Ukraine Invasion: Part 56

[MagicFox]

The (free) world has gone mad. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

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BBC reporting that a car bomb in Moscow has killed the Deputy Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Major General Yaroslava Moskalik.

No official confirmation yet.

Zelensky gives South Africa's president list of 400 Ukrainian children (https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-gives-south-africas-president-list-of-400-ukrainian-children-abducted-by-russia/) abducted by Russia.

This is a good piece of targeting by Zelensky.

He and his team are always good at finding points of resonance, and imperialist raiders coming and stealing your people away is strongly resonant in Africa. (Maybe not as much in South Africa as in more northerly African countries, but still, the history of raids by slavers remains a key part of pan-African consciousness).

Here's a good look at how Hegseth is imploding at the Pentagon. I think his remaining tenure will be measured in weeks. One data point I picked up locally is that Hegseth was scheduled to give the graduation address at West Point next month. Now it looks like Trump is going to do it.

Polygraph Threats, Leaks and Infighting: The Chaos Inside Hegseth’s Pentagon - Defense secretary has chastised top military officers and staffers as he seeks to quiet a storm he helped create

Trump speaking in Time has said he believes the war started when Ukraine started talking about joining NATO.

Assassination of Moskalik confirmed:

Russia confirms high-ranking general killed
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cvg7jnywn5dt

It seems extraordinary that his car was not thoroughly checked.

Used to think that Putin was bizarrely paranoid to have several different cavalcades of cars. Now I see why.

What a way to live.

Is he blaming Ukraine?
That's like a bloke saying 'I beat my wife because she spoke to another bloke.' And feeling justified for it.

Yeh he is. He seems to genuinely believe it too.

Cartoon by Bill Bramhall

I haven't read the media accounts, but according to today's Ukraine:The Latest podcast, the bomb was planted in a car parked on the street and remotely detonated as the General walked past it.

His own car would almost certainly be kept in a locked garage and checked periodically.

I have.seen on X that a Ukrainian moved in next door and emigrated to Turkey two days.ago

And why did Ukraine start talking about joining NATO? Is Donald really that thick?

Meanwhile russian propagandists are openly and gleefully mocking trump for “single handedly destroying capitalism” besides aiding Russia win the war.

I wonder if he knows how Russians really feel about him, and most importantly his mate vlad.

I have a horrible feeling that when peace is signed it's going to feel like a defeat and not a victory.

Exactly. It’s not ‘peace’, it’s certainly not a deal and it’s not a negotiation either. It’s blackmail, extortion and bullying. It’s shameful, one sided and disrespectful to the Ukrainian people who have sacrificed so much for all of the rest of us.

And why did Ukraine start talking about joining NATO? Is Donald really that thick?

Yes

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ [10:06] BREAKING: Zelensky meeting Trump, spokesperson says. (https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-meeting-trump/)
President Volodymyr Zelensky is holding a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelensky's spokesperson told Suspilne, as the two leaders arrived in Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis.

⚡️ Update: Zelensky, Trump conclude their meeting (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-meeting-trump/)in Vatican.

⚡️ Trump adamant about Russia keeping Ukraine's land but flexible on formal Crimea recognition, Times reports. (kyivindependent.com/trump-adamant-about-russia-keeping-ukraines-land-but-flexible-on-formal-crimea-recognition-times-reports/)

Front-line situation not severe enough for Ukraine to be forced to accept Trump's deal, experts say
(https://kyivindependent.com/front-line-situation-not-severe-enough-for-ukraine-to-be-forced-to-accept-trumps-deal-experts-say/)
Russia is waging small-scale assaults across the entire front, but the situation on the battlefield is nowhere near bad enough for Ukraine to be forced into an unfavorable peace deal, military analysts and soldiers told the Kyiv Independent.

Ukraine war latest: High-ranking Russian general killed in car bombing (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-high-ranking-russian-general-killed-in-car-bombing-near-moscow-as-witkoff-meets-with-putin/) near Moscow amid Witkoff-Putin meeting

⚡️Ukraine '3 weeks late' in signing minerals deal (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-3-weeks-late-in-signing-minerals-deal-peace-talks-going-smoothly-trump-says/), peace talks 'going smoothly,' Trump says.

⚡️Ukraine, allies working on security guarantees (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-allies-working-on-security-guarantees-potentially-similar-to-nato-article-5-zelensky-says/) potentially similar to NATO Article 5, Zelensky says.

⚡️ Putin, US envoy Witkoff discuss direct talks with Ukraine, (https://kyivindependent.com/putin-us-envoy-witkoff-discuss-direct-talks-with-ukraine-kremlin-aide-says/) Kremlin aide says.

⚡️Ukraine, Russia 'very close to a deal,' Trump (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-and-russia-very-close-to-a-deal-trump-says/) says.

⚡️Zelensky: Ukraine will only discuss occupied territories after a ceasefire (https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-ukraine-will-only-discuss-occupied-territories-after-a-ceasefire-is-reached/) is reached.

⚡️Ukraine to receive (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-to-receive-over-39-billion-in-budget-support-from-international-partners-this-year-shmyhal-says/) over $39 billion in budget support from international partners this year, Shmyhal says.

⚡️ Full text of US peace proposal at odds with Ukrainian, EU positions, (https://kyivindependent.com/full-text-of-us-peace-proposal-at-odds-with-ukrainian-eu-positions-reuters-reports/) Reuters reports.
Reuters published the full text of a U.S. peace proposal presented by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to European officials in Paris on April 17, offering the clearest look yet at the Trump administration's plan to end Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine.

⚡️ Ukraine, Europe's ceasefire proposal (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-europes-ceasefire-proposal-includes-us-security-guarantees-no-recognition-of-crimea-reuters-reports/) includes US security guarantees, no recognition of Crimea, Reuters reports.
The document demonstrates the diverging viewpoints of the U.S. on one side, and Ukraine and its European allies on the other.

⚡️ 'End policy of appeasement (https://kyivindependent.com/european-foreign-affairs-chairs-urge-trump-to-end-russias-appeasement/)' — European foreign affairs chairs rebuke Trump's Russia stance.

⚡️ CIA confirms (https://kyivindependent.com/cia-confirmed-deputy-directors-son-killed-while-fighting-in-ukraine/) deputy director’s son killed while fighting in Ukraine [FOR RUSSIA!]
The son of a deputy head of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was killed "while fighting in the conflict in Ukraine" in 2024, a CIA spokesperson said on April 25, according to NBC News.
Independent Russian publication Important Stories first reported Michael Gloss's death while fighting on Russia's side.

⚡️ US signals support for Europe's peacekeeping coalition in Ukraine, Telegraph reports. (https://kyivindependent.com/us-signals-support-for-ukraine-peacekeeping-coalition-telegraph-reports/)
The Trump administration has privately indicated its willingness to provide support to a proposed European-led peacekeeping force in Ukraine, the Telegraph reported on April 25, citing undisclosed sources.

⚡️ North Korean missile used in Russia's Kyiv attack contained US components (https://kyivindependent.com/north-korean-missile-used-in-russias-kyiv-attack-contained-us-components-zelensky-says/), Zelensky says.
The North Korean ballistic missile that Russia fired at Kyiv during its April 24 mass strike contained at least 116 components sourced from multiple countries — most of them made by U.S. companies — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 25.

⚡️UNHCR reducing (https://kyivindependent.com/unhcr-reducing-aid-to-displaced-ukrainian-refugees-due-to-major-funding-cuts/) aid to displaced Ukrainian refugees due to major funding cuts.
The suspension affects crucial services like psycho-social support, emergency shelter material, and cash assistance.

⚡️ Possible meeting with Zelensky at Pope Francis' funeral (https://kyivindependent.com/possible-meeting-with-zelensky-at-pope-francis-funeral-in-rome-trump-says/) in Rome, Trump says.

Chornobyl isn’t safe anymore... again (
Chornobyl disaster occurred in the early hours of April 26, 1986, in Soviet Ukraine. Nearly 39 years after the worst nuclear disaster in history, Russia’s brazen attack on the $2 billion New Safe Confinement (the sarcophagus enclosing the destroyed reactor) in February 2025 poses a new potential radioactive danger as engineers race to repair the damage.
The Kyiv Independent’s Kollen Post dives into why the restoration is not as simple as it may seem.

⚡️ Major companies' online services crash (https://kyivindependent.com/major-companies-online-services-crash-in-ukraine-due-to-technical-failures/) in Ukraine over reported technical failures.
Diia, Ukraine's state mobile application for government services, and online services of several major companies are inaccessible due to technical failures, the media reported on April 26.

⚡️ 3 killed, 22 injured in Russian attacks (https://kyivindependent.com/attacks-147/) on Ukraine over past day.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬

⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA - APR 26, 2025
Engagements, casualties & equipment losses stay above the 7-day average
■ Tank, artillery, drone & unarmored vehicle losses well above average
■ 🇷🇺 air strikes stay high but fewer MLRS strikes, improved strike ratio

⚡️ CIA confirms https://kyivindependent.com/cia-confirmed-deputy-directors-son-killed-while-fighting-in-ukraine/ deputy director’s son killed while fighting in Ukraine [FOR RUSSIA!]

Wtf. I mean, just what the living fuck.

UNITED24 Telegram Highlights

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump have agreed to continue bilateral talks after the farewell ceremony for Pope Francis, Sky News reports.
Both leaders are now in St. Peter’s Square, alongside other world leaders who have come to honor Pope Francis. President Zelenskyy was greeted with applause.

During a meeting between Vladimir Putin and U.S. Presidential Special Representative Steve Witkoff, the sides discussed the potential for resuming direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, according to Putin’s adviser Yuri Ushakov.
Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that one possible subject for such negotiations could be Ukraine’s proposal to introduce a moratorium on strikes against civilian targets.

Ukraine continues to insist on receiving security guarantees similar to those the United States provides to Israel, President Zelenskyy said. He emphasized that Ukraine also counts on the support of European partners, including the potential deployment of a military contingent.
According to Zelenskyy, the United States could join these guarantees without deploying troops to Ukraine — by providing support in areas like cyber defense and air defense systems.

The World Bank will provide Ukraine with $70 million to support the stability of the Ukrainian energy system. The agreement was signed in Washington with the Managing Director of the World Bank, Anna Bjerde, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
The funds will be used to purchase energy storage systems by Ukrhydroenergo, which will help create a reserve of electricity and strengthen Ukraine’s energy resilience.
Shmyhal also met with World Bank President Ajay Banga during the Spring Meetings in Washington. They discussed ongoing joint projects, the launch of new programs, and financial support for 2026 to assist in implementing reforms.

Russian drone manufacturer Alabuga plans to increase the recruitment of girls from poor countries by 25 times, according to Bloomberg. This expansion of foreign hiring has prompted Interpol to launch a human trafficking investigation.
Alabuga Start has been running advertising campaigns that promise high salaries and vocational training, specifically targeting countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. These recruitment efforts, along with growing reports of employment scams, have raised red flags internationally.
Interpol’s investigation began in Botswana, where, according to Senior Superintendent Selebatso Mokgosi, the local organizer of promotional events for Alabuga has already been questioned.

A vessel from Russia’s so-called “shadow” fleet has been detained in the internal waters of the Black Sea, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported. The ship was carrying five thousand tons of looted Ukrainian grain taken from the occupied territory of Crimea.
To conceal its role in the smuggling operation, the dry cargo ship was sailing under the flag of an Asian country. However, during a search, Ukrainian investigators discovered documents, navigation equipment, and other physical evidence linking the vessel to the illegal scheme.

And there you have it. Speechless.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Trump and Zelensky had a very productive meeting on sidelines of Pope's funeral — White House

The US has reduced its support for Ukraine in the field of cybersecurity, with some equipment never delivered — Bloomberg

Beyond the headlines, the Kyiv Post newsroom has an obligation to report the reality and uncertainty Ukraine faces.
Here are a few key messages and reminders. (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/51447)

Kyiv Mayor Klitschko (www.kyivpost.com/post/51467) has suggested Ukraine might need to give up some territory to secure a “temporary” peace with Russia.

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry outlined three key positions on the peace plan:
▪️Crimea and all occupied territories are Ukraine. Their loss will never be recognized.
▪️ Ukraine’s Armed Forces and defense industry are not subject to any restrictions.
▪️Ukraine will not accept any veto on its NATO membership.

Ukraine’s military (www.kyivpost.com/post/51430) intelligence says more people inside Russia are ready to resist the Kremlin and carry out acts of “demilitarization” in retaliation for Russia’s war crimes.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇺🇳According to the United Nations, at least 151 Ukrainians were killed and 697 injured by Russian attacks in April.
This marks a 46% increase compared to the same period last year. The rise in casualties is attributed to intensified Russian missile strikes on densely populated cities throughout the month.

NATO Secretary General’s latest annual report, published this week, contains no mention of Ukraine’s future membership in the Alliance or of its “irreversible” path toward joining.
The 2024 report stands in sharp contrast to the 2023 edition, which included references to the Vilnius Declaration, where allies stated that “Ukraine’s future is in NATO” and pledged to support its path toward membership.
This year’s report simply notes that NATO cooperates with 16 partner countries on a bilateral basis and states: “Among these partners, NATO has established dedicated frameworks for relations with Ukraine and Georgia.” [and I actually believed Rutte when he said Ukraine joining NATO was inevitable]

🇺🇸 Legally Russian Crimea, Ukrainian Control Over ZNPP and Occupied Parts of Kharkiv Region — Reuters Publishes the Final U.S. Peace Plan
The news agency has reviewed the text of the American proposals for ending Russia’s war against Ukraine, which were presented to European officials by Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Vitkoff, during negotiations in Paris on April 17. Reuters has published the U.S. demands in full and without changes. You can find the document here.
The United States wants Crimea to be recognized de jure as Russian territory. As for the other Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions, the U.S. proposes to recognize Russia’s de facto control, but not de jure.
In exchange, Ukraine would regain control over the occupied parts of the Kharkiv region, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and the Kakhovka Dam. Ukraine would also be fully rebuilt and receive financial compensation.
At the same time, sanctions imposed on Russia since 2014 “due to this conflict” would be lifted.
This is presented as the final position of the United States for both countries — Ukraine and Russia.

❗️The ballistic missile that struck a residential building in Kyiv contained at least 116 components imported into North Korea from abroad — most of them from American companies.

Russian forces destroyed the “Hospitallers” base during an attack on Pavlohrad.
As a result of the strike with two Shahed drones, three floors of the building were completely burned down along with all the equipment and property. Fortunately, no people or animals were injured.
The Hospitallers are a Ukrainian volunteer medical battalion founded in 2014 at the start of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Comprised primarily of civilian medics, paramedics, and volunteers, the unit provides emergency medical assistance, evacuation, and first aid to wounded soldiers directly on the frontlines.

❗️Overnight, Russian forces attacked Kamianske in the Dnipropetrovsk region with drones. A man was killed.
Four others were injured, including an 11-year-old girl. Three apartment buildings and several cars were damaged.

Son of CIA Deputy Director Killed in Ukraine Fighting for Russia
Michael Gloss, the son of a CIA deputy director and a U.S. Navy veteran, was killed in Ukraine while fighting for Russia.
A pacifist with a tattoo of the peace symbol, Gloss had supported women’s rights, climate activism, and anti-war protests. He once dreamed of traveling the world to help save it.
In 2023, he joined the anti-war Rainbow Family movement, lived in hippie camps, expressed solidarity with Palestine, and became increasingly drawn to conspiracy theories — as well as Russian propaganda. Eventually, he obtained a Russian visa, moved to Russia, and after it expired, signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Gloss said he wanted Russian citizenship to travel across Africa and pursue an environmental project focused on microplastics. But in late 2023, he was sent to fight in Ukraine.
Michael Gloss was killed in Donetsk Oblast in April 2024. He was buried in the United States.

Yes @Mb76 i think we can safely say the orange man is a moron. Unfortunately those around him are decidedly not morons just evil fuckers.

The Gloss appointment and son's death wasn't under Trump's watch btw. It was under Biden's. The timescale between the appointment and his death are so close that it is crazy that she was ever appointed.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/25/michael-alexander-gloss-cia-russia

Michael Alexander Gloss, 21, died on 4 April 2024 in “Eastern Europe”, according to an obituary published by his family. He was the son of Juliane Gallina, who was appointed the deputy director for digital innovation at the Central Intelligence Agency in February 2024.

I have a similar feeling

Trump now saying he thinks Putin may be stringing him along. Worrying that it’s taken him this long to figure that out.