Ukraine Invasion: Part 56

[MagicFox]

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

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https://bsky.app/profile/wartranslated.bsky.social/post/3lnsci7za7s2b

Meanwhile, Solovyov is floating the idea of teaming up with the U.S. to launch a strike on Europe, supposedly to "knock some sense into them." So, according to the Russian propagandist, Europe has the audacity to defend Ukraine’s territorial integrity and international law.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-26-2025

Key Takeaways:

• Russian Chief of the General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov claimed on April 26 that Russian forces pushed all Ukrainian forces from Kursk Oblast.
• Ukraine's August 2024 incursion into Kursk Oblast successfully pinned some Russian combat power, including elite airborne (VDV) and naval infantry units, but its long-term effects remain unclear at this time.
• Gerasimov made the first official Russian acknowledgment of North Korean troop participation in Russian operations in Kursk Oblast by thanking North Korean servicemembers for their assistance in Russian efforts to push Ukrainian forces out of the region.
• US President Donald Trump stated that the United States is no longer pursuing a concrete deadline for achieving a resolution to the war in Ukraine — a departure from the administration’s previously stated goal of ending the war within its first 100 days.
• Russia is likely preparing to systematically integrate motorcycle usage into offensive operations in Ukraine for Summer and Fall 2025, likely to offset adept Ukrainian drone capabilities.
• Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Pokrovsk. Russian forces recently advanced near Novopavlivka, Kurkakhove, and Velyka Novosilka.

Yes, we are scraping the barrel

Live:Ukraine

❗️Senator Lindsey Graham stated that the U.S. Senate is ready to impose new sanctions against Russia if Putin does not agree to peace.

A bipartisan bill has already been prepared, which envisions additional tariffs on countries that purchase Russian oil, gas, and uranium.

🔹 Polish President Andrzej Duda, commenting on the meeting between Trump and Zelensky at Pope Francis’ funeral, expressed hope that the “special spirit” would inspire “new ideas” for ending the war unleashed by Russia.

He also added that the swiftest possible end to the war is in the interest of Poland and the Polish people.

🔸 European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius stated that denying Ukraine NATO membership would only make it easier for Russia to plan its future aggressive actions.

According to the Commissioner, Russia demands that Ukraine not be granted NATO membership not because it fears an attack from Alliance territory.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the upcoming week “critical” in determining whether the United States should continue participating in the peace process.

He added that “there are reasons for optimism, but certainly also reasons for realism. We are close, but not close enough.”

🇲🇹 Malta sold “golden” passports to Russians involved in the war against Ukraine, Financial Times has found.

This concerns seven Russians who obtained Maltese citizenship and were later sanctioned by the U.S., EU, or Ukraine over Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Among them is Russian businessman Albert Avdolyan, who is under EU sanctions but can partly bypass the entry ban to the EU thanks to a Maltese passport he acquired through a “golden visa” scheme in 2015. Sanctions against him note that he is “closely connected” to Russia’s state-owned arms giant Rostec.

Another holder of such a passport is Russian citizen Yevgenia Bernova, whom the U.S. suspects of “fraudulently procuring dual-use equipment” that Russia could use for military purposes.

🇨🇿🇺🇦This year, Ukraine has received 400,000 rounds of ammunition under the “Czech initiative,” according to Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová.

When asked whether more ammunition would be delivered under the initiative this year compared to last year, Černochová said she did not want to tie herself to specific figures.

“We will deliver as much ammunition as we can find around the world. And we still have sufficient resources — currently about one and a half million more rounds,” she noted.

🔹 Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, occupied by Russian forces, is supposedly “in safe hands” and dismissed the possibility of any changes in the plant’s management.

When asked if this meant rejecting the U.S. proposal for international control over the plant, Lavrov responded: “I don’t think any changes are possible.”

🇺🇸 The U.S. State Department has responded to North Korea’s admission of its participation in the war against Ukraine.

Washington called on Pyongyang to halt the deployment of its troops in Russia and urged Moscow to stop supporting North Korea.

The State Department expressed concern over the direct involvement of North Korean forces in the war and stated that it holds North Korea responsible for its military actions.

💥 A massive drone attack targeted Russia’s Bryansk region, with reports of one person killed.

Local channels claim that the strike hit the “Kremniy EL” microelectronics plant in Bryansk — a facility producing chips for Pantsir air defense systems, Iskander missiles, radar systems, electronic warfare equipment, and Russian drones.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense reports allegedly shooting down 102 drones over the Bryansk region.

🔸 Trump said that his meeting with Zelensky before the Pope’s funeral was “good.”

“I think the meeting went well. We’ll see what happens over the next few days,” the U.S. president said.

According to him, Zelensky now seems “calmer,” understands the situation, and wants to make a deal. Trump believes Zelensky is ready to give up Crimea.

The U.S. president also said he is “disappointed” by Russia’s missile strikes on Ukraine.

North Korea has for the first time confirmed that it sent troops to fight for Russia against Ukraine.

In a report on state news agency KCNA, Pyongyang's military claimed its soldiers helped Russian forces "completely liberate" the Kursk border region, according to an order given by leader Kim Jong Un.

Pyongyang's announcement comes just days after Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov praised the "heroism" of North Korean troops, the first time Moscow has publicly acknowledged their involvement.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg25wxvpy2o

United 24 Media:

❗️ McDonald’s denied rumors about returning to Russia.

It began when Russian media reported that the company filed several trademark re-registration applications in Russia at the end of 2024.

McDonald’s explained it acted to stop Russian businesses from using its trademarks.

“Our position is clear and unchanged,” the company said.

🔹 British intelligence reveals how Russia is recruiting foreigners for its war against Ukraine.

The latest review focuses on how Russia is bringing foreigners into its armed forces to fight in Ukraine.

According to a study by independent Russian media outlet Vazhnye istorii, more than 1,500 foreign nationals were recruited in Moscow between April 2023 and the end of May 2024.

Most volunteers came from South and East Asia (771 people), followed by former Soviet republics (523 people) and Africa (72 people).

The intelligence notes that the recruitment of foreigners is largely unsystematic.

🔸 Malta allegedly sold EU passports to Russians on sanctions lists — The Financial Times.

At least seven Russian businessmen and officials under EU, US, or Ukrainian sanctions obtained Maltese passports through a “golden visa” scheme that allows them to bypass entry bans, according to leaked documents and official figures.

These passport holders are part of a larger group of 16 people who bought Maltese citizenship despite being politically exposed individuals or later being added to sanctions lists or convicted of crimes.

Malta is the last EU country still selling citizenship for money, angering the European Commission, which has taken the country to the European Court of Justice. The EC argues the scheme “undermines both the essence and integrity of EU citizenship.” The court is expected to rule on the case on Tuesday.

🔹 Russia is ready for some concessions on Ukraine and seeks a balance of interests, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

He also voiced the following positions:

▫️ Russia has not received proposals from the US to lift sanctions, but Washington is interested in doing business together.

▫️ Russia is not negotiating the ownership of Crimea or its territorial integrity.

▫️ If necessary, Russia will explain to the US that the Zaporizhzhia NPP is in good hands and changes in its control are impossible.

🔸 President Zelenskyy said that Russia is trying to deceive the US and other countries and prolong the war against Ukraine, as no real preparations for calm by Russia have been recorded.

He also noted that Ukrainian forces continue their operations in the Kursk and Belgorod regions and maintain their presence on Russian territory.

🔹 Ukraine is proposing that the United States introduce a special duty on imports of Russian goods, with the funds going to the Ukrainian recovery fund, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said.

“This is an economic mechanism for reparations, which allows us to act without waiting for political changes in Russia,” he said.

🔸 Russia is preparing a new army near NATO borders, reports The Wall Street Journal.

In the city of Petrozavodsk, about 100 miles from Finland, Russia is expanding bases to create a new army command that will oversee tens of thousands of troops in the coming years. Western analysts and intelligence officials believe the force is preparing for war with NATO.

Kyiv Independent

⚡️ Russian assault groups continue attempts to enter Sumy Oblast, Ukraine's border guard says.

The situation in the Sumy Oblast remains "challenging," State Border Guard spokesperson Andrii Demchenko said.

🔹 Trump has chance to become 'greatest president in US history,’ Ukrainian lawmaker says

Donald Trump has the chance to become the "greatest president in U.S. history" if he follows the "iconic" examples of previous incumbents such as John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan, a Ukrainian lawmaker has told the Kyiv Independent.

"He wants to be great, and he wants to be remembered in history as a great president. And for him, Ukraine is his chance," Oleksandr Merezhko, chair of the parliament's foreign affairs committee, said. [Wishful Thinking!]

🔸 Ukraine, Europe's hopes rise for 'just peace' after Trump meets Zelensky at Vatican

The April 26 meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump at the Vatican has raised hopes among Ukraine and its European allies that a just end to Russia's full-scale invasion can still be achieved.

The White House described the meeting as a "very productive discussion," while Zelensky also called it a "good meeting," noting that they discussed "a lot one-on-one."

⚡️ Russian commander contradicts Kremlin, admits Ukrainian forces still fighting in Kursk Oblast.

Ukraine also earlier denied the Kremlin's claim, saying that the statements "do not correspond to reality."

🔹 Ukraine war latest: Ukraine, Europe's ceasefire proposal includes US security guarantees, no recognition of Crimea, Reuters reports

Ukraine, Europe's ceasefire proposal includes "robust security guarantees" including from Washington, Reuters reported; Next week could be critical in deciding future U.S. involvement in Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said; and more.

⚡️Prior US aid to Ukraine not included in minerals deal, PM Shmyhal says.

"It has been agreed that the document does not count the assistance provided before its signing," Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on April 27, following talks on the minerals deal in Washington.

⚡️Russia wants to 'deceive America,' 'drag out war,' Zelensky says.

"Since March 11, when America proposed a complete and unconditional ceasefire at talks in Saudi Arabia, the Russians have used almost 8,500 aerial bombs, almost 200 missiles of various types, and almost 3,000 Shaheds," Zelensky said on April 27.

⚡️Schumer criticizes Trump’s handling of Russia-Ukraine war, warns of risk to US alliances.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s handling of the Russia-Ukraine war, warning that it risks damaging America’s European alliances.

⚡️Trump urges Putin to 'stop shooting, sit down and sign a deal' to end Ukraine war.

U.S. President Donald Trump on April 27 voiced frustration with Russia and urged President Vladimir Putin to stop attacks: "I was very disappointed that missiles were flying, [fired] by Russia."

⚡️Ukraine recorded the world's highest military burden in 2024, think tank reports.

Ukraine’s military spending grew by 2.9% in 2024 to reach $64.7 billion, roughly 43% of Russia’s total expenditure, according to a report released on April 28 by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

⚡️Trump says he believes Zelensky is ready to give up Crimea to Russia.

When asked on April 27 whether he thought Volodymyr Zelensky was willing to cede the peninsula, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014, Donald Trump responded: "I think so."

⚡️ Kyiv's Special Forces report raid on Russian positions in Kursk Oblast, dispute Moscow's claim of recapture.

Ukrainian special forces from the 73rd Naval Special Operations Center conducted a raid on Russian positions in Kursk Oblast, capturing two Russian soldiers, the Special Operations Forces' press service reported on April 27.

During the operation, a unit from Russia’s 810th Marine Brigade was targeted and destroyed, the Ukrainian military claims.

⚡️ Czech initiative delivers another 400,000 shells to Ukraine, Prague says.

The Czech ammunition initiative had delivered another 400,000 high-caliber rounds to Ukraine as of the end of April, Czech Defense Minister Jana Cernochova said on April 27.

Cernochova reiterated that the initiative already supplied 1.5 million rounds of various calibers in 2024 and has enough funds to continue until this fall.

⚡️ US, South Korea denounce North Korea's admission of Russia-Ukraine war involvement.

The U.S. and South Korea on April 28 denounced North Korea's acknowledgment of sending its troops to aid Russia in the war against Ukraine, with Seoul calling it an "admission of criminal act."

The statements come as both Moscow and Pyongyang admitted for the first time that North Korean soldiers were dispatched to fight alongside Russia in Kursk Oblast, with Russian President Vladimir Putin lauding them as "heroes."

⚡️ Trump’s demands for Ukrainian territorial concessions go too far, Germany’s defense minister says.

Germany will continue to support Ukraine with military aid even if the U.S. cuts back its assistance, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said.

🔹 These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of April 28, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Kyiv Post

🔹 Moscow is waiting for a signal from Kyiv to resume direct negotiations — Putin’s spokesman Peskov

@notimagain, you are correct, Johnson would be next in line for the presidency if both Trump and Vance were unable to serve. To his credit, he did change his mind about Ukraine and moved the stalled aid bill along last year.

Russia is expanding its military presence along its border with Europe. It's telling that these scarce resources aren't going to Ukraine. I suspect this is in part a reaction to the decision on the part of some European nations to rearm.

The Russian Military Moves That Have Europe on Edge - Putin is expanding bases and preparing to move more troops to European border regions far from Ukraine; ‘we’re expecting some conflict with NATO’

“The Russian military is reconstituting and growing at a faster rate than most analysts had anticipated,” Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. forces in Europe, told a Senate committee this month. “In fact, the Russian army, which has borne the brunt of combat, is today larger than it was at the beginning of the war.”

In a February report, the Danish intelligence agency warned that Russia could launch a large-scale war in Europe within five years if it perceived NATO to be weak. A cease-fire in Ukraine would allow Russia’s military to be ready even faster, Western military officials warn.

Some NATO nations are fortifying their borders against tanks, digging trenches and installing pyramid-shaped obstacles known as dragon’s teeth. Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have withdrawn from an international treaty banning antipersonnel mines.

What's also concerning is that while degraded in many important ways, the Russian army has significant combat experience from the war in Ukraine. It's good to see that the European nations most at risk recognize the threat and are taking steps to counter it.

Apologies I may have missed this being covered but in case anyone else missed it. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq80g3zlvdvo.amp

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-28-2025
Key Takeaways:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin announced another unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine – this time in honor of a major Soviet and Russian military holiday, while continuing to reject the March 2025 US-Ukrainian 30-day general ceasefire proposal. Putin continues to refuse any ceasefire other than on terms that advantage his war effort.
• Putin is leveraging unilateral ceasefires to achieve informational and battlefield advantages in Ukraine, counter to US President Donald Trump's goal of using a general ceasefire as a stepping stone towards an enduring and sustainable peace agreement in Ukraine.
• Ukraine – in contrast to Russia – continues to demonstrate its support for Trump's desired full, permanent ceasefire.
• The Kremlin continues attempts to hold legitimate ceasefire negotiations hostage in order to secure additional concessions from Ukraine and the United States.
• Lavrov reiterated on April 28 Russia's longstanding demands for Ukraine's surrender and concessions from the West, as Russia continues to offer no concessions of its own.
• Russian and North Korean officials touted the success of their joint military operations in Kursk Oblast in order to highlight the international community's inability to deter Russian efforts to involve its allies directly in Russia's war against Ukraine, as the Kremlin pledged to offer North Korea reciprocal active military support.
• Russia is reportedly expanding its military infrastructure along its border with Finland and stockpiling new tanks, likely in preparation for future aggression against NATO.
• Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová announced on April 27 that the Czech Ammunition Initiative will have delivered another 400,000 rounds of large-caliber artillery ammunition to Ukraine by April 30.
• Russian forces recently advanced in Sumy Oblast and near Kupyansk, Siversk, Toretsk, and Novopavlivka.

Thank fuck. Carney is in. One light in what seems to be a growing dark.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Transfer of Abrams tanks (https://kyivindependent.com/transfer-of-abrams-tanks-from-australia-to-ukraine-stalled-due-to-us-resistance-media-reports/) from Australia to Ukraine stalled due to US resistance, media reports.
The U.S. has not granted the necessary formal permission to allow the transfer of Australia's retired tanks to another country, Australian defense officials told the ABC.

⚡️'Trump wants to see a permanent ceasefire first' — White House reacts (https://kyivindependent.com/putin-announces-truce-on-victory-days-80th-anniversary/) to Putin's Victory Day truce.

⚡️Ukraine's allies will 'increase pressure (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-allies-will-increase-pressure-on-russia-in-coming-days-macron-says/) on Russia' in coming days, Macron says.

⚡️'I think that nation will be crushed (https://kyivindependent.com/i-think-that-nation-will-be-crushed-very-shortly-trump-says-hes-saving-ukraine/) very shortly' — Trump says he's 'saving' Ukraine.

"I think I'm saving that nation ... I think I'm doing a great service to Ukraine," Trump told the Atlantic, while refusing to promise to send military aid to Kyiv.

⚡️Rubio spoke with Lavrov, urged (https://kyivindependent.com/rubio-spoke-with-lavrov-urged-for-russias-war-to-end-immediately-state-department-says/) Russia to end war immediately, State Department says.

⚡️ Europe, Kyiv worry Trump prepares (https://kyivindependent.com/europe-kyiv-worry-trump-readies-to-exit-ukraine-peace-efforts-ft-reports/) to exit Ukraine peace efforts, FT reports.

⚡️Ukrainian drones reportedly target (https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-target-ryazan-nizhny-novgorod-oblasts-in-russia/) Ryazan, Nizhny Novgorod oblasts in Russia.

⚡️Germany's incoming diplomacy chief pledges (https://kyivindependent.com/germany-to-continue-support-ukraine-incoming-fm-says/) continued support for Ukraine.
"I think it must be clear for everybody... especially for (Russian President) Vladimir Putin, that we will stand with Ukraine. We will support Ukraine and... offer Ukraine the opportunity to be on level with Russia," German Foreign Minister-designate Johann Wadephul said.

⚡️ Russian state media releases alleged footage (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-media-publishes-first-video-of-north-korean-troops/) of North Korean troops in Russia for the first time.
The Russian state news agency TASS published a video on April 28 that purports to show North Korean troops who fought alongside Russian forces in Kursk Oblast training in Russia.

⚡️Zelensky slams (https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-slams-putins-3-day-truce-proposal-as-manipulation-reiterates-calls-for-30-day-unconditional-ceasefire/) Putin's 3-day truce proposal as 'manipulation,' reiterates calls for 30-day unconditional ceasefire.

⚡️Over 95% of drones used at front line made (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-uses-over-95-of-domestically-made-drones-at-front-line-defense-ministry-says/) in Ukraine, defense ministry says.
"We have made a breakthrough in the unmanned systems sector," Deputy Defense Minister Valerii Churkin said.

⚡️Ukraine launches (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-launches-marketplace-for-military-to-buy-weapons/) marketplace for military to buy weapons.
Ukraine has launched Brave1 Market, an online marketplace with the latest technologies for the Ukrainian military, Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced on April 28 during the Defense Tech Era conference.

⚡️Ukrainian oil and gas giant Naftogaz elects (https://kyivindependent.com/head-of-ukrnafta-ukrtatnafta-koretskyi-becomes-chairman-of-board-of-naftogaz-media-reports/) new head, media reports.

⚡️Ukraine offers assistance (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-offers-assistance-as-spain-recovers-from-massive-blackouts/) as Spain, Portugal recover from blackouts.
"Over the years of war and Russian attacks on our energy system, Ukraine has gained significant experience in overcoming any energy challenges, including blackouts," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

⚡️ 8 killed, 24 injured in Russian attacks (https://kyivindependent.com/attacks-149/) on Ukraine over past day.
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 37 of the 100 attack and decoy drone

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA - APR 29, 2025
■ Engagements up but fewer casualties
■ Drone losses down but armored & unarmored vehicles above average
■ Visually confirmed: 21 🇷🇺 24 🇺🇦 (0.9x) - 30-day ratio 1.5x
■ Improved strike ratio; 🇷🇺 MLRS strikes below average

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

In photos: Russia is building its military bases 160 km from the NATO border near Finland, reports WSJ.
In the city of Petrozavodsk, Russia is building a new army headquarters, modernizing barracks, and railway lines. The plan is to place several divisions of 10,000 soldiers at these bases.
Russia is also building railways on the border with Finland and Norway and from St. Petersburg to Estonia. Recently, a train carrying the latest 152-mm self-propelled guns “Malva” was spotted in Petrozavodsk.

❗️Parts of Europe were left without electricity — power suddenly went out in Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and France, reports La Vanguardia.
The metro in Lisbon was stopped. Telecommunications networks and transport were also disrupted.
The reasons are still being clarified.

Germany will continue to provide military assistance to Ukraine, remaining its largest supporter in Europe, while also strengthening its armed forces and investments in the German defense industry, said German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at NATO headquarters in Brussels during celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of Germany’s accession to NATO.

Russia’s economy has stalled, reports The Economist.
Economic growth has fallen from 5% to zero since the end of last year, according to data from Goldman Sachs and Russia’s VEB. The Central Bank also recorded a drop in demand in several sectors.
Reasons for the decline:
▫️ Completion of the transformation of the economy into a military one, which stopped large investments.
▫️ High inflation due to military spending and labor shortages.
▫️ Falling oil prices, which hit the stock market and the Russian budget.

With the increase in the EU defense budget, Irish high-tech companies have seen a rise in orders for the development of dual-use technologies, reports the Financial Times.
This mainly concerns artificial intelligence, surveillance systems, and object detection.
The rapid growth of the Irish market for dual-use technologies has two reasons.
First, US statements that it may not necessarily defend its allies in Europe in the event of a military threat.
Second, Ireland’s military neutrality and favorable tax policy, which attracted the world’s largest technology companies.
New opportunities have opened for Irish companies in radar, artificial intelligence, and surveillance technologies, making them priority contenders for developing large EU budgets in this sector.

Spain’s Ministry of Internal Affairs decided to declare a state of emergency after the power cut, reports Reuters.
In Spain, a loss of external power supply has been recorded at all nuclear power plants, with all power units shut down in normal mode, reports Energoatom citing the National Regulator of Spain (CSN).
“The Spanish regulator promptly activated crisis protocols, and international organizations have been informed. Diesel generators are operating properly, supporting critical safety systems. Reactor cooling continues stably, and all nuclear safety requirements have been met.
The incident once again highlights the critical situation at the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP.
At the Zaporizhzhia NPP, the threat is much higher: the plant currently has only two communication lines with the power grid, as the others were damaged during the Russian occupation.
Failures of these lines with blackout events have already occurred eight times during the occupation. Maintenance is not carried out properly, and qualified Ukrainian personnel have been replaced by uncertified staff of low competence.
In the event of a loss of external power supply to the Zaporizhzhia NPP, there is a real risk of failure of safety systems.
This situation once again confirms that the prolonged occupation of the Zaporizhzhia NPP by Russian troops poses risks to the nuclear and radiation safety of all of Europe.”

Russia continues to lose ground in the global arms market: India has chosen to purchase French Rafale fighter jets for $7.4 billion instead of Russian MiGs, according to Bloomberg.
India’s Defense Ministry has signed a contract for 26 aircraft. The deal also includes maintenance support for 36 Rafale jets purchased nine years ago.
The new French fighters will be stationed on the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier, with New Delhi planning to gradually replace its aging fleet of Russian MiG-29s.
India plans to invest $100 billion in modernizing its military. As part of this effort, it has decided to abandon major new arms deals with Russia, including those for Kamov helicopters and Sukhoi fighter jets.
India was once Rosoboronexport’s largest client, accounting for 20% of its orders and remaining the top buyer of Russian weapons since Soviet times.
However, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Russia’s share of India’s arms imports dropped from 72% in 2010–2014 to 36% in 2020–2024.

Rats, I forgot ...

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Australia is reportedly holding back the promised M1A1 Abrams tanks for Ukraine because the US has refused to greenlight their export — ABC
"We are starting to doubt if the Ukrainians actually want these vehicles – the tank roof is the weakest point of the Abrams and this is a drone war," an unnamed defence official said.

Russian missile parts (www.kyivpost.com/post/51609) plant ablaze after massive drone blitz.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

❗️🇺🇸 Trump is “increasingly frustrated with the leaders of both countries [Ukraine and Russia],” said the White House press secretary following Putin’s announcement of a so-called ceasefire for the Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation.
According to Karoline Leavitt, the U.S. president has made it clear that he wants to see a permanent ceasefire in Ukraine, not just temporary pauses in hostilities.

🇩🇪The names of the first ministers in Germany’s new government have been announced.
Johann Wadephul will take the post of Foreign Minister. He has supported allowing Ukraine to use German weapons on Russian territory and has repeatedly called for increasing aid to Ukraine.
Katherina Reiche will head the Ministry of Economy, while Patrick Schneider will become the Minister of Transport. Carsten Wildberger will lead the newly established Ministry of Digitalization and State Modernization.

Pokrovsk
Russia cannot capture it, so it methodically destroys it, turning it into yet another graveyard.

A bipartisan bill has already been prepared, which envisions additional tariffs on countries that purchase Russian oil, gas, and uranium.

This is another thing which should have been done years ago. So much oil has been sold via Georgia to evade sanctions.

Phew.

This may be one of the few good results of Trump's rhetoric.

Yep, Canada has never been so united.

It’s still looking like a minority government though so not as united as we might have hoped for unfortunately.

The political winds seem to be shifting inside the Republican party.

‘Time to Treat Putin Like the War Criminal That He Is’ – Another US Republican Takes Aim at Kremlin - Seeing leeway given by Trump, another conservative senator comes out and blasts the Kremlin leader for killing children and bombing civilians, leaving a “trail of broken promises.”

Senator Wicker is a very important figure in the Republican political establishment. He's also ex-military.

Putin embarrassed Trump with the recent missile attacks on civilian targets while Trump was trying to get a cease fire agreed to, so it's now acceptable in Republican circles to point out the obvious.

This is important because the sooner Trump accepts that he can't sweet talk Putin to the peace table, the sooner he'll start trying to actually pressure him to make peace, or wash his hands of the whole matter. That wouldn't be a bad outcome, as it would free pro-Ukraine Republicans to work with Democrats to restart military aid to Ukraine.

I was thinking in terms of Quebec separatism etc.

Can we look forward to "Putin? Never met the guy. Don't know who he is."

Not impossible, but Trump would be more likely to ignore the question or change the subject. He is, after all, a politician. 😀