Balloon Juice - Silverman on Security Archives

War for Ukraine Day 925: The Air Raid Alerts Are Going Up All Over Ukraine

by Adam L Silverman| September 5, 20248:06 pm| 27 Comments

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

(Image by NEIVANMADE)

A quick housekeeping note: Rosie is doing great. Her next treatment is a week from Monday. Thank you all for the good thoughts, well wishes, prayers, and donations.

The air raid alerts are going up over Ukraine. As of 6:15 PM EDT/1:15 AM local time in Ukraine they’re up in western Ukraine running from Lviv to Vinnitsiya Oblasts and in eastern Ukraine from Sumy through Kharkiv and then all the way around to Kherson and Mykolaiv Oblasts. There’s no indication on the alert maps that Russian SU-24s or MiG-31s are up, so this is likely another drone swarm (for now) and there was a significant impact in Donetsk Oblast around 1:13 AM local time in Ukraine.

We have some more indictments.

First up, Gregory Simes and his wife. Simes, you may remember Simes from way back in the spring of 2016. He hosted Trump’s only foreign policy address at his Center for the National Interest. The Center for the National Interest is a beltway think tank that is more aligned with Russia’s interests than the US’s.

DOJ: “From at least in or around June 2022 through the present, Dimitri Simes, Anastasia Simes and others allegedly participated in a scheme to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), by providing services to Channel One Russia, including by serving as a…

— Laura Rozen (@lrozen) September 5, 2024

DOJ: “From at least in or around June 2022 through the present, Dimitri Simes, Anastasia Simes and others allegedly participated in a scheme to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), by providing services to Channel One Russia, including by serving as a presenter and producer of programming, and by receiving over $1 million, a personal car and driver, a stipend for an apartment in Moscow, Russia, and a team of 10 employees from Channel One Russia following its designation by OFAC. The indictment alleges that Dimitri and Anastasia Simes also engaged in a scheme to commit money laundering, knowing the transactions were intended to conceal the proceeds of IEEPA violations.”

I’m pretty sure that Scott Ritter is caught up in this based on the reporting that his phones and electronic devices were seized at the same time as Simes’ were. So we’ll keep an eye out to see if he gets indicted as well.

The GRU’s elite wetwork team, Unit 29155, also got some love from the DOJ today.

“The defendants targets included Ukrainian Government systems and data with no military or defense-related roles. Later targets included computer systems in countries around the world that were providing support to Ukraine, including the United States and 25 other NATO countries”

— Dan Black (@DanWBlack) September 5, 2024

Ukraine was only one of the many targets of the newly disclosed (but long suspected) hackers’ unit of GRU’s most aggressive unit, 29155. Estonia and 14 other countries participated in the counter-intelligence operatioon against the unit, code-named Toy Soldier. pic.twitter.com/AttlLs7ouu

— Christo Grozev (@christogrozev) September 5, 2024

Unit 29155 is responsible for the Skirpal hit, the unintended follow on poisoning that resulted from their sloppy tradecraft, another of other successful and/or suspected assassination attempts, and has, as we covered several months ago, been implicated in the alleged attacks against US diplomatic, military, and intelligence personnel that is commonly referred to as Havana Syndrome.

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

show full post on front page

Throughout the Fall, Everyone in Their Position Must Deliver Tangible Results – Address by the President

5 September 2024 – 20:30

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

Briefly about this day.

Changes in the government have taken place. I am grateful to the parliament for supporting the respective candidates. It is crucial that government institutions now operate as actively as possible – more actively than before – at all levels. More investments from partners in Ukraine’s defense production. More active progress in negotiations with the European Union as we prepare for the future accession agreement. More interaction and mutual understanding between the central government and communities. And of course, more support for the frontline and for all our people. This concerns the supply of weapons. Our energy sector – protecting energy infrastructure and rebuilding what has been destroyed. A clear veteran policy. Clear counteraction to Russian propaganda abroad. Working with the global Ukrainian community. Ensuring the financial stability of our state and, in particular, intensifying work with partners to ensure that the proceeds from Russian assets are used for Ukraine. There are dozens of such very specific tasks, and throughout the fall, everyone in their position must deliver tangible results.

The second thing that is important to say. There is already a clear decision from Romania regarding the Patriot system for Ukraine. This decision has been approved at all levels. I am grateful for it. And we expect our partners to implement the full package of decisions on air defense and other assistance to Ukraine, which is exactly the package that was adopted at the NATO Summit in Washington in July. Currently, the Minister of Defense of Ukraine has held a series of meetings in France, the UK, and Germany. We are in constant communication with American partners. We highly value our cooperation with Italy. We are already well-prepared for the upcoming “Ramstein” meeting, which will take place shortly. Everything we agree on with our partners requires the fastest possible implementation. When decisions are quick, Russia does not have time to adapt, and we achieve particularly valuable results. This applies to protecting our cities and communities from strikes, supporting our warriors on the frontline, and ensuring the resilience of our state and our people. And in general, the resilience of the world that wants to continue living by rules, by international law, and not in dependency on the madness of certain “putins.”

And one more thing.

Today, there was a report from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, particularly on the Pokrovsk direction. We are sending reinforcements, and the key objective is to eliminate as many of the occupier’s forces as possible. Additionally, the report focused on an operation in the Kursk region. We are holding our designated positions, and with each day of the Kursk operation, we are proving to the world that Russia can lose this war. The only thing needed for this is enough of our determination, and the determination of everyone in the world who influences the global situation. It is not up to Moscow to determine the future of our people. And that’s how it must always be.

Thank you to everyone who helps! Glory to all who fight and work for Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!

The lack of long-range weapons forced us to look for alternatives, and that’s how the operation in Kursk region started,” President Zelenskyy told NBC News.

The operation was a response to Russia’s plans to create a “buffer zone” on Ukrainian territory.

“We realized that we… pic.twitter.com/BUSRXctYQy

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) September 5, 2024

The lack of long-range weapons forced us to look for alternatives, and that’s how the operation in Kursk region started,” President Zelenskyy told NBC News.

The operation was a response to Russia’s plans to create a “buffer zone” on Ukrainian territory.

“We realized that we needed to conduct an operation. So that not they would create a buffer zone in our country, but we. So that we do not have to repel their attacks later, as it was in Kharkiv,” the President added.

Here’s the full video of President Zelenskyy’s interview with NBC News. I’ve got the English closed captioning turned on.

The Financial Times has the details of President Zelenskyy’s cabinet and executive branch shake up.

Kuleba is expected to be replaced by Andriy Sybiha, who served as his first deputy minister since April. Sybiha, an experienced, multilingual diplomat, is seen as one of only a few insiders to have the president’s ear. He previously worked as the deputy head of Zelenskyy’s office…

— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) September 5, 2024

Kuleba is expected to be replaced by Andriy Sybiha, who served as his first deputy minister since April. Sybiha, an experienced, multilingual diplomat, is seen as one of only a few insiders to have the president’s ear. He previously worked as the deputy head of Zelenskyy’s office in charge of foreign policy. Before that, he served as ambassador to Turkey and held two posts at Ukraine’s embassy in Poland, roles that will help Kyiv navigate two important relationships. https://ft.com/content/55e1148e-3ddf-47ae-b82e-418b4c271da8

Ukraine’s parliament has appointed a new wartime cabinet after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy carried out the biggest overhaul of his government since Russia’s full-scale invasion almost 31 months ago.

The Verkhovna Rada on Thursday dismissed several ministers who tendered resignations and approved nine ministerial candidates put forward by Zelenskyy’s ruling Servant of the People party, according to several members of the group.

But few new faces were appointed, with most of the nine positions filled by officials who were serving in ministerial roles or the presidential administration. Zelenskyy’s critics have warned that the cabinet changes are likely to further concentrate power in hands of the president and Andriy Yermak, his influential and controversial head of office.

Oleksandr Merezhko, an MP in Zelenskyy’s party, told the Financial Times that the president had explained to his deputies late on Wednesday that a “new energy” inside the government was needed to take the country forward.

The decision to replace Dmytro Kuleba, one of Ukraine’s longest-serving foreign ministers, has been the most contentious. A career diplomat, Kuleba has been one of the country’s most effective interlocutors with Washington and EU capitals and played a crucial role in securing western military aid for Kyiv’s defence.

MPs appointed Andriy Sybiha, who has served as Kuleba’s first deputy minister since April, to succeed his boss. Sybiha, an experienced, multilingual diplomat, is seen as one of only a few insiders to have the president’s ear. He has also been deputy head of Zelenskyy’s office in charge of foreign policy, served as ambassador to Turkey and held two posts at Ukraine’s embassy in Poland, roles that will help him navigate two important relationships as the new foreign minister.

The shake-up comes as Kyiv has reached a crucial point in the war against Russia, as it fights to halt Moscow’s steady advance towards the key logistics hub of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine while trying to solidify its hold on about 1,000 sq km of territory in Russia’s Kursk region. On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed his army had begun pushing Ukrainian forces out of the area.

Meanwhile, Russia’s air strikes on critical infrastructure have increased concerns that Ukraine may be unable to restore enough of its energy production to light and heat homes this winter.

Uncertainty surrounding the upcoming US presidential election and internal pressures in the EU also worry Kyiv, which fears the long-term security and financial commitments it relies on could soon wane.

Merezhko said: “We are entering a very difficult period, especially during the coming winter. And to meet these challenges we need changes in the government.”

War for Ukraine Day 924: Russian Ballistic Missiles Are Inbound While the Butcher’s Bill for the Day Is Still Being Tallied

by Adam L Silverman| September 4, 20248:29 pm| 19 Comments

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

(Image by NEIVANMADE)

Two quick housekeeping notes: Rosie is doing fine, with the exception of the electrical monsoon. Her next treatment is in two weeks. Than you for the good thoughts, well wishes, prayers, and donations.

Second, I don’t seem to be getting the notifications that someone is stuck in moderation. My apologies to Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom, I don’t know why you got stuck in moderation, but when I saw you were this afternoon I approved it so you should be good to go. If you, or anyone else, are still having trouble, just email me through the contact a front pager tool. As soon as I get the message I’ll let you out.

All of eastern and central Ukraine is under air raid alert as of 6;15 PM EDT/1:15 AM local time in Ukraine. The alert maps are not showing any Tu-95s or MiG 31s airborne, but there are reports of ballistic missile warnings.

The sirens start early tonight in Kyiv. Telegram channels report ballistic missile threat from the northeast.

— Mark MacKinnon (@markmackinnon) September 4, 2024

And Russia has launched another Shahed swarm attack:

Explosions in Sumy just now, and a group of Shahed drones are heading towards Kyiv region. https://t.co/Kgem1S5Ql1

— Jay Beecher (@Jay_Beecher) September 4, 2024

This is after Russia attacked deep into Ukraine in the small hours of the morning.

This is a photo of a little girl who was murdered in her sleep by russian bombs this morning.

So far, 7 people have been killed, 3 of whom are children, and 45 have been wounded, with 11 in critical condition in Lviv’s hospitals. pic.twitter.com/pPg9Wvr5QG

— Ihor Lachenkov (@igorlachenkov) September 4, 2024

After today’s 🇷🇺 attack, the only person in this photo who survived is the man.
Mother Yevheniya and her three daughters — Yaryna, Daryna, and Emiliya — were killed.
Standing in the back is Yaryna Bazylevych. She was 21 y.o. Yaryna worked in our office for “Youth Capital 2025” pic.twitter.com/XmSU3FPEbS

— Андрій Садовий (@AndriySadovyi) September 4, 2024

More on the Lviv strike, as well as the others that were inflicted on Ukraine today, after the jump.

I want to make something very clear: President Biden, his senior natsec appointees, Chancellor Scholtz in Germany, none of them are responsible for Putin’s decision to commit genocide in Ukraine. What they are responsible for is being too cautious by half, for being too risk averse, and, as a result, hamstringing Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s genocidal war for Ukraine. That nine year old girl in Lviv did not need to die today. Russia was able to attack so deeply into western Ukraine because the Biden administration refuses to let them strike at legitimate Russian military targets that lie beyond a very narrow within Russia just over the border of Kharkiv and Sumy Oblasts. As a result, the Russians are able to keep their theater strategic assets out of range of the Ukrainians and attack Ukraine while Ukraine has no way of stopping them from doing so. More on this after the jump too.

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

show full post on front page

It Is Very Important That Absolutely All the Objectives Set for Our Kursk Operation Are Being Realized – Address by the President

4 September 2024 – 19:19

Dear Ukrainians!

By now, rescue operations have been completed in Lviv and Kryvyi Rih, where people suffered from the Russian missile strikes today. Ordinary houses and civil infrastructure were damaged. There are many victims. Everyone has received the necessary assistance. Unfortunately, seven people were killed in Lviv. My condolences to their families and loved ones!

It is important that the world sees this terror and reacts to it. To everything that Russia is doing against our people, against our state. I am grateful to all political and public figures, I am grateful to every leader who supports Ukraine and Ukrainians and condemns Russian terror. And I am also grateful to all journalists of Ukraine, Europe, and the world – to all those who speak truthfully about what is happening, about this war, and about the importance of protecting lives.

Today, the Taoiseach of Ireland came on a visit to Ukraine, and he was not only in Kyiv, but also in Hostomel and Borodyanka. He saw what the Russian war brought to Ukraine. Today we signed a bilateral security agreement with Ireland, which is substantial, as it should be. It is the 26th such agreement. Although Ireland is a militarily neutral state, we cooperate actively in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres. And we will work even more actively. We have secured the amount of Ireland’s assistance to Ukraine for this year. We have agreed to make more joint efforts to ensure that sanctions against Russia for this war become stronger, and that reconstruction in Ukraine is more active. I suggested that Ireland should look more closely at the possibility of patronage for the restoration of one of our regions. And, of course, it is very valuable that Irish society and the political class know what is happening in Ukraine and what exactly is needed to end this war as soon as possible.

Today, there was a report from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi. As every day, it was about each part of the front, with special reference to Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and the Kurakhove direction. Separate mention was made of the operation in the Kursk region. It is very important that absolutely all the objectives set for our Kursk operation are being realized. For this, I thank every soldier, every sergeant and every officer involved. As of now, this operation continues to be the largest replenishment of the exchange fund from one direction.

And today we also continued evacuating our people from the Middle East – from Lebanon. 11 children, 14 adults. They are now safe. And our diplomats and intelligence will continue helping – all Ukrainians in the region who need it can contact our diplomatic missions in the Middle East and get everything they need, all help, all assistance.

And one more thing.

We are preparing important meetings with our partners. Something that can and should strengthen our positions – not only of Ukraine, but of all of us in Europe, of all of us in the world who want a real end to this war and a real joint work on ensuring that security never collapses again. This week, next week, and all of September must be productive for all of us. Primarily, this is about air defense, our capabilities on the front and in reconstruction. We are preparing substantial things.

I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine! I thank all those who fight and work – really work one hundred percent – to defend our independence, our people!

Glory to Ukraine!

The cost:

Kharkiv said goodbye to 18-year-old artist Nika Kozhushko, who was killed in a Russian airstrike on August 30.

People paid their last respects with applause – at the request of her father Ihor Kozhushko.

RIP 💔

📹: Suspilne Kharkiv https://t.co/1iXv5OyDJS pic.twitter.com/N9bUJKsiur

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) September 4, 2024

“With unspeakable sorrow in our hearts, we announce that our colleague, Yaryna Bazylevych, was tragically killed in a russian attack last night. She was only 21.
A kind and bright person, she was a program manager at the «Lviv — European Youth Capital 2025» Office and had been… pic.twitter.com/f54ICnPzlj

— Olena Halushka (@OlenaHalushka) September 4, 2024

“With unspeakable sorrow in our hearts, we announce that our colleague, Yaryna Bazylevych, was tragically killed in a russian attack last night. She was only 21.
A kind and bright person, she was a program manager at the «Lviv — European Youth Capital 2025» Office and had been working with us since the very inception of the MoloDvizhCenter, and later, the entire TVORY! network.
Eternal and blessed memory.
We will neither forget nor forgive.”
Source: Tvory network

WARNING!! WARNING!! GRAPHIC IMAGERY!! WARNING!! WARNING!!

Rescuers in Lviv have recovered the body of a 9-year-old girl from beneath the rubble.

The world needs to witness this tragedy.#LetUkraineStrikeBack pic.twitter.com/bfAkLTMTA1

— Ihor Lachenkov (@igorlachenkov) September 4, 2024

ALL CLEAR!!

President Zelenskyy shoot up his cabinet/government today.

Here’s how things stand tonight in Kyiv, after Zelensky met with his Servant of the People faction to discuss the govt overhaul. This is from my sources at the meeting as well as faction leader David Arakhamia who shared some of this on his Telegram.

-FM Dmytro Kuleba is out;… https://t.co/RDXGjCqrsM

— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) September 4, 2024

Here’s how things stand tonight in Kyiv, after Zelensky met with his Servant of the People faction to discuss the govt overhaul. This is from my sources at the meeting as well as faction leader David Arakhamia who shared some of this on his Telegram.

-FM Dmytro Kuleba is out; deputy FM Andriy Sybiha, will become foreign minister

-Dep PM Olha Stefanishyna will be reappointed deputy PM Prime for Euro Integration and justice minister.

-Dep PM Iryna Vereshchuk will go to the president’s office where she’ll work on social policy. Her ministry of temporarily cccupied territories will be closed and folded into ministry of infrastructure.

-Oleksiy Kuleba will be minister of infrastructure

-Oleksandr Kamyshin will be Zelensky’s adviser on strategic industries; Ukroboronprom CEO Herman Smetanin will take his place as minister of strategic industries

-Svitlana Hrynchuk will replace Ruslan Strilets as environmental minister

-Matvii Bidnyi will be appointed minister of youth and sports after serving as acting minister

-Vitaliy Koval of the State Property Fund, will lead the ag ministry

-Mykola Tochytskyi will be the minister of culture and info policy

-Nataliia Kalmykova will move from dep defense minister to minister of vet affairs

Lithuania:

My dear friend @DmytroKuleba set a very high benchmark not only for his successor, but for any foreign minister in any country. It was an honour to defend Ukraine and Europe with him, and I wish him every success in the future. pic.twitter.com/BnhcxxL6m1

— Gabrielius Landsbergis🇱🇹 (@GLandsbergis) September 4, 2024

The US:

Biden on the Russian missile attack in Poltava that killed 50 people: “I condemn this deplorable attack in the strongest possible terms.”

“This assault is a tragic reminder of Putin’s ongoing and outrageous attempts to break the will of a free people.”https://t.co/BLetOGDXfl

— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) September 4, 2024

From The White House:

September 03, 2024

Statement from President Joe Biden on Russian Attack on Poltava, Ukraine

Earlier today, Russian missiles struck a military training facility and a hospital in Ukraine—killing more than 50 people and injuring dozens more. I condemn this deplorable attack in the strongest possible terms.

This assault is a tragic reminder of Putin’s ongoing and outrageous attempts to break the will of a free people. But for two and a half years, the people of Ukraine have stood unbowed. And the United States will continue stand with them—including providing the air defense systems and capabilities they need to protect their country.

Make no mistake: Russia will not prevail in this war. The people of Ukraine will prevail. And on this tragic day, and every day, the United States stands with them.

It would be better if he stopped making these statements. They look and sound tone deaf. He also needs to stop promising to bring hostages home from Gaza and stating a ceasefire deal is near. No one believes any of these remarks anymore and they’re not helping anyone anywhere.

Ukrainians don’t need anymore crocodile tears from the Mourner in Chief. What they need is permission to use their American supplied weapons or weapons supplied by allies and partners that contain American components to strike Russian military targets deep enough in Russia to establish deterrence.

russian terrorists have been shelling our cities for days in a row. These missile attacks on our cities and people show the enemy’s terrorist nature.

Long-range capabilities to strike on military facilities inside russia are needed now. It is of utmost importance to halt the… pic.twitter.com/ffO9ofaGzi

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 4, 2024

russian terrorists have been shelling our cities for days in a row. These missile attacks on our cities and people show the enemy’s terrorist nature.

Long-range capabilities to strike on military facilities inside russia are needed now. It is of utmost importance to halt the russian terror and protect lives.

#LetUkraineStrikeBack

Estonia:

If the great powers of the free world allow Russia to destroy a democratic European power before our eyes with impunity, what makes Russia believe that we will strike back if they attack a NATO country?

— Marko Mihkelson (@markomihkelson) September 4, 2024

The Chair of the Estonian Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee is correct.

Germany has announced it is sending Ukraine weapons systems and munitions that it had previously announced it was sending Ukraine weapons systems and munitions.

I see that people are spreading this news as newly pledged air defense by Germany for Ukraine, but this is incorrect. I checked this with @deaidua. The 24 systems that Ukraine should receive by 2026, are already known, either pledged or already delivered.

Delivered:
3 IRIS-T SLS… pic.twitter.com/lf4UuU2ZHR

— NOELREPORTS 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@NOELreports) September 4, 2024

I see that people are spreading this news as newly pledged air defense by Germany for Ukraine, but this is incorrect. I checked this with @deaidua. The 24 systems that Ukraine should receive by 2026, are already known, either pledged or already delivered.

Delivered:
3 IRIS-T SLS (6 launchers)
4 IRIS-T SLM

Pledged:
9 IRIS-T SLS (18 launchers)
8 IRIS-T SLM

An IRIS-T SLS consists of two launchers, IRIS-T SLM is a fire unit (full system with launchers, radar, tactical operations centre and support vehicles etc.)

@deaidua is German Aid to Ukraine’s feed.

Norway:

Norway contributed NOK 570 million ($53 million) to the British-led International Fund for Ukraine.
The funds will be used for the acquisition of drones and strengthening 🇺🇦 air defense.

We are grateful to our Norwegian friends for their unwavering support. Together, we are… pic.twitter.com/FIs00tSr6j

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 4, 2024

Norway contributed NOK 570 million ($53 million) to the British-led International Fund for Ukraine.
The funds will be used for the acquisition of drones and strengthening 🇺🇦 air defense.

We are grateful to our Norwegian friends for their unwavering support. Together, we are stronger.
@Forsvarsdep

🇺🇦🤝🇳🇴

New Asgard:

A cargo vessel carrying 20k tons of Russian ammonium nitrate (Beirut explosion was from 2.7kt) has sought refuge under unclear circumstances in Tromsø, N Norway.

Police is investigating and has ordered the ship to leave.
6 hours ago a navy frigate docked alongside the ship. https://t.co/IiZJYX9600 pic.twitter.com/89nJYGdT2P

— auonsson (@auonsson) September 3, 2024

I’m sure Valkyrie will get right to the bottom of this!

Lviv:

Russian missiles against our cities and people. The strike on Lviv killed 5 people, including a 14-year-old girl. My condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the victims. More than 30 people were injured. Ordinary residential buildings, schools, and medical facilities… pic.twitter.com/RYeA2k1PY8

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 4, 2024

Russian missiles against our cities and people. The strike on Lviv killed 5 people, including a 14-year-old girl. My condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the victims. More than 30 people were injured. Ordinary residential buildings, schools, and medical facilities in the city were damaged.

In the Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih, 5 people were injured. Homes and civilian infrastructure were damaged. Our emergency services are on site, doing everything necessary to eliminate the aftermath of the attack. All the injured are receiving the required assistance.

Every one of our partners around the world who helps Ukraine with air defense is a true defender of life. Anyone who convinces partners to provide Ukraine with more long-range capabilities, enabling us to respond justly to terror, is working to prevent such Russian terrorist strikes on Ukrainian cities. Terror must be stopped.

Lviv. 75 kilometers to peace. 75 kilometers to territories where people’s lives are more valued. 75 kilometers to land where you can peacefully sleep. 75 kilometers to Polish border.

It is unfair. There is nothing I can add. This whole shit is hella painful to watch. pic.twitter.com/vwHOXWRCfM

— diana khater (@KhaterDiana) September 4, 2024

#RussialsATerroristState pic.twitter.com/mcKwCdqzRM

— T K🇺🇦 (@Tk0811115K) September 4, 2024

The bloodied frenzied man in the video above is the sole survivor from the family that was obliterated in Lviv today. He’s trying to dig them out himself.

At the last moment, we hear “Boom!” Everything crumbles. Dad and I jump into the basement, and Murchyk [the cat] jumps in, too.”

Litttle Taras Belei from Lviv shared about the Russian missile attack. No child should go through this.

📹: Suspilne Lviv https://t.co/P9q5NPzNJm pic.twitter.com/zJahtJv9qZ

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) September 4, 2024

Kharkiv:

russian drones in Kharkiv skies right now ‼️
I hate that buzz!

— Kate from Kharkiv (@BohuslavskaKate) September 4, 2024

Kharkiv is under attack! Russian Shahed drones reportedly detected over the city!

— Iryna Voichuk (@IrynaVoichuk) September 4, 2024

In Kharkiv, on September 4, state flags were lowered as a sign of solidarity with Poltava and Lviv, the city council reported.

As a result of a Russian strike on Poltava on September 3, 53 people were killed and at least 298 were injured. In today’s nighttime attack on Lviv, 7… pic.twitter.com/cvCYLchPSx

— Kate from Kharkiv (@BohuslavskaKate) September 4, 2024

In Kharkiv, on September 4, state flags were lowered as a sign of solidarity with Poltava and Lviv, the city council reported.

As a result of a Russian strike on Poltava on September 3, 53 people were killed and at least 298 were injured. In today’s nighttime attack on Lviv, 7 people were killed and 45 were injured.

Someone managed to stir Attorney General Merrick Garland, who is a member of the Federalist Society, from whatever he does at the Department of Justice and that resulted in an indictment.

Two people described in the Tenet indictment as unnamed “founders” were very aware their operation was funded by Russians.

Tenn. biz records list Tenet’s founders as BlazeTV host and TPUSA contributor Lauren Chen aka “Roaming Millennial,” and her husband.

— Will Sommer (@willsommer) September 4, 2024

Tim Pool says he didn’t know Tenet was a Russian operation, says he’s a “victim.” A commentator in the indictment who appears to be Pool made $100k per episode for Tenet. https://t.co/s778QZzzar https://t.co/QdB4l7DfwF

— Will Sommer (@willsommer) September 4, 2024

It’s not a very thorough indictment. The indictment makes clear that the two people that owned Tenet media new they were being paid by the Russians.

Arieh Kovler has more about who knew what.

This means a Russian intel agent was part of the internal conversations with Lauren Chen and Liam Donovan about how much to pay Benny Johnson and Tim Pool

The Russians asked Chen to recruit Benny Johnson and Tim Pool to make some content and offered $2m a year each. Johnson said he wanted $5m. Pool demanded $100k per episode.

NB the indictment does not suggest that they knew the money was coming from Russia.

Tim Pool spoke to a Russian agent pretending to be a Hungarian businessman on a secure call.

Benny Johnson wanted more info on the fake businessman. So the Russians made a fake CV. But Benny had a concern… the CV mentioned Social Justice! That won’t do.

Eventually they did a deal. Benny Johnson would (unknowingly) work for the Russians for $400,000 a month in exchange for 4 monthly videos. Plus a 100k signing bonus.

Pool also agreed 100k a video but no bonus. Weak negotiating skills.

NB I have been saying Benny Johnson, but there is another commentator who could fit the description: Dave Rubin. Either one could be Commentator-1.

Chen and Donovan knew it was the Russians.

Commentator-6 is for sure Matt Christiansen. This is the video referenced in this paragraph.

Commentator-5 is Lauren Southern, the only woman of the six.

The Russians wanted them to post the Tucker Carlson grocery video, but they thought it was too obviously shilling. Lauren Chen said to post it anyway.

The Russians wanted to blame the ISIS Moscow attack on Ukraine. They got Commentator-3 to do it. If Dave Rubin is Commentator-1 than I think Johnson is 3, and vice versa.

As is always the case with the current Department of Justice, which despite their being a Democratic president is still being run by an attorney general who is a Federalist Society member, the most minimalist indictment is all that is ever possible. None of these hostile foreign actors – state or non-state – nor ultra-high net worth Americans are deterred by these things. Nor are the foot soldiers from the 6th January 2021 insurrection at the Capitol.

I’ll deal with the Russian influence operation and political warfare election interference announcement tomorrow night. Not that I’d expect the DOJ or the FBI or the CIA or the NSA or anyone that could actually do something about to do anything but make statements

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

First, some adjacent material.

Archie the dog was brought to Kharkiv by volunteers from Kupiansk (he was left there when his owners moved for safety). He was taken in by Valerii who did his best to help Archie overcome his fear of any loud noises.

During a recent Russian strike on Kharkiv, Valerii’s and… pic.twitter.com/XIwvoxBA2C

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) September 4, 2024

Archie the dog was brought to Kharkiv by volunteers from Kupiansk (he was left there when his owners moved for safety). He was taken in by Valerii who did his best to help Archie overcome his fear of any loud noises.

During a recent Russian strike on Kharkiv, Valerii’s and Archies home was hit by a piece of debris and a fire started. Thankfully, both of them were rescued.

📹: Radio Svoboda

If there is life, there must also be death. But what crushes me inside is the fact that so many children in Ukraine will never know what it is like to grow up simply because they won’t live long enough to experience it. And how deeply upsetting it is that I cannot protect them… pic.twitter.com/eHtEpYKdRh

— Patron (@PatronDsns) September 4, 2024

If there is life, there must also be death. But what crushes me inside is the fact that so many children in Ukraine will never know what it is like to grow up simply because they won’t live long enough to experience it. And how deeply upsetting it is that I cannot protect them all. Incredibly upsetting.

Open thread!

War for Ukraine Day 924: Russian Ballistic Missiles Are Inbound While the Butcher’s Bill for the Day Is Still Being TalliedPost + Comments (19)

War for Ukraine Day 923: Russian Strategic Aviation Is Up, Russian Missiles Are Inbound!

by Adam L Silverman| September 3, 20248:49 pm| 21 Comments

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

(Image by NEIVANMADE)

A quick housekeeping note: Rosie did great at her chemo treatment today. She’s got three more to go with two weeks in between them. Thank you all for the good thoughts, well wishes, prayers, and donations.

It is 8:00 PM EDT/3:00 AM local time in Ukraine and Russian Tu-95s are airborne, air raid alerts are up over all of northern Ukraine except for Volyn Oblast, and air raid alerts are starting to go up in the other oblasts. It is likely that another Russian missile attack is underway.

Russian Tu-95 planes have once again taken off from Olenya airfield and are currently on their way to bomb Ukraine

Another sleepless night ahead for us.

— Kate from Kharkiv (@BohuslavskaKate) September 3, 2024

The Russians had already run the butcher’s bill way up in Poltava this morning.

My deepest condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the russian missile attack on Poltava. This is a shocking tragedy for the whole Ukraine. The enemy hit an educational institution and a hospital. We already know about 47 dead and 206 wounded. Russia is taking…

— Olena Zelenska / Олена Зеленська (@ZelenskaUA) September 3, 2024

My deepest condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the russian missile attack on Poltava. This is a shocking tragedy for the whole Ukraine. The enemy hit an educational institution and a hospital. We already know about 47 dead and 206 wounded. Russia is taking away our most valuable thing – lives. We will never forget this. Eternal memory.

Russians have just killed over 40 people and wounded over 200 in Poltava hospital: https://t.co/ypyRFX2ZcA

— Sergej Sumlenny, LL.M (@sumlenny) September 3, 2024

The Kyiv Independent has the details:

Editor’s note: The story is being updated.

Russian forces launched two ballistic missiles against the city of Poltava on Sept. 3, killing at least 51 and injuring over 271 people, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

The Military Institute of Communications and a neighboring medical facility were hit in the attack. The building of the educational institution was partially destroyed, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

“The time interval between the alarm and the arrival of the deadly missiles was so short that it caught people during an evacuation to the bomb shelter,” the Defense Ministry said.

Many people remain trapped under the rubble, while rescuers and medics continue to work at the scene. As of around 2 p.m. local time, the emergency services had rescued 25 people, 11 of whom were retrieved from the rubble, according to the ministry’s statement.

“We express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims. This tragedy is yet another evidence of the enemy’s cunning, which stops at no crime to try to intimidate Ukrainians,” the ministry said.

“We urge everyone to remain calm and trust only official sources of information. Any speculation on this tragedy is unacceptable,” the ministry added.

There were no ceremonies or other events near the military institute at the time of the Russian attack, Dmytro Lazutkin, Defense Ministry spokesperson, said on national television, refuting such unofficial claims.

According to the Defense Ministry, students were studying, and then followed to the shelter after an air raid alert went off, Lazutkin added.

Zelensky said he had instructed an operational investigation into the circumstances of the attack on Poltava. Ukraine’s Ground Forces is conducting an investigation to determine “whether enough was done to protect the lives and health of the soldiers at the facility,” the military said.

Poltava is a city of around 300,000, located in Poltava Oblast in central Ukraine. The city is situated around 120 kilometers (75 miles) from the border with Russia, and 230 kilometers (143 miles) from the eastern front.

The city and surrounding region are regular targets of Russian drone and missile attacks.

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

show full post on front page

Russian Strikes Will Be Impossible If It Is Possible for Us to Destroy the Occupier’s Launchers Where They Are – Address by the President

3 September 2024 – 21:26

Dear Ukrainians!

First of all, about the tragedy in Poltava. Rescue efforts are still underway – the rubble is being cleared. All services are involved. As of now, the number of injured is 271 people. Everyone is being provided with the necessary assistance. I am grateful to all the rescuers, doctors, medical nurses and all the Poltava residents who have joined in to help, donated blood, and who provide support. We know that there are people under the rubble of the destroyed building. Everything is being done to save as many lives as possible. According to current information available, this Russian strike killed 51 people. My condolences to all the families and friends. Law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine are investigating all the circumstances of this tragedy. The Russians carried out this strike with two ballistic missiles. The air raid alert was sounded. Everything else – every detail – must be established and verified during the investigation.

Today, I held a meeting of the Staff. We had a substantive discussion about the use of air defense and about the protection of our cities and communities. Steps have been identified to improve the effective use of the systems we already have. We are also working on obtaining additional defense for Ukraine. We are counting heavily on the Patriot that Romania is preparing to hand over; I will be grateful for this step of assistance from Romania. This is something that will truly support our people, our country, our entire region. And of course, we continue to work with all partners for stronger decisions in support of our defense – for long-range decisions that would be able to destroy a significant part of Russian ballistics even before launch. This is one of the key issues of this war in general. The issue of our long-range capabilities and the corresponding permissions from our partners, long-range shells and missiles that we could use. Russian strikes will be impossible if it is possible for us to destroy the occupier’s launchers where they are, along with Russian military airfields and logistics. Providing Ukraine with such permissions and such weapons is definitely the biggest step towards a real, just end to this war. Russia simply does not know how to wage war without terror – it is terrorist strikes and the ability to sow destruction that replace both tactics and strategy of war for Russian leaders.

Today I spoke with the Prime Minister of Canada. I informed him about the situation on the battlefield, about the consequences of Russian terror. We discussed what exactly can strengthen our positions. Air defense, defense packages, and equipment needs. It is very important that Justin is ready to convince our partners more actively to provide Ukraine with more long-range capabilities.

Also today, at the Staff meeting, there were important reports on drones – various types of drones used by our Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine. Efficiency of use, priorities… There are experiences that should be shared. There are also mistakes that should be corrected. Our Ukrainian drones must be one hundred percent effective, because this literally means that Ukraine will be one hundred percent effective on the battlefield. And I thank all our people who gain this positive experience of using drones for Ukraine, who share this experience among the military. I thank everyone who produces and supplies drones. And I thank all those who really accurately destroy the occupier and destroy the Russian war potential right there on the enemy’s territory.

There was also a long report by Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi on the frontline and the operation in the Kursk region. The Pokrovsk direction – there is a decision that can strengthen our positions. Active actions in the Kursk region continue replenishing the exchange fund for our state.

And one more thing.

Autumn will be extremely important for Ukraine. And our state institutions must be set up in such a way that Ukraine will achieve all the results we need – for all of us. To do this, we need to strengthen some areas in the Government – and personnel decisions have been prepared. There will also be changes in the Office. I also expect that certain areas of our foreign and domestic policies will have a slightly different emphasis. First – we need more interaction between the central authorities and the communities. Especially now, when we are preparing for the winter season. Second – Ukraine has already achieved significant results in defense production. And this should be strengthened at all levels, in particular, to make it easier to attract partner investment in our strategic industries. Third – we need to significantly advance our work with NATO; this requires special interaction. Fourth – the European Union, real membership negotiations, preparation of the relevant parts of the future membership agreement. This is very clear both legal and political work. Personal responsibility for it will be imposed. And fifth – we need to integrate everything that Ukraine has achieved in its relations with partners – trust in Ukraine, strength of the Ukrainian spirit, relations with partners – with the tasks that our state faces in countering Russian propaganda and protecting Ukrainian cultural heritage. We need a new level of simultaneous information work, cultural and diplomatic. And a new level of relations with the global Ukrainian community. Now is the time to give new strength to Ukraine’s Governmental institutions, and I am grateful to everyone who will help.

Glory to Ukraine!

Today, the russian aggressor brutally attacked one of the Poltava’s educational institutions. The enemy launched two ballistic missiles.
As of now, 41 people died, and more than 180 were injured.

We express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims. This tragedy…

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 3, 2024

Today, the russian aggressor brutally attacked one of the Poltava’s educational institutions. The enemy launched two ballistic missiles.
As of now, 41 people died, and more than 180 were injured.

We express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims. This tragedy demonstrates the enemy’s insidiousness. They are ready to commit any crime to intimidate Ukrainians.

🤦‍♂️ Please stop. No more “thoughts and prayers”. Constantly saying that we stand with Ukraine while actually only standing there is ruining all of the good will and trust we‘d earned in the early days. https://t.co/XX2bA2BSfz

— Ben Hodges (@general_ben) September 3, 2024

LTG (ret) Hodges is the former Commanding General of US Army Europe. He took over from my former boss.

First day of school in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/BHb288uAT5

— Robert van der Noordaa (@g900ap) September 3, 2024

President Zelenskyy has also shaken up his government today.

New: I’ve spoken tonight with some of the Ukrainian officials who resigned and others who expect to be fired. Zelensky said in his address it’s time to “give new strength” to his govt.

Here’s what we know about Kyiv’s biggest “reboot” of the war: https://t.co/6J5JzmNj8R via @FT

— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) September 3, 2024

Here are the details from The Financial Times:

The biggest shake-up of Ukraine’s wartime government got under way in Kyiv on Tuesday, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying a series of resignations among the country’s ministers was part of an effort to “give new strength” to Ukraine’s institutions.

The reshuffle comes at a crucial point in the 30-month-long war, with Kyiv trying to hold off Moscow’s escalating offensive in eastern Ukraine while simultaneously rushing to solidify its grip on some 1,000 sq km of territory it has seized inside Russia’s Kursk region.

“Autumn will be extremely important for Ukraine. And our state institutions must be set up in such a way that Ukraine will achieve all the results we need — for all of us,” Zelenskyy said in his evening address on Tuesday. “To do this, we need to strengthen some areas in the government — and personnel decisions have been prepared.”

He said more changes were likely to happen within his office and that “certain areas of our foreign and domestic policies will have a slightly different emphasis”.

Some of the ministers who submitted resignations are likely to remain in government but take on new roles or expanded portfolios, several of the officials who quit told the FT.

Many personnel changes have been made to Ukraine’s government since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, including the replacement of the defence minister, the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and the heads of its foreign and domestic intelligence services and national security office.

But David Arakhamia, the head of Zelenskyy’s ruling Servant of the People group in parliament, wrote on Telegram that more than half of Ukraine’s current cabinet would be moved or replaced in the coming days, making these the most sweeping changes to government since Russia’s invasion.

“As promised, a major reboot of the government can be expected this week,” he announced on the social media platform on Tuesday evening local time.

He said that Wednesday would be “the day of lay-offs, and the day after . . . the day of appointments.”

Kyiv has been seeking to turn the tide of war in its favour with its audacious incursion into Russia last month and to strengthen its position ahead of any possible peace negotiations, after several difficult months in which it lost the initiative on the battlefield and suffered rolling nationwide blackouts because of Russian air strikes on its energy infrastructure.

Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, was among those who submitted resignations on Tuesday evening, she confirmed to the Financial Times.

Stefanishyna, who was appointed in 2020, has led Ukraine’s drive to join the EU. She said she hopes she will receive an expanded mandate in the reshuffle. “But you know, thing[s] could change along the way, as always in politics. Especially in [Ukraine],” she said.

Iryna Vereshchuk, deputy prime minister for the reintegration of temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, followed with her own resignation shortly after.

Earlier on Tuesday, Ruslan Stefanchuk, speaker of Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, said he had received resignation letters from Oleksandr Kamyshin, the minister of strategic industries, from justice minister Denys Malyuska and from Ruslan Strilets, minister of environmental protection and natural resources, as well as from Vitaliy Koval, head of the state property fund.

Stefanchuk shared photos of the officials’ letters on Facebook, writing that their requests would be considered by lawmakers at one of the next parliamentary sessions.

War for Ukraine Day 922: Russia Continues Its Glide Bomb Bombardment of Kharkiv

by Adam L Silverman| September 2, 20248:38 pm| 17 Comments

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

(Image by NEIVANMADE)

Rosie is doing very well, though I think she’d rather it stopped storming. Her next treatment is tomorrow. Thank you all again for the good thoughts, well wishes, prayers, and donations.

Russia has attacked both Kharkiv city and outside the city in the oblast within the past hour. It is currently 7:45 PM EDT/2;45 AM local time in Ukraine.

Hopefully was air defense taking the drones down https://t.co/FjRQEm2jbL

— Kate from Kharkiv (@BohuslavskaKate) September 2, 2024

More explosions in Kharkiv ‼️ distant, probably outside of the city.

— Kate from Kharkiv (@BohuslavskaKate) September 2, 2024

This follows on two glide bomb attacks on Kharkiv earlier today. More on that after the jump.

russia’s brutal terror continues.
Overnight, the invaders launched 35 missiles of various types and 23 UAVs on Ukraine. Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Sumy were under attack.

🇺🇦 air defense shot down 42 aerial targets:
◾️9 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles
◾️13 Kh-101 cruise missiles… pic.twitter.com/lFgdawafT0

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 2, 2024

russia’s brutal terror continues.
Overnight, the invaders launched 35 missiles of various types and 23 UAVs on Ukraine. Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Sumy were under attack.

🇺🇦 air defense shot down 42 aerial targets:
◾️9 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles
◾️13 Kh-101 cruise missiles
◾️20 Shahed UAVs

The world must be strong to finally defeat russian terror. Long-range capabilities are key to protecting the Ukrainian people.

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

show full post on front page

Together with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands in Zaporizhzhia; an Important Visit and a Very Symbolic One – on the Very Day the School Year Begins – Address by the President

2 September 2024 – 17:07

Dear Ukrainians!

Today – Zaporizhzhia. Together with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. An important visit, and a very symbolic one – on the very day the school year begins.

Just now, here in Khortytsia, we spoke with our veterans, veterans of the war. Today, in Zaporizhzhia, we also presented our Mriia – a new educational application. It is actually an analog of Diia for our Ukrainian education, for all our children, for teachers, for parents. This is an undeniably good result: in times of such war, Ukraine is both: defending itself and developing – creating new products, providing opportunities for our people. I thank the entire Mriia team and all our Ukrainian teachers, everyone who works to strengthen education in Ukraine. And we are adding guarantees to this. The Government of Ukraine has clear instructions on the construction of shelters and the provision of buses for schools – we must fulfill what we promised our communities. We are also creating a program of guaranteed free meals for children in primary school – from first to fourth grade. And also, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Education, regional administrations, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, communities must ensure the full implementation of our Safe School program – which means creating a truly reliable safe space for all students, for every school.

This year, schools for offline learning have opened in Zaporizhzhia and in many other cities and communities. More than two million children will be able to study in the basic school format. Another million children will study in a mixed format: both offline and online. All of this depends on safety factors. On the availability of shelters in our schools and on our overall ability to protect lives.

Today, during our negotiations with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, we talked about exactly that – about strengthening air defense, about new air defense systems, and about missiles for them. About F-16s for Ukraine. And about all the necessary weapons for our defense against the Russian occupier. Shells for warriors, equipment. And the protection of life throughout the country, including the protection of our energy sector. Today we have a new aid package from the Netherlands – thank you for that. We have also talked about the Netherlands becoming a patron of Zaporizhzhia – this is infrastructure, this is protection of normal life, this is humanitarian issues. This is something that will definitely help Ukraine. And we appreciate all the support of the people of the Netherlands, Prime Minister Schoof personally, and all the political and public figures from the Netherlands.

And of course, my greatest appreciation goes to all our people, to everyone who protects our Ukraine, our Zaporizhzhia, all our cities and communities. Everyone who fights for Ukraine, works here in our state, helps us – thank you! I am proud of our people; I am proud of Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!

On their first day of school, after singing 🇺🇦 anthem, kids in Zaporizhzhia rush to their new underground bomb shelter classrooms as air raid alert sounds. They’ll spend the rest of the day there, but for many, it’s safer and better than having homeschool in front of screens pic.twitter.com/lp72cZJtRy

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) September 2, 2024

On the first day of school in Ukraine, Russia launched another massive attack. Children woke up and headed to corridors and shelters as over twenty missiles were shot down over Kyiv. Kharkiv again came under attack—for the seventh day in a row. pic.twitter.com/F2PyyYKQFJ

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) September 2, 2024

This night, Ukrainian school-age children and their parents slept peacefully at home before the start of the school year.

Russia launched a barrage of 35 missiles and 23 drones into Ukraine early this morning, while people were sleeping. Fortunately, Ukraine’s air defense saved…

— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) September 2, 2024

This night, Ukrainian school-age children and their parents slept peacefully at home before the start of the school year.

Russia launched a barrage of 35 missiles and 23 drones into Ukraine early this morning, while people were sleeping. Fortunately, Ukraine’s air defense saved lives, but civilian infrastructure was damaged.

Some of the ballistic missiles fired at Ukrainian civilians this morning were KN-23 from North Korea.

The regimes in Pyongyang and Moscow have no restrictions on long-range strikes against any place in Ukraine. However, in defending itself against these two barbaric war machines, Ukraine is forced to fight with hands tied behind its back. Isn’t this absurd?

It is past time for Ukraine’s partners to abandon baseless fears and lift restrictions on the country’s legitimate right to self-defense under the UN Charter, which includes the right to strike any legitimate military targets on Russian territory.

Furthermore, Russia’s use of North Korean munitions in its war against Ukraine not only violates international law and endangers Ukrainian lives, but it also has the potential to significantly deteriorate the security situation on the Korean Peninsula, in the Asia-Pacific, and around the world.

The growing military cooperation between Putin and Kim poses a serious security threat to both Europe and Asia. We urge our Asian partners to consider increasing military aid to Ukraine. The stronger Ukraine is, and the less successful the Russian and North Korean dictators are, the more stable and secure Europe and Asia will be.

The cost:

Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, Moshe Azman, shared on Friday that his adopted son has gone missing in the war with Russia.

“Since the beginning of this terrible war, trouble has knocked on the door of almost every Ukrainian – some have lost a loved one, others are fighting with… pic.twitter.com/A3ht0CJ7Mz

— UNITED24 Media (@United24media) September 2, 2024

Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, Moshe Azman, shared on Friday that his adopted son has gone missing in the war with Russia.

“Since the beginning of this terrible war, trouble has knocked on the door of almost every Ukrainian – some have lost a loved one, others are fighting with injuries. On this day, I want to share with you my personal pain,” he wrote in a post on X on Thursday, marked as the Day of Remembrance of the Fallen Defenders of Ukraine

Anton Samborsky, adopted in 2002 and also known as Matisyahu (Moty), went missing during a battle on July 24, 2024.

Instead of a thousand words.

Today is Olenka’s first day of school. Her dad Yurii will never be able to bring her to school – he died for his daughter’s freedom.

Eternal memory and eternal glory to Ukrainian Hero.

Russia will pay.

📷: anastasiya_krig / Instagram https://t.co/82HEQe7iLj pic.twitter.com/8kg67AVac3

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) September 2, 2024

The reason:

Despite air raid alerts, missiles, blackouts and whatnot, thousands of Ukrainian kids started their school year today.

This is a popular video in Ukraine on the first day of school – Adele, 6, shares how life will unfold. I decided to share it and hope it makes you smile. pic.twitter.com/rEabr2TC1C

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) September 2, 2024

Lithuania:

We cannot allow Russian bombers to be better protected than Ukrainian civilians are. Let’s ask ourselves if we are being honest about how much we actually support Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/nIF3IdQjDZ

— Gabrielius Landsbergis🇱🇹 (@GLandsbergis) August 29, 2024

Poland:

Polish FM @sikorskiradek: “…when hostile missiles are on course of entering our airspace, it would be legitimate self-defence [to strike them] because once they do cross into our airspace, the risk of debris injuring someone is significant.” https://t.co/TJp5k3K1E5

— Shashank Joshi (@shashj) September 2, 2024

From The Financial Times:

Poland and other countries bordering Ukraine have a “duty” to shoot down incoming Russian missiles before they enter their airspace despite the opposition of Nato, the Polish foreign minister has said.

Radosław Sikorski told the Financial Times in an interview that Warsaw had an obligation to ensure the safety of its citizens irrespective of fears that interceptions over Ukrainian territory could embroil the Atlantic alliance in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

“Membership in Nato does not trump each country’s responsibility for the protection of its own airspace — it’s our own constitutional duty,” Sikorski said.

“I’m personally of the view that, when hostile missiles are on course of entering our airspace, it would be legitimate self-defence [to strike them] because once they do cross into our airspace, the risk of debris injuring someone is significant.”

Poland signed a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine earlier this summer in which the two countries undertook to examine “the feasibility of possible intercepting in Ukraine’s airspace missiles and UAVs fired in the direction of territory of Poland, following necessary procedures agreed by the states and organisations involved”.

However, Jens Stoltenberg, the outgoing Nato secretary-general, rejected the proposal, saying it risked the alliance “becoming part of the conflict”.

Sikorski insisted on his country’s right to intercept after a suspected Russian drone crossed into Poland on August 26. Polish authorities have since been searching for the UAV, which may have landed back on Ukrainian territory after probably straying off course during a Russian mass missile attack on Ukraine.

Other missiles have landed in Poland since Moscow’s all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022, while Russian drones also recently strayed into Romania’s airspace.

Sikorski said the risk of Polish casualties increased the closer a missile was to its target when intercepted, so it was preferable to shoot it down at a higher altitude over Ukraine.

“Ukrainians have told us: you’re welcome,” he added.

War for Ukraine Day 921: Kharkiv!!!!!! And Sumy!!!!!!

by Adam L Silverman| September 1, 20247:02 pm| 65 Comments

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

(Image by NEIVANMADE)

Rosie is doing fine. Thank you for all the good thoughts, well wishes, prayers, and donations.

Kharkiv has been under attack all day. Including a Russian Iskander missile double tap on first responders. Part of the reason this keeps happening is that NOT A SINGLE DAMN PIECE OF AIR DEFENSE that was promised at the NATO summit, nor that has been in any US announcement of military supplies for Ukraine since they finally got the Ukraine aid supplemental to pass, has actually been sent to Ukraine!

Ukraine says air defense systems promised by the West at the July NATO summit have yet to arrive. https://t.co/fP3SIT2RXZ

— Euan MacDonald (@Euan_MacDonald) September 1, 2024

Germany just made an update and then announced the update of everything it’s sent to Ukraine. The only air defense system still on that list is the IRIS-T it sent a long time ago.

There is clearly a logistics break down. I have my own suspicions about what that is, but since I can’t prove them, I’ll keep them to myself for now.

russia targeting an orphanage, a playground, or a children’s cancer hospital has become a routine the world got used to. Ukraine striking military bases and airfields deeply inside russia is considered an escalation to be avoided. What a shameful time for the free world.

— Olena Halushka (@OlenaHalushka) September 1, 2024

Because the Danish PM has now told us, we now know that she wanted to send her F-16s to Ukraine in FEB 2022! But she was prevented from doing so by Denmark’s allies. Ukrainska Pravda has the details:

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has confirmed that Denmark does not restrict the use of F-16 fighter jets that it has provided to Ukraine.

Source: Mette Frederiksen at the GLOBSEC conference in Prague, reports European Pravda

Details: Mette Frederiksen believes that Ukraine received Western fighter jets later than it should have.

Quote: “I’m sorry that it took so long. I was ready to deliver them from the beginning of the war. But, once again, we had quite long discussions about whether it was a good idea or not.”

Frederiksen did not specify who exactly was holding up the delivery of the F-16s but expressed her belief that the task remains to ensure that Ukraine receives all the weapons it needs from the West.

Quote: “You cannot win the war without military equipment. The only way of winning this war is to give Ukraine what they need.”

Frederiksen also confirmed that Denmark has no restrictions on using donated weapons, including aircraft.

Quote: “We are not putting restrictions on F-16s. It has to be according to international law. We have given these jets with no restrictions, then according to international law.”

Background: The Czech president also supported the use of F-16s against targets in Russia. The Netherlands, which also provided the fighter jets, is not against using F-16s for strikes against Russia.

There is only one state that could prevent Denmark from sending its F-16s to Ukraine or place limitations on their usage by the Ukrainians is the United States. This is because of the end use agreements in the foreign military sales contracts between the US and Denmark that dictate what Denmark, as the purchaser, may or may not do with them.

Here’s the video of her remarks if you’d like to watch them.

While I’ll have the rest of the Kharkiv material after President Zelenskyy’s address, for want of the same nail combined with the lack of a spine by President Biden and his National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, the Russian’s just dropped a missile on an orphanage in Sumy!

❗️A 7-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl are among the victims as Russians have just bombed a center for psychological rehabilitation of children and an orphanage in the city of Sumy.

Ukraine is forbidden by it’s allies from striking the Russian airfieilds and launchers where… pic.twitter.com/bGRTBvSDbx

— KyivPost (@KyivPost) September 1, 2024

❗️A 7-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl are among the victims as Russians have just bombed a center for psychological rehabilitation of children and an orphanage in the city of Sumy.

Ukraine is forbidden by it’s allies from striking the Russian airfieilds and launchers where these attacks originate.

Video credit: Suspilne

And in just the past 20 minutes (it’s 6:05 PM EDT when I type this) there was another significant strike in Kharkiv!

Another explosion In Kharkiv ‼️ loud

— Kate from Kharkiv (@BohuslavskaKate) September 1, 2024

War for Ukraine Day 920: The Attacks on Kharkiv Continue While the Butcher’s Bill from Yesterday Is Being Tallied

by Adam L Silverman| August 31, 20247:51 pm| 17 Comments

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

(Image by NEIVANMADE)

Two quick housekeeping notes. The first is that Rosie is still going great. Thank you all for the good thoughts, well wishes, prayers, and donations.

Second, despite a fair amount of sleep, I’m still fried. So, just the basics again tonight.

This is the tally of last night’s drone swarm attack:

Today we are saying goodby to the summer-2024 in Kyiv. last night was sleepless but strange. Out of russian-iranian 52 drones 24 were intercepted, 25 vanished, 2 returned to russia, 1 went to Belarus. Now thinking about summer-2025. Kyiv was beautiful today just like life itself! pic.twitter.com/NY0XBDmiTS

— Andrei Kurkov (@AKurkov) August 31, 2024

Today, the death toll in Kharkiv from yesterday’s glide bomb attacks has been revised upwards.

Six killed in Russian bombardment on Kharkiv, including 18-year-old Nika, a talented artist with big dreams, and 14-year-old Sofia. 97 injured, 22 of them kids. This is the cost Ukraine pays while waiting for the ban to be lifted, as deadly bombs keep falling. pic.twitter.com/gDcgOSlTIi

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) August 31, 2024

And new victims were added to the genocidal tally.

This russian strike on Kharkiv outskirts today killed two and injured 11 people. https://t.co/HCRHdJ66Te pic.twitter.com/fKIzYJzkEC

— Kate from Kharkiv (@BohuslavskaKate) August 31, 2024

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

show full post on front page

We Need the Abilities to Really and Fully Protect Ukraine and Ukrainians – Address by the President

31 August 2024 – 20:42

Dear Ukrainians!
Today in Kharkiv, the clearing of rubble on the sites hit by Russian bombs continues. In total, yesterday’s strikes took the lives of six people in Kharkiv. My condolences to their families and friends.

Ninety-seven people were injured; all of them were provided with the necessary assistance. And this is just in Kharkiv, and this is just one day of Russian strikes.

Since this morning, Russian terrorists have also been bombing the Sumy region with guided aerial bombs, and again the Kharkiv region. And this terror can be effectively stopped only in one way: by strikes on Russian military airfields, on their bases, on the logistics of Russian terror. And most importantly, it is possible. We talk about it every day with our partners. We convince them. We present arguments.

These days, our Ukrainian delegation is working in Washington: the First Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Defense, representatives of the General Staff, and the Head of the Office. There have been meetings at various levels, and among the primary issues for us is the long-range capability of our Defense Forces, the ability to prevent all this terror that our Kharkiv and other our cities, many, so many communities of Ukraine are forced to go through.

Clearing the Ukrainian skies of Russian guided aerial bombs is a strong step to force Russia to seek an end to the war and a just peace. Ukrainian representatives provided all the necessary information, all the necessary details to our partners. And I appeal to the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany: we need the abilities to really and fully protect Ukraine and Ukrainians. We require both: permissions for long-range use, and your long-range shells and missiles. Vital decisions – exactly the ones that can influence events in the right way – cannot be postponed.

We are also talking with our partners about air defense – about systems, we need so much, especially now, before the school year starts, to provide more security for our Ukrainian children in schools, for our cities, for our energy sector. After all, we have the agreements with you, on air defense and on missiles for air defense systems. It is important to implement everything as soon as possible. We are working even harder these days for such news – about additional air defense systems.

I want to thank everyone in the world who is helping! And I thank all the friends of Ukraine who do not keep silent about this Russian terror, who react to all these strikes, who spread the truth about this war and urge the world to be more decisive and therefore more effective in defending Ukraine against Russia.

Today I spoke with the Commander-in-Chief. The Pokrovsk direction faces the highest number of assaults. The situation is also difficult in the Kramatorsk, Toretsk, and Kupyansk directions. Nearly two hundred battles are being fought daily along the entire front. And the most important thing now is to inflict maximum losses on the occupier and to respond to all Russian strikes.

We also discussed with the Commander-in-Chief the details of our offensive operations – active actions in the Kursk region. We continue to replenish the exchange fund for Ukraine and push the war into Russian territory. The resilience of each of our units, the precision of our warriors and the strong decisions of our partners are equally crucial. I thank all our combat brigades!

Glory to Ukraine!

The cost:

“If I don’t go, and someone else won’t go, the Russians will soon be running our yard.”

Oleksii Tyrpak is a Ukrainian serviceman of Roma origin, a scout from Zakarpattia with the call sign “Angel.” He joined the AFU as a volunteer at the beginning of the full-scale war when he… pic.twitter.com/HnXnZCuBFB

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) August 30, 2024

“If I don’t go, and someone else won’t go, the Russians will soon be running our yard.”

Oleksii Tyrpak is a Ukrainian serviceman of Roma origin, a scout from Zakarpattia with the call sign “Angel.” He joined the AFU as a volunteer at the beginning of the full-scale war when he was 24 years old. Despite being wounded numerous times, he returned to the battlefield every time. However, during a combat mission at the beginning of 2024, Oleksii died in the Donetsk region.

Eternal memory to Ukrainian Hero

📹: Suspilne

Can anyone provide a credible reason why Ukraine can’t use Western-supplied weapons to defend itself and stop fighter jets from launching 500-kilo bombs on residential buildings in Kharkiv and other cities? Discussed why this is crucial on CNN. pic.twitter.com/JfX4mlnqmN

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) August 31, 2024

At least 20 victims are in serious condition. Some of them had their limbs amputated.

— Kyiv. The City of Courage (@Kyiv) August 30, 2024

Just so everyone is aware, three days after noted strategic jenyuz Jake Sullivan met with his Chinese counterpart to lower the temperature in the region, the PRC Coast Guard rammed another Filipino ship in Filipino waters.

This afternoon, the Chinese Coast Guard vessel deliberately rammed and collided with the BRP Teresa Magbanua three times, despite no provocation from the Philippine Coast Guard. pic.twitter.com/jYnrXKpY3W

— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) August 31, 2024

Dude’s got to go. In fact, we’d be better off if all of Biden’s senior natsec appointments were shown the door immediately.

Six more Israeli hostages were returned today. Dead. They were reportedly alive as of six days ago. Last night, Bibi rammed a new policy through the Israeli cabinet that the IDF will occupy the Philedelphi corridor indefinitely. The lone dissenting vote was Defense Minister Gallant’s. This new policy guarantees the ceasefire negotiations are dead and any attempts at this point are just kabuki. When asked about it, Biden said:

Biden told reporters the IDF is still working on identifying the bodies that were found in Gaza. “It’s time this war ended”, he said. Biden added he is “still optimistic” about the Gaza hostage and ceasefire talks and said “We think we can close the deal, they’ve all said they…

— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) August 31, 2024

Biden told reporters the IDF is still working on identifying the bodies that were found in Gaza. “It’s time this war ended”, he said. Biden added he is “still optimistic” about the Gaza hostage and ceasefire talks and said “We think we can close the deal, they’ve all said they agree on the principles”

We’d probably be better off if Biden went too.

In that vein, the Georgian Legion has a message for VP Harris:

with all due respect, Madam Vice President, we hope your ‘balls’ are bigger than the fear of ‘escalation’ https://t.co/Yi2aW6j3p7

— Georgian Legion (@georgian_legion) August 30, 2024

It should be noted that today is a celebration day not only for the military but also for civilian aviation in Ukraine.

It will take many years, if not decades for Ukraine to recover from the deadly aftermath of the Russian war… our airports lay in ruins.

Of course, the day… pic.twitter.com/KhGVvq5Wvg

— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) August 31, 2024

Here’s the full text of both tweets in the thread:

Happy Ukrainian Air Force Day.

These are sad days for this branch of service and us all, but we remember and are incredibly proud of all the extraordinary things that our Air Force has demonstrated in this war.

Facing such an overwhelmingly superior enemy, having as little as they got to fight with… and yet still fighting hard with honor and opening new chapters in the history of modern warfare, against all odds.

Frankly, I don’t think it will be a huge overstatement if we call Ukraine the world’s most experienced and masterful air defense force.

Because yeah, good luck repelling the largest missile attacks in modern history with a handful of old S-300s, PATRIOTs, IRIS-Ts, SAMP/Ts, and NASAMS. And good luck having obsolete MiGs and Su-27s and combating Russia’s attempts to enforce its air domination.

Moreover, it’s remarkable that the Ukrainian Air Force manages to weasel its way out of its critical shortcomings and successfully adapts to using Western-provided advanced munitions with decades-old Soviet machines—and moreover, masters new advanced weaponry within months to use it on battlefields on the go.

And:

It should be noted that today is a celebration day not only for the military but also for civilian aviation in Ukraine.

It will take many years, if not decades for Ukraine to recover from the deadly aftermath of the Russian war… our airports lay in ruins.

Of course, the day when we see civilian aircraft roaring in our skies again will be the happiest day of our lives.

The Kursk cross border offensive:

BIGCATS unit going through Sudzha checkpoint towards Russia on 30 August. The Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to transfer military personnel to Kursk region.https://t.co/fXlCP6JAeS pic.twitter.com/jABsxw4ve9

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) August 31, 2024

Fourth documented captured Russian T-80BVM obr.2022 in Sudzha area, Kursk region.https://t.co/LJPtMHhwc4 https://t.co/quFVObj6N4 pic.twitter.com/qJuefrx4Xu

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) August 31, 2024

Destroyed column of Russian equipment that was supposed to build a pontoon crossing over the Seym River near the village of Zvannoe, Kursk region. pic.twitter.com/TXMYxgtU8D

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) August 31, 2024

Kyiv:

Interception of Shahed kamikaze drone in Kyiv this morning pic.twitter.com/8Z7B303CSe

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) August 31, 2024

Pokrovsk:

THE RUSSIANS: Oh, we so cherish the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine, don’t ban it.

ALSO, THE RUSSIANS: burning down the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God church in their attempt to occupy Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast. This church is affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church. pic.twitter.com/IGFK9NZIyl

— Kyiv. The City of Courage (@Kyiv) August 30, 2024

Novoselovka Pervaya, Donetsk Oblast:

Novoselovka Pervaya, Donetsk region.

This is the footage of the strike mentioned earlier. Video came from a Russian serviceman and shows the result of the attack by the Ukrainian FPV drone. The EW didn’t help. https://t.co/LNA5PhQhrO pic.twitter.com/vxA5yUIrxw

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) August 31, 2024

Kharkiv:

WARNING!! WARNING!! GRAPHIC CONTENT!! WARNING!! WARNING!!

The family of the 14-year-old girl who died in a Russian airstrike in Kharkiv had just begun to recover from another loss — the girl’s father had previously gone missing in the Donetsk area, her relative Olga told Ukrainian media ‘Suspilne.’

In the video, the girl’s mother is… pic.twitter.com/NCqZXL7jv0

— Ihor Lachenkov (@igorlachenkov) August 31, 2024

The family of the 14-year-old girl who died in a Russian airstrike in Kharkiv had just begun to recover from another loss — the girl’s father had previously gone missing in the Donetsk area, her relative Olga told Ukrainian media ‘Suspilne.’

In the video, the girl’s mother is sitting on a bench, in complete shock and tears, after the loss of her only child. At the time of the attack, the schoolgirl was sitting on a bench near a children playground.

In the picture is a photo of the deceased girl with her head torn apart by the explosion of a russian bomb. On the right are mocking comments from cheering russians.

russians — are not human in any form or way. They are nothing more than sick, twisted animals, bringing pain and suffering and collectively supporting Z-war — a war against the civilized world.

don’t look away pic.twitter.com/aqp2TZyfFo

— Georgian Legion (@georgian_legion) August 31, 2024

ALL CLEAR!!!!

18 year old artist Nika Kozhushko was killed by @russia‘s glide bomb in Kharkiv. We must help Ukraine protect herself 🫀 pic.twitter.com/fmFXpBYwuD

— Georgian Legion (@georgian_legion) August 31, 2024

Kharkiv is still mourning people who were killed in yesterday’s airstrike as russia steals more lives.

Two were kille, and seven more were injured as a result of today’s russian attack on Cherkasy Lozova, Kharkiv region, according to local authorities.

— Kate from Kharkiv (@BohuslavskaKate) August 31, 2024

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron.

There are no new Patron tweets or videos today. Here is some adjacent material from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.

Fully equipped and ready for work.

📷: @DPSU_ua pic.twitter.com/wj1rMLUmvC

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) August 31, 2024

Open thread!

War for Ukraine Day 920: The Attacks on Kharkiv Continue While the Butcher’s Bill from Yesterday Is Being TalliedPost + Comments (17)

War for Ukraine Day 919: Kharkiv Burns

by Adam L Silverman| August 30, 20249:23 pm| 16 Comments

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

(Image by NEIVANMADE)

Two quick housekeeping notes. First, Rosie is doing great. She’s a little bummed because it keeps monsooning and when not deluging, it is hot and humid. Her next treatment is Tuesday. It is the first of her final round of chemo. Thank you all for the good thoughts, well wishes, prayers, and donations.

Second, despite sleeping much of the day, I’m still fried. Part of that is I spent most of the week dealing not just with bureaucracy, but also the petty bureaucrats. I never had much patience for that to start with. I have almost none now. As a result, the bill has come do and I have to pay for the amount of energy that I had to expend to get through the week. We’ll be sticking to the basics tonight so I can go back to sleep as soon as I hit publish.

All of eastern and central Ukraine, with the exception of Mykolaiv Oblast, are under air raid alert as of 8:10 PM EDT/3:10 AM local time in Ukraine. The alert maps are not indicating that Russian bombers are in the air, so this is likely another drone swarm attack.

Russia unloaded on Kharkiv again today.

The Russian strike on Kharkiv directly on people, on ordinary house. All services are currently engaged in the rescue operation. I thank everyone who is helping to save lives at this moment.

This strike was carried out using a Russian guided aerial bomb—a strike that could have… pic.twitter.com/ydRfqPju6n

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 30, 2024

The Russian strike on Kharkiv directly on people, on ordinary house. All services are currently engaged in the rescue operation. I thank everyone who is helping to save lives at this moment.

This strike was carried out using a Russian guided aerial bomb—a strike that could have been prevented if our Defense Forces had the capability to destroy Russian military aircraft at their bases. We need strong decisions from our partners to stop this terror.

This is an absolutely legitimate need. There is no rational reason to limit Ukraine’s defense. We need long-range capabilities and the full implementation of air defense agreements for Ukraine. These are life-saving measures.

Russian airstrike on Kharkiv on August 30th killed at least 7 people and injured 77, including 18 children, according to the State Emergency Service. Search and rescue operation continues.

Among the killed was a 14-year-old girl whose father went missing on the Donetsk front.… pic.twitter.com/JzW8Xb5R2w

— Kate from Kharkiv (@BohuslavskaKate) August 30, 2024

Russian airstrike on Kharkiv on August 30th killed at least 7 people and injured 77, including 18 children, according to the State Emergency Service. Search and rescue operation continues.

Among the killed was a 14-year-old girl whose father went missing on the Donetsk front.

A fire covering an area of over 1500 square meters in a 12-story residential building, caused by the Russian strike, was localized at 7:20 PM. The State Emergency Service continues to extinguish it

Glide bombs were launched on Kharkiv from russia’s Dubrovoe in the Belgorod region, only 25 km (15 miles) from the border, and 65 km (40 miles) from the impact site.

This one is on you as much as it is on russia @JakeSullivan46 pic.twitter.com/myP70w5trA

— Kate from Kharkiv (@BohuslavskaKate) August 30, 2024

Anyone to talk about negotiating with Russia? But first, imagine your family in that burning house. pic.twitter.com/ktZROsJ8Ew

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) August 30, 2024

UPD Kharkiv. The death toll from the russian aerial attacks has risen to six, with 57 other civilians injured. Rescue efforts are ongoing. pic.twitter.com/qvlNxcTNH0

— Iryna Voichuk (@IrynaVoichuk) August 30, 2024

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

show full post on front page

We Must Strengthen Ourselves and Take Care of People, of Personnel – of All Our Warriors – Address by the President

30 August 2024 – 20:13

Dear Ukrainians!

Rescue operations are currently underway in Kharkiv where Russian bombs hit. Unfortunately, there are dead people. Among them is a child. A girl, Sofia. She would have turned 15 this fall. My condolences to all the families and friends. There are many injured. Everyone is receiving help, and the rescuers are doing everything they can to save as many lives as possible. I thank everyone who is involved and who is supporting Kharkiv and Kharkiv residents. These are terrible, vile Russian strikes directly on buildings, on a city park. Russia will definitely be held accountable for all its evil. But everyone in the world must remember that the most effective tactic is to prevent evil from acting. We need decisions that can be made by our partners, by those countries on whom it depends – whether we have the ability to destroy Russian military aircraft exactly where they are based, exactly where the elimination of these terrorists and their aircraft can be the most effective. We in Ukraine, along with our friends around the world, are not just talking about long-range decisions. About strong decisions. About things that can bring us closer to ending this war, because, for Putin, the most important aspect of his wars is the terror against civilians, the intimidation, and the abuse of people. This is how the Russian evil came everywhere, to Syria, and Georgia, and Ukraine. They have the same terror tactics everywhere, and we must put a stop to this. It can be ensured by our, Ukrainian, long-range capabilities, with appropriate support for our Defense Forces and air defense systems for Ukraine. All the things we are talking about with our partners.

Today we had many meetings about our military work. There was a report by the Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine. Today, I also held a meeting of the Staff. First, there was a report by the Commander-in-Chief about the front, with a focus on the Pokrovsk direction. Toretsk. Defense against Russian assaults. The most challenging areas. It is crucial that everyone, at all state levels, who is involved in this, really make their maximum efforts to ensure our resilience and that of our warriors. And I thank everyone who is now really effectively destroying the occupier and protecting our positions. I thank every soldier and commander, everyone who produces and supplies the necessary weapons, shells, drones. Also today, the Commander-in-Chief reported on the development of our actions in the Kursk region. The daily result there, which is important for all of us, is the replenishment of the exchange fund for Ukraine. And the more this replenishment is, the more of our people we will be able to bring back from Russian captivity. This is our strategic priority.

Also today, at the Staff meeting, I received reports on preparations for the school year. This is the personal responsibility of Government officials: both the Prime Minister and the Ministers. The maximum number of schools should be opened offline – first of all, this is a question of shelters. Also, the readiness of schools to meet the existing energy challenges. This is the direct task of the Government. And today there were several important dialogues on energy – the consequences of the strikes and the defense that should be in place. And in the Staff meetings, it was repeatedly discussed and decided what to do, how to act, what to provide. Now it is time to draw conclusions.

I have decided to replace the Commander of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I am immensely grateful to all our military pilots, all engineers, all warriors of mobile firing groups, air defense units. All those who really fight for Ukraine – for the result. And the same goes for the command level – we must strengthen ourselves. And take care of people. Take care of personnel – take care of all our warriors.

Glory to Ukraine!

LTG Anatoliy Kryvonozhko is now the acting head of the Air Force. pic.twitter.com/Bk3zcajftf

— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) August 30, 2024

Apparently part of the motivation for the removal of the Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force is the allegation that Colonel Mes – he was posthumously promoted – was shot down by friendly fire from a Ukrainian Patriot battery. We will have to wait for the outcome of the investigation to see whether or not this happened, but if it did, it wouldn’t be the first time this has happened. During the first few years of Operation Iraqi Freedom, a couple of F-16s were brought down by friendly fire from Patriots because the targeting software couldn’t discriminate between an incoming missile or a US F-16. Raytheon created a fix about twenty years ago. I would expect the Patriot systems provided to Ukraine to have fully up to date targeting software, but at this point anything is possible.

The cost:

Today, Russia hit Kharkiv and killed seven people. Fifty people were injured. Among dead young artist Nika Kozhushko.
No words… pic.twitter.com/lcJfrViSqd

— Oleksandra Matviichuk (@avalaina) August 30, 2024

18-year-old artist Veronika Kozhushko was killed by the Russian strike on Kharkiv.

Serhii Zhadan, famous Ukrainian writer, musician and serviceman reported that on Friday, August 30th.

“Today, during a strike on Kharkiv, Nika Kozhushko died – very young, sincere and gifted. An… https://t.co/pUltfask3S pic.twitter.com/6CPMPGFuPD

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) August 30, 2024

18-year-old artist Veronika Kozhushko was killed by the Russian strike on Kharkiv.

Serhii Zhadan, famous Ukrainian writer, musician and serviceman reported that on Friday, August 30th.

“Today, during a strike on Kharkiv, Nika Kozhushko died – very young, sincere and gifted. An hour before her death, she sent her new drawing. That is, her last drawing. Russians continue destroying our future. There is no explanation for that. And there is no forgiveness, as well,” Zhadan wrote.

RIP.

Was honored to meet with @SecDef Lloyd Austin in the United States.

An important, constructive meeting.

I briefed Secretary on the operational situation on the battlefield and our further objectives, the priority needs of the Ukrainian army in terms of weapons, equipment and… pic.twitter.com/PeqBljDGoD

— Rustem Umerov (@rustem_umerov) August 30, 2024

Was honored to meet with @SecDef Lloyd Austin in the United States.

An important, constructive meeting.

I briefed Secretary on the operational situation on the battlefield and our further objectives, the priority needs of the Ukrainian army in terms of weapons, equipment and training of our troops.

Air defense remains our priority—we need air defense systems and interceptors to protect our critical infrastructure, our cities, and our people.

Special thanks to Lloyd Austin for his personal contribution to the work of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.

Another focus of the meeting is the development of the Ukrainian defense industry.
Over the past two years, we have launched hundreds of new businesses capable of rapidly producing high-quality weapons. Cooperation with our partners is critical for expanding production and ensuring an even more effective defense of Ukraine.

At the meeting, the Ukrainian side was represented by the head of the Office of the President @AndriyYermak, Deputy Minister of Defense for European Integration @O_Balanutsa, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Major General Volodymyr Horbatiuk and Chief of the Main Logistics Department of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Lieutenant General Mykola Shevtsov.

Thanks to the USA for their leadership and support 🇺🇦🇺🇸

Poland:

https://t.co/nYRDu8GVlT

— 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐊𝐎𝐌𝐒𝐀 | 🇪🇺🇫🇷🇵🇱🇺🇦 (@tweet4Anna_NAFO) August 30, 2024

With friends like these, neither Poland or Ukraine don’t need enemies.

There is something devilishly helpless in a policy of just expecting Vladimir Putin to show reason and de-escalate the war on Ukraine and giving his bombers a comfortable safe haven to devastate Ukrainian cities unpunished.

Historians of the future will have to write tons of… pic.twitter.com/5mzhC4RCkZ

— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) August 30, 2024

There is something devilishly helpless in a policy of just expecting Vladimir Putin to show reason and de-escalate the war on Ukraine and giving his bombers a comfortable safe haven to devastate Ukrainian cities unpunished.

Historians of the future will have to write tons of volumes of works to try and comprehend this absurdity.

You may be wondering how are the sanctions against Russia are working:

Russian economy is “overheating” and is expected to grow by 3.5-4% in 2024, the Central Bank of Russia said in its latest forecast

Production capacities and labour resources had already been “nearly fully used, with utilisation close to 80 per cent”https://t.co/W1VeSsXigX pic.twitter.com/vFwCRKePgA

— Anastasia Stognei (@NastyaStognei) August 30, 2024

From The Financial Times:

Russia’s “overheating” economy will slow sharply next year with interest rates stuck at well above prewar levels until 2027, the Russian central bank has said.

Rapid growth, expected to hit 3.5 to 4 per cent this year, has been driven primarily by strong domestic demand from consumers and the state, which has outpaced supply, the CBR said in its annual report.

It said acute labour shortages and the negative effects of western sanctions were crimping production.

The central bank assessment underscores the challenges facing the Russian economy, despite its better than expected overall performance even with sanctions imposed by the west after Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The CBR projects economic growth of 0.5 to 1.5 per cent in 2025 and 1 to 2 per cent in 2026, under its baseline scenario. However, longer-term expansion will be limited by “restrictions on technological imports and the outflow of skilled labour”, it warned.

It said the country’s production capacities and labour resources had already been “nearly fully used, with utilisation close to 80 per cent”. Manufacturing, trade and agriculture are among the sectors facing the most severe labour shortages.

“Available production capacity is depleted,” CBR deputy governor Alexei Zabotkin told reporters on Thursday. “The pace of expansion is held back by sanctions barriers and by physical limitations on the output of the means of production. The economy needs additional labour for this as well,” he said, adding that labour shortages had “significantly worsened”.

To address the issue, Russian businesses have resorted to increasing wages. In the first quarter of 2024, nominal wages in Russia increased by 19.2 per cent. The growth slowed slightly in the second quarter to 17.4 per cent.

Rising wages, coupled with escalating budget expenditures, are fuelling inflation, which is expected to reach 6.5 to 7 per cent by the end of 2024, the CBR said. It also pinpointed “sanctions barriers in payments and logistics” that resulted in lower imports of goods into Russia.

The CBR forecasts inflation falling to 4 to 4.5 per cent in 2025 and stabilising around 4 per cent thereafter. Throughout this period, the CBR key interest rate is expected to remain in double digits, a significant shift from prewar levels when it had not exceeded 9.5 per cent for many years.

The Giant Orange Man Baby is having a bad day.

You’re just a puppy masquerading as an old coot.

Thanks to your bullshit, we are now under siege.

Consistently wrong since 2002

New McCarthy, same old McCarthyism.

At some point, the ability to learn is a factor of character, not IQ.

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

Today’s gop: why go just far enough when too far is right there?

The republican speaker is a slippery little devil.

If you are still in the gop, you are either an extremist yourself, or in bed with those who are.

Make the republican party small enough to drown in a bathtub.

A snarling mass of vitriolic jackals

Maybe you would prefer that we take Joelle’s side in ALL CAPS?

Republicans are the party of chaos and catastrophe.

Sadly, media malpractice has become standard practice.

Let’s finish the job.

“But what about the lurkers?”

Despite his magical powers, I don’t think Trump is thinking this through, to be honest.

This fight is for everything.

When someone says they “love freedom”, rest assured they don’t mean yours.

Republicans don’t trust women.

Stop using mental illness to avoid talking about armed white supremacy.

I might just take the rest of the day off and do even more nothing than usual.

Optimism opens the door to great things.

War for Ukraine Day 925: The Air Raid Alerts Are Going Up All Over Ukraine

Throughout the Fall, Everyone in Their Position Must Deliver Tangible Results – Address by the President

War for Ukraine Day 924: Russian Ballistic Missiles Are Inbound While the Butcher’s Bill for the Day Is Still Being Tallied

It Is Very Important That Absolutely All the Objectives Set for Our Kursk Operation Are Being Realized – Address by the President

Statement from President Joe Biden on Russian Attack on Poltava, Ukraine

War for Ukraine Day 923: Russian Strategic Aviation Is Up, Russian Missiles Are Inbound!

Russian Strikes Will Be Impossible If It Is Possible for Us to Destroy the Occupier’s Launchers Where They Are – Address by the President

War for Ukraine Day 922: Russia Continues Its Glide Bomb Bombardment of Kharkiv

Together with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands in Zaporizhzhia; an Important Visit and a Very Symbolic One – on the Very Day the School Year Begins – Address by the President

War for Ukraine Day 921: Kharkiv!!!!!! And Sumy!!!!!!

Long-Range Capabilities Are Key to Ending This War – Address by the President

War for Ukraine Day 920: The Attacks on Kharkiv Continue While the Butcher’s Bill from Yesterday Is Being Tallied

We Need the Abilities to Really and Fully Protect Ukraine and Ukrainians – Address by the President

War for Ukraine Day 919: Kharkiv Burns

We Must Strengthen Ourselves and Take Care of People, of Personnel – of All Our Warriors – Address by the President