President Trump’s direction, the Department of Defense is sending additional defensive weapons to Ukraine to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while we work to secure a lasting peace and ensure the killing stops.
— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) July 7, 2025 at 11:56 PM
REPORTER: Ukraine has asked the international court to go after Russia for using toxic chemicals in the fight
TRUMP WHISPERING TO HEGSETH: What do you know about this?
HEGSETH WHISPERING: John might know
TRUMP: Well, I’d ask John to discuss it
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) July 8, 2025 at 1:06 PM
He deduced it! Unbelievable! Real Sherlock, no less 😒 and hey, only a handful of us had to die in russian bombings for him to have time to finally figure that out.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Additional? Additional to what was already sent or to what was planned? 🤔
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 7:42 AM
⚡️Trump reportedly pledges to send 10 Patriot missiles to Ukraine, asks Germany to send battery.
U.S. President Donald Trump has promised to send 10 Patriot interceptors to Ukraine, Axios reported on July 8, citing its sources.
kyivindependent.com/trump-merz-d…
— The Kyiv Independent (@kyivindependent.com) July 8, 2025 at 10:23 AM
From The Kyiv Independent:
U.S. President Donald Trump has promised to send 10 Patriot interceptors to Ukraine – a smaller number than had been paused previously while en route to the country, Axios reported on July 8, citing its sources.
Trump has also suggested that Germany sell one of its Patriot batteries to Ukraine, according to three sources cited by Axios. They said the U.S. and European allies would split the cost of the purchase.
The discussion comes as Ukraine is calling upon its allies, particularly the United States, to support Ukrainian air defense by supplying “life-saving” Patriot systems and relevant missiles.
The Pentagon said on July 2 that some military assistance to Ukraine had been halted as the U.S. Defense Department conducts a review of foreign aid deliveries.
On July 7, the Pentagon said it would renew shipments, saying the additional defensive weapons were intended to help Ukraine protect itself while the U.S. works toward “a lasting peace.”
Merz called Trump to request the release of the paused interceptors, according to Axios. During the call, Trump proposed that Germany sell one of its own Patriot batteries to Ukraine.
While no agreement has been reached, officials on both sides say negotiations are ongoing. German officials maintain that Berlin has already sent a higher share of its available Patriot systems to Ukraine than any other NATO country, including the U.S.
Russia has escalated its aerial campaign against Ukraine in recent weeks, launching large-scale missile and drone attacks that have killed and injured hundreds of civilians across multiple cities.
The suspension of U.S. arms deliveries, which include Patriots and precision-guided munitions, drew criticism from Kyiv. During a July 4 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump said he was not responsible for halting the aid, according to the Wall Street Journal.
He reportedly told Zelensky that a review of U.S. munitions stockpiles was initiated after last month’s U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, but denied ordering a full pause in shipments.
NBC News reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth halted the shipments unilaterally on July 2, despite internal Pentagon assessments that the move would not jeopardize U.S. military readiness.
Special Envoy Keith Kellogg and Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov are set to meet in Rome later this week to discuss resuming the stalled military aid, Politico reported on July 7.
The EU:
EU plans ways to fill Ukraine’s budget gap in 2026 as Kyiv grapples with continued Russian attacks that dashed hopes of a ceasefire. With @henryjfoy.ft.com on.ft.com/45T0uAF
— Paola Tamma (@paolatamma.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 12:37 AM
From The Financial Times:
Brussels is urgently exploring ways to cover a shortfall of up to $19bn in Ukraine’s budget next year, as Kyiv grapples with diminishing US support and receding prospects for a ceasefire with Russia.
The European Commission is discussing options with EU member countries, including channelling military support to Ukraine as off-budget grants, frontloading loans from an existing $50bn G7 support scheme for Kyiv, and further leveraging Russian state assets immobilised in the bloc, said multiple people familiar with the discussions.
Ukraine’s projected budget gap next year is not yet covered by external financing.
A senior EU official involved in talks with Kyiv said: “There’s growing concern about next year and many stakeholders that were banking on a ceasefire deal this year [to ease Ukraine’s fiscal strains] are having to recalculate their outlays and realising that there’s a [financing] hole whichever way they to try to slice it.”
The commission has had to adjust outlays from Ukraine-related funding streams during 2025, officials told the Financial Times, in response to the extended conflict and lack of confidence in an imminent ceasefire with Moscow.
The urgency in Brussels to rustle up fresh funding comes ahead of a summit focused on funding Ukraine’s reconstruction needs in Rome later this week, which commission president Ursula von der Leyen will attend.
The IMF estimates Ukraine’s financing needs for next year are covered, but that is premised on the war ending this year or in the middle of 2026 — a scenario which Ukraine and the EU do not share.
IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva last month said the fund “will assess whether this financing gap is going to increase and will require further financing on the external aid”.
The goal is to ensure Kyiv’s needs are covered well in advance of the winter, especially given the uncertain prospects for further US military support, said one EU diplomat.
One proposal, shared by Kyiv with G7 countries and under consideration by the commission, is to channel military support to Ukraine as bilateral grants that would be accounted for separately as an “off-budget external transfer”, while at the same time counting towards national defence spending targets.
This would serve the double goal of contributing to Nato pledges to increase national defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP while providing support to Ukraine. “Instead of duplicating capabilities, European allies could co-finance Ukrainian forces — treating it as a service Ukraine provides to enhance continental security,” Kyiv wrote in a paper shared with G7 allies and seen by the Financial Times.
The commission was set to discuss this and other options with EU finance ministers on Monday evening, two people familiar with the matter said.
One senior EU diplomat said: “Clearly the military support for Ukraine that member states are giving are not only funds for the defence of Ukraine but for the defence of Europe, and some of that of course will count as defence spending.”
Another option is to anticipate disbursements from an existing $50bn G7 scheme that issues loans to Kyiv on the back of profits from Russian state assets immobilised in the West.
More at the link.
Back to Ukraine.
Syrskyi reports a 1.6-fold rise in Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukraine over the past month. He adds that Russia is boosting troop numbers and accelerating missile and drone production to support its ongoing war efforts.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 12:25 PM
“The enemy will find no peace in Belgorod and Kursk regions.” – Syrskyi.
www.facebook.com/CinCAFofUkra…— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 5:40 AM
Somewhere on the front line, a Ukrainian soldier downs a Russian FPV drone with a shotgun.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 2:31 AM
Kyiv:
Really fucking loud in Kyiv like really loud even by local standards
— Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 (@reshetz.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 5:54 PM
The German air defense system that sounds like aliens arriving is active and also someone is yelling slurs at the drones
— Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 (@reshetz.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 5:59 PM
So 2 air defense systems
— Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 (@reshetz.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Exactly one year ago today, Russia struck Ohmatdyt, Ukraine’s largest children’s oncology hospital.
The international response was weak to nonexistent, allowing Russia to continue its attacks on civilians, including children, with increasing brutality.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 9:32 AM
A year ago today, russia deliberately hit the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital with a cruise missile. They murdered a young doctor, a grandpa caring for his little grandchild, and 31 others in various locations in Kyiv. They bombed the most vulnerable & completely got away with it.
— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 5:07 AM
During the same massive missile attack a year ago, russia erased an entire residential block in Kyiv — 14 people were buried under the rubble. A medical center was also hit. Pure, despicable terrorism.
Never forgive. Never forget.
— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 5:17 AM
Kharkiv:
4th explosion in Kharkiv ‼️ Close. Fuck.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 7:07 PM
This coffee shop in Kharkiv was bombed at 6 AM, yet it was cleaned up and reopened by the afternoon.
When people claim Kharkiv survives because Russia doesn’t want to destroy us, don’t believe them. They destroy everything. But we wake up, clean up, patch things up, and live on 💪
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Kherson:
Russia keeps hunting people in Kherson with drones. This time, they attacked a bus stop and a food store for no military reason whatsoever.
Bastards. Monsters.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Kramatorsk:
🎥🇺🇦 Six months of war on GoPro: a documentary by the mortar gunners of “Pomsta”.
Back in winter, when they took up their positions in the Kramatorsk area, border guards carried out combat missions and recorded everything that was happening around them on video.— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Russian occupied Crimea:
The 37-year-old Russian-appointed deputy head of the city of Yevpatoriya (Crimea), Mikhail Ivanovich Kolganov, died unexpectedly. The causes and circumstances of death are not specified.
Some kind of season of sudden deaths among Russian businessmen and politicians has begun.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Russian occupied Luhansk Oblast:
A Ukrainian Su-27 of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine carried out a strike on a gathering site of enemy UAVs and personnel in Luhansk region.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia:
⚠️/1. Breaking: Russian Altius (Altair) combat drone crashes near Kazan during test flight
A Russian Sokol Altius (Altair) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) crashed today during a test flight near Kazan. The drone came down near the Borisoglebskoye military airfield.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 4:47 AM
/2. Residents of Kazan published footage of the Sokol Altius drone flying over the city, escorted by a Cessna 337 Skymaster, shortly before the crash.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 4:49 AM
/3. Sokol Altius drone flying extremely low over residential houses in Kazan before the crash
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 4:51 AM
/4. Footages from the crash cite of Russian Altius drone. A wing in military camouflage is visible on the footage
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 4:52 AM
/5. Comparison of photographs taken by Kazan residents shows that the drone flying over the city before the crash closely matches the design of the Sokol Altius.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 4:53 AM
/6. The Sokol Altius (Altair) is a Russian medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) combat drone prototype under development since 2011. Publicly, only three prototypes are known to exist. It has a wingspan of about 28.5 meters, a length of 11.6 meters, and a max takeoff weight around 6,000 kg.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 4:53 AM
/7. Footage from the crash site of the Russian Altius drone
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 8, 2025 at 5:02 AM
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
There are no new Patron skeets or videos today. Here is some adjacent material.
🐶🌊 The dog paddles with its paws, sticking out its tongue with pleasure and enjoying the cool sea air. Its tail sticks out of the water like a submarine periscope, and its face glows with happiness.
How dogs are walked in Odesa in the summer heat 🌞— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) July 7, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Open thread!