Ukraine Invasion: Part 56

[MagicFox]

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

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Sorry link.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c74nxrr7mwkt

Reading between the not so subtle lines the Russians came in with a list of completely unreasonable demands and it was a virtual non-starter. Can’t say I’m particularly shocked.

Yep, spot on @Igotjelly.

Ah that makes sense. Was wondering how AI was getting wedged in there, like everywhere else

To give you an example of how valuable this is, the locations of Russian ammunition storage locations are often found by AI analyzing the movement of Russian trucks from railheads to warehouses or other structures. The location of headquarter units and command posts are often revealed by analysis of movement patterns of other vehicles.

One of the many conditions the Russians want imposed before agreeing to a cease fire is that the US must stop sharing this type of intelligence with Ukraine.

Oh right, that is a very useful tool then!

Nor me… Putin is literally dragging his feet. He doesn’t want peace. And bullying Zelenskyy, one of this is new of course but they are now so far removed from reality, putin and Russia can’t see how the world sees them. Or maybe they don’t care.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Istanbul ended (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-russia-peace-talks-in-istanbul-reportedly-end-after-nearly-an-hour/) less than two hours after starting.

⚡️Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul end, Moscow demands Kyiv withdraw from 4 regions, no ceasefire agreement. (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-russia-peace-talks-in-istanbul-reportedly-end-after-nearly-an-hour/)
"Trump still hopes something can be done," a source in the President’s Office told the Kyiv Independent, adding that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Keith Kellogg see the situation "as it is."

⚡️ Ukraine, Russia agree to hold follow-up meeting (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-russia-agree-to-hold-follow-up-talks-after-istanbul-peace-talks-turkish-fm-says/) after Istanbul peace talks, Turkish FM says.

⚡️NATO set to agree on 5% GDP defense spending (kyivindependent.com/nato-countries-set-to-agree-on-5-defense-spending-goal-over-next-decade-by-june-summit-rubio-says/), Rubio says.
"We are headed for a summit in six weeks in which virtually every member of NATO will be at or above 2%, but more importantly, many of them will be over 4% and all will have agreed on a goal of reaching 5% over the next decade," U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

⚡️ Putin appoints general who led Mariupol assault (kyivindependent.com/putin-appoints-general-who-led-mariupol-assault-as-new-russian-ground-forces-commander/) as new Russian Ground Forces Commander.
Under Andrey Mordvichev’s command, Russian troops committed atrocities against both civilians and the Ukrainian military, Ukraine has said.

⚡️ Zelensky, European leaders speak (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-eu-leaders-speak-with-trump-following-istanbul-talks/) with Trump, call for pressure on Russia following Istanbul peace talks.

⚡️ 'We have to increase the pressure' — Von der Leyen vows new Russia sanctions (kyivindependent.com/we-have-to-increase-the-pressure-von-der-leyen-vows-sanctions/) after Putin skips peace talks.

⚡️European summit in Albania to focus (kyivindependent.com/european-summit-in-albania-to-focus-on-tougher-sanctions-against-russia-politico-reports/) on tougher sanctions against Russia, Politico reports.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the next set of EU sanctions will target Nord Stream, more "shadow fleet" listings, a lower oil price cap, and new measures targeting Russian and third-country banks aiding the war effort, according to the Kyiv Independent reporter.

⚡️Trump says he's returning to US, expects (kyivindependent.com/trump-returns-to-washington-expects-to-meet-putin-soon/) to meet Putin 'as soon as we can set it up'.
"I think it’s time for us to just do it," U.S. Presidnet Donald Trump said in Abu Dhabi, adding that the meeting between the two would happen "as soon as we can set it up."

⚡️As Russia sticks to hardline demands during peace talks, Europe frustrated (kyivindependent.com/as-russia-sticks-to-hardline-demands-during-peace-talks-europe-frustrated-with-trumps-swerves-bloomberg-reports/) with Trump’s swerves, Bloomberg reports.

⚡️'This is turkey time' — Trump vows sanctions on Moscow (kyivindependent.com/this-is-turkey-time-trump-vows-sanctions-on-moscow-if-peace-talks-fail-says-putin-is-tired-of-war/) if peace talks fail, says Putin is 'tired' of war.

⚡️US to begin talks on troop reductions (kyivindependent.com/us-to-begin-talks-on-troop-reductions-in-europe-later-this-year-nato-envoy-says/) in Europe later this year, America’s NATO envoy says.
"It’s more than 30 years of U.S. desire (to reduce troops in Europe), President Trump just said, enough, this is going to happen and it’s going to happen now," U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said.

⚡️Ukrainian drones strike Russian ammunition depot (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-strike-russian-ammunition-depot-in-occupied-crimea-source-says/) in occupied Crimea, source says.
The depot, located near a key highway between Simferopol and Alushta, reportedly housed military equipment, ammunition, and fuel storage facilities.
Residents reportedly described thick smoke over the military compound.

⚡️Russian economic growth slowing (kyivindependent.com/russian-economic-growth-slowing-down-rosstat-reports/) down, Rosstat reports.
Russia's economy is slowing down, according to governmental statistics agency Rosstat. GDP only grew by 1.4% in the first quarter of 2025 – a notable decline from 4.5% growth in the previous quarter and 5.4% in the same period last year.

⚡️ Syria reportedly (kyivindependent.com/syria-reportedly-ends-currency-printing-deal-with-russia-eyes-uae-germany-for-new-banknotes/) ends currency printing deal with Russia, eyes UAE, Germany for new banknotes.
As sanctions against Syria ease, the new leadership is seeking deeper ties with Arab and Western countries, ending its reliance on Moscow.

⚡️ Russia, Ukraine agree on 1,000-for-1,000 POW exchange (kyivindependent.com/russia-ukraine-agree-on-1-000-for-1-000-pow-exchange-in-istanbul-umerov-says/) in Istanbul, Umerov says.

⚡️ 'It was my duty to step down' — Former US Ambassador to Ukraine confirms (https://kyivindependent.com/it-was-my-duty-to-step-down-former-us-ambassador-to-ukraine-confirms-resignation-over-trumps-policy/) resignation over Trump's policy.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, who held the role since 2022, accused the Trump administration of prioritizing pressure on Ukraine, the victim of Russia's full-scale invasion, rather than confronting the Kremlin.

'Putin is laughing at Trump' — Ukraine in disbelief as Russia makes a mockery of US-led ceasefire attempts (https://kyivindependent.com/putin-is-laughing-at-trump-ukraine-in-disbelief-as-russia-makes-a-mockery-of-u-s-led-ceasefire-attempts/)

⚡️Ukraine brings back (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-retrieves-bodies-of-909-fallen-soldiers-2/) bodies of 909 fallen soldiers.
The bodies of soldiers were recovered from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts as well as from morgues in Russia.

⚡️Polish PM Tusk blames Russian hackers (kyivindependent.com/polands-tusk-blames-russian-hackers-for-cyberattacks-on-coalition-ahead-of-election/) for cyberattacks ahead of presidential election.

⚡️Russian drone strike on civilian bus in Sumy kills 9 (kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-strike-on-civilian-bus-in-sumy-kills-8-injures-5/), injures 4.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 6m
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA – MAY 17, 2025
■ Fewest engagements this month & casualties dip below 1k
■ Relatively few land-based equipment losses but drone interceptions well above average
■ 🇷🇺 shelling & MLRS strikes remain above average but few air strikes

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Trump intends to discuss the results of the talks with Moscow in the coming hours or days to clarify the situation and try to move forward, — Macron.

World leaders react to today’s talks in Türkiye
🇬🇧 Keir Starmer reaffirmed full support for Ukraine and called Russia’s stance in the talks unacceptable. He said Putin is trying to stall the ceasefire, and London will not allow this.
🇫🇷 Emmanuel Macron stated that Russia ignored reasonable demands from the US, Ukraine, and Europe, giving no answer on the ceasefire and offering no commitment to real agreements.
🇵🇱 Donald Tusk accused Russia of disrupting the talks, pointing out that the Kremlin rejected dialogue involving the United States and again put forward unacceptable terms.
🇮🇹 Giorgia Meloni said it’s now clear who truly wants peace and who does not. She underscored the need for a ceasefire and security guarantees for Ukraine.
🇩🇪 Friedrich Merz criticized Russia for the lack of progress and stressed that Moscow bears full responsibility for the failure of the initiative.

Zelenskyy: Meaningful conversation with Swedish PM on Istanbul talks and joint steps

On the sidelines of the European Political Community summit, leaders of the “coalition of the willing” countries held a meeting amid negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation in Istanbul. The photo was shared on Telegram by the head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak.

Foreign Minister Sybiha and EU foreign policy chief Kallas agreed on the need to increase pressure on Moscow following the talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Türkiye.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense unveils Avengers AI tech: detects enemy targets in 2.2 seconds
The Ministry of Defense has introduced the Avengers artificial intelligence technology, capable of identifying enemy targets in just 2.2 seconds.
The AI platform is already integrated into the Vezha streaming module of the DELTA combat system. It can automatically detect up to 70% of enemy equipment in video streams.

Ukraine unveils compact laser turret “SlimBeam” to counter drones
Ukrainian engineers have developed the “SlimBeam” laser turret, designed to neutralize drones at distances of up to 1 km.
Key specifications:
• Wavelength: 1080 nm
• Power: 1,500 W
• Effective range: 20–800 m
• Blinding range: up to 2 km
• Operating time: 30 minutes
• Weight: 50 kg
The turret is capable of disabling or blinding drones with high precision and speed.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

During the talks in Istanbul, Russia put forward unrealistic and unacceptable demands, (www.kyivpost.com/post/52802) including the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from their own territory as a condition for a ceasefire.

A meeting between Putin and Zelensky is possible — Kremlin spokesman Peskov

“I had a rough talk with Zelensky. He’s not making it easy — never had the cards,”Trump said when asked if Putin is an obstacle to peace.

Pope Leo XIV has proposed to host peace talks between Ukraine and Russia at the Vatican.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

❗️“Russia is ready to fight forever.” These words are attributed to Putin’s aide Vladimir Medinsky during the negotiations, according to The Economist correspondent Oliver Carroll, citing sources.
“We don’t want war, but we are ready to fight for a year, two, three — however long it takes. We fought Sweden for 21 years. How long are you ready to fight?” — asked Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation.
He also added that some people at the negotiating table may lose more of their loved ones.

Trump declined to call Putin an obstacle to peace with Ukraine during an interview with Fox News, according to CNN.
“He [Putin] is at the negotiating table, and he wanted this meeting. But I’ve always felt that without me, the meeting makes no sense, because in my view, there will be no deal without me,” said the U.S. President.
Trump once again stated that he and Putin need to meet and that this meeting would be scheduled soon. He added that he is “tired of others going instead of me and holding talks.”

❗️Russia also threatened to seize Kharkiv and Sumy regions during the negotiations, reports The Economist correspondent Oliver Carroll, citing a “well-informed source.”

💥 SBU drones struck ammunition depots of Russia’s 126th Coastal Defense Brigade near Perevalne in Crimea, the Security Service of Ukraine reported.
The Ukrainian drones attacked the depots on May 16. The site housed storage facilities for military equipment, weapons, and fuel. There are reports of Russian soldiers killed in the strike who were present at the military depot.
t.me/liveukraine_media/31297

❗️Russia has attacked at least 25 Ukrainian hotels since the beginning of the invasion, according to a study by Truth Hounds and Reporters Without Borders.
25 journalists and other media workers were affected, and Reuters media specialist Ryan Evans was killed. Russia usually strikes hotels at night, using cruise and ballistic missiles from Iskander systems. Hotels are not military targets, so this is another violation of international humanitarian law.
The intensity of attacks on hotels sharply increased in August–October 2024. This may indicate a broader Russian strategy to intimidate foreign journalists and suppress coverage of Russian war crimes in Ukraine.

“I cannot stand by while a country is being invaded, democracy is bombed, and children are killed with impunity. The only way to defend U.S. interests is to support democracies and oppose autocrats. Peace at any cost is not peace — it is appeasement. Appeasement does not bring security, stability, or prosperity. It leads to new wars and suffering,” Brink writes.
According to her, how the U.S. handles this war will send a message to both its allies and adversaries. If Putin is allowed to change borders by force, he will not stop with Ukraine. His goal is to revive an imperial past, posing a threat to NATO security.
“We must show leadership in the face of aggression, not weakness or complicity. When America does not lead the free world, our own success as a nation is at risk,” Brink concludes.

Why do we think Trump is so ready to appease Middle Eastern leaders and yet seemingly to dislike or disregard Zelenskyy?

Will his change of approach in the Middle East and, according to Jonathan Friedland, his cooling on Netanyahu and Isreal have any wider implications for Ukraine and his relationship with Putin?

I am increasingly confused about America’s foreign policy strategy and on how Trump is being advised in terms of motivation. One minute Ahmed al-Sharaa is on the US most wanted list as a terrorist and the next, he’s an attractive man. I assumed flattery was effective but it seems more complicated than that. Does anyone have theories on the WH strategy?

@DrBlackbird

Why do we think Trump is so ready to appease Middle Eastern leaders and yet seemingly to dislike or disregard Zelenskyy?

Money, etc.

Z hasn't got a spare 747-8 to give away....

True and a plane decked out like a palace appeals (despite it being rigged out with the sophisticated listening devices going) but doesn’t Netanyahu have the promise of water front property? Maybe Steve Witkoff just not see Ukraine as having development potential, but why snub Israel now?

I absolutely loved the Ukrainian Eurovision entry ❤️

(despite it being rigged out with the sophisticated listening devices going)

I feel sorry for the Qatarian spook charged with listening to his drivel.

>Does anyone have theories on the WH strategy?

The lackeys follow Trump or get fired.

Trump is erratic.

He's still on a high over being feted, his diktats being followed and being free from court cases.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-may-17-2025

Key Takeaways:

• The Russian delegation in Istanbul reportedly framed its demands for a final peace settlement as preconditions that Ukraine must meet before Russia will agree to a ceasefire. Most of Russia's demands are contrary to US President Donald Trump's proposed peace plan.
• Russia's continued protraction of negotiations emphasizes its unwillingness to engage in good-faith negotiations for either a ceasefire or a final peace agreement.
• Kremlin officials continue to signal that Russia is prepared to continue or even escalate its war against Ukraine should Ukraine and the West not agree to Russia's demands for Ukraine's surrender.
• Russia continues to deny the current Ukrainian government's legitimacy and is likely setting conditions to renege on any future Ukrainian–Russian peace agreement.
• Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Lyman, and Russian forces recently advanced near Chasiv Yar, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Novopavlivka, and Kurakhove.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Trump to talk to Putin (https://kyivindependent.com/trump-to-talk-to-putin-on-may-19/) on May 19.

⚡️ Russia launches (https://kyivindependent.com/russia-launches-record-273-drone-attack-on-ukraine-ahead-of-planned-trump-putin-call/) record 273-drone attack on Ukraine ahead of planned Trump-Putin call.

⚡️EU prepares sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet, (https://kyivindependent.com/eu-prepares-sanctions-against-russias-shadow-fleet-germany-says/) German FM says.

How Russia's Shahed drones are getting more dangerous — and what Ukraine is doing about it
(https://kyivindependent.com/how-russias-shaheds-are-evolving-and-what-ukraines-air-defenses-are-doing-about-it/)
The Iranian-designed Shaheds that Russia now manufactures itself have been an ever-present force in Russian air assaults on Ukraine since the fall of 2022. Long-range, high-flying, and cheap — flocks of Shaheds have become a default deep-strike weapon for Moscow.
Ukraine’s air defenders tell the Kyiv Independent that Shaheds are flying faster and higher — and may be getting guidance from on-board Starlink terminals.

⚡️Battalion commander of the 47th brigade submits resignation (https://kyivindependent.com/battalion-commander-of-the-47th-brigade-submits-resignation-report-slams-military-leadership-over-stupid-tasks/) report, slams military leadership over 'stupid tasks.’
"I have never received more stupid tasks than in the current direction," Oleksandr Shyrshyn wrote in a blunt Facebook post announcing his decision on May 16. "Someday I will tell you the details, but the stupid loss of people, trembling in front of a stupid generals, leads to nothing but failures."
In 2024, the brigade where Shyrshyn was serving was engaged in combat operations within Russia's Kursk Oblast.

⚡️Putin signs decree (https://kyivindependent.com/putin-signs-decree-easing-russian-citizenship-process-for-residents-of-abkhazia-south-ossetia/) easing Russian citizenship process for residents of occupied Abkhazia, South Ossetia.
According to the decree, all adult "citizens" of Abkhazia and South Ossetia who held that status as of Aug. 26, 2008, the day Russia recognized the territories as "independent," are now eligible to apply for Russian citizenship through an expedited process.

⚡️1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange (https://kyivindependent.com/1-000-for-1-000-prisoner-exchange-to-take-place-next-week-ukraine-intelligence-chief-says/)likely to take place next week, Ukraine intelligence chief says.

⚡️Russia sentences (https://kyivindependent.com/russia-sentences-australian-fighting-for-ukraine-to-13-years-in-prison/) Australian fighting for Ukraine to 13 years in prison in sham trial.
The so-called Supreme Court of the Russian-controlled Luhansk Oblast found Jenkins guilty under Russian criminal law for participating in armed conflict as a mercenary.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned the sentencing, calling it a "sham trial."

⚡️Ukraine takes 9th place in Eurovision (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-takes-9th-place-in-eurovision-2025/) 2025.

⚡️Russia kills 1, injures 8 people in Donetsk (https://kyivindependent.com/russia-kills-1-injures-8-people-in-donetsk-oblast/) Oblast.
⚡️Russian drone strike (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-strike-in-kyiv-oblast-kills-1-injures-3/) in Kyiv Oblast kills 1, injures 3.

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

❗️The U.S. Congress will pass a law imposing sanctions against Russia if there is no progress in negotiations on Ukraine, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

The Kremlin called a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin “possible,” but only if certain agreements are reached by the delegations.
Peskov also stated that Russia will prepare and submit to Ukraine “a list of conditions for a ceasefire.”
At the same time, the Kremlin emphasized that there is “no question” of changing the composition of the Russian delegation in the negotiations with Ukraine.

Putin refused to discuss the 22-point peace plan drawn up by the US with Ukraine and Europe — FT
According to the Financial Times, the peace proposal, developed by the United States with input from Ukraine and European partners, was intended to be presented to Vladimir Putin by Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff.
However, Russian officials informed Witkoff that Putin would not consider the plan, leading to the cancellation of his planned trip to Moscow for further talks.
The article notes that the 22-point plan was previously discussed in detail between Ukrainian and American officials during a phone call. Witkoff has reportedly met with Putin four times for negotiations since February.

The United States will begin discussions on a potential partial withdrawal of troops from Europe by the end of 2025, according to U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker.
Whitaker clarified that the U.S. has no intention of leaving NATO, and its European partners have long been aware of America’s strategic aim to reduce its military footprint in Europe — a goal in place for over 30 years.
Currently, the U.S. has between 70,000 and 90,000 military personnel stationed across Europe. The largest presence is in Germany (over 38,000), followed by Poland (over 14,000), Italy (12,000), and the UK (about 10,000).

Russia has 500 “shadow fleet” ships. If we control the “shadow fleet”, we will have a huge influence, — Estonian Foreign Minister Hanno Pevkur, quoted by Clash Report.
The minister emphasized that over 60% of Russian oil exports pass through the Baltic Sea.
In turn, new German Foreign Minister Johann Wadeful, in an interview with Welt am Sonntag, called the Russian “shadow fleet” a threat to German security and confirmed the EU’s plans to impose new sanctions on it.

Quick strike and retreat: how the National Guard modernized the HMMWV-based MLRS
The new 122-mm launcher mounted on the HMMWV successfully passed testing in 2024 and has since been finalized. It offers exceptional mobility, reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h and easily handling difficult terrain.
The system has a maximum firing range of up to 40 km, depending on the type of ammunition used. Its launch module accommodates up to six 122 mm rockets, ensuring effective fire density. https://t.me/United24media/31660

U2 frontman Bono, together with the Ukrainian military, presented the documentary Stories of Surrender in Cannes.
Alongside Bono on the red carpet of the 78th Cannes Film Festival were U2 guitarist The Edge and actor-director Sean Penn, a longtime supporter of Ukraine.
Bono noted that Sean Penn brought “friends from the trenches, from the front lines in Ukraine” to the event.
“I just want to thank you, because you keep us free. Glory to Ukraine!” the musician said.
Speakers at the event included:
▫️ Taras Stolyar – bandurist, intelligence officer
▫️ Olha Rukavishnikova – violinist, grenade launcher operator, wounded five times, lost an eye
▫️ Yuriy Ivaskevych – opera singer, territorial defense fighter, lost a leg in 2023
▫️ Serhiy Ivanchuk – opera singer, volunteer, shot during the evacuation of his family, one bullet pierced his lung

Yaroslava Mahuchikh won the high jump at the gold stage of the Continental Tour in Tokyo.
The Ukrainian athlete cleared 1.98 meters, securing first place.

Trump said he would call Zelenskyy and Putin on Monday

Spring on the frontline…

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

President Zelensky and the First Lady are in the Vatican today on an official visit, taking part in the inauguration ceremony of the new Pope.

Austria has won Eurovision 2025 — the favorite JJ took the crown with the song Wasted Love.
Ukraine’s band Ziferblat finished in 9th place, earning a total of 218 points.

Overnight attacks on Kyiv killed (www.kyivpost.com/post/52865) at least one civilian and wounded at least three, including a four-year-old child.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇺🇸 The White House asked members of Congress for “a bit more time” for negotiations with Russia before imposing sanctions.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said this in an interview with CBS News, adding that the Senate “will act eventually.”
“For the past six or seven weeks, we have made it very clear to the Russian side that these efforts [to impose sanctions] are ongoing. It’s a process we cannot stop or control. We’ve been warning the Russians for almost two months that this will happen if there’s no progress [in negotiations]. And now it’s beginning to come true,” Rubio said.

The official suggested that the bill to introduce new sanctions on Russia would be supported by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

[about the Pope's inauguration] An American delegation led by J.D. Vance, as well as the prime ministers of Italy and Canada, Germany’s chancellor, and others will also arrive in the Vatican.
“Zelensky will be glad to meet with other leaders on the sidelines of the inauguration,” his adviser told Reuters earlier this week.

🇧🇪Belgium’s Defense Minister reveals details of a €1 billion military aid package for Ukraine in 2025.
It will include:
▪️100 Unimog vehicles, including an armored medical evacuation version;
▪️20 modernized Cerber air defense systems;
▪️5 surface drones;
▪️A Leopard tank fitted with a new turret for testing purposes;
▪️Drones, counter-drone systems, small arms, and more.
€650 million of the €1 billion will be used to fund contracts with Belgian defense companies to supply this aid to Ukraine.
Additionally, according to media reports, Italy is preparing a new aid package for Ukraine that will include 400 M113 armored personnel carriers and a satellite surveillance system.

Joe Biden has an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasised to his bones. Feel pretty sad hearing this.

Ukraine’s air defenders tell the Kyiv Independent that Shaheds are flying faster and higher — and may be getting guidance from on-board Starlink terminals.

interesting bit of info on possible starlink support. If that was confirmed, I’d guess it wouldn’t do Tesla shares any favour but it’s a delicate balancing act for Ukraine who still rely on that technology.

Really sad news. Not a perfect President, but a billion times bettter than his successor, and seems a fundamentally decent man.