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Ukraine Invasion: Part 57

1000 replies

MagicFox · 20/05/2025 10:49

Welcome to 57. Slava Ukraini πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦

Agreed thread guidance:

A. The agreed purpose of the thread is for the sharing of information and commentary on current events
B. If you post a link please tell us where it leads/give a precis of the content
C. Discussion and debate is welcome, but please keep it respectful

OP posts:
Thread gallery
404
DuncinToffee · 14/07/2025 21:42

minsmum · 14/07/2025 21:37

Sorry wrong link it was.supposed to be Trump saying he would go home and say to Melania that he had had a great call with Putin and she.would say they bombed another city today

This clip?

Trump at the White House faith office luncheon: "I'd get home, I'd say, 'First Lady, I had the most wonderful talk with Vladimir. I think we're finished.' And then I'll turn on a television and he just bombed a nursing home. laughs I'd say, 'What?' laughs So we don't like that."

https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3ltwvxq5qii2v

blueshoes · 14/07/2025 22:03

Thank you @DuncinToffee and @minsmum

Trump is like a stand up comedian in that clip. I am liking the direction of travel and the cut of Melania's jib.

minsmum · 14/07/2025 22:30

Yes that's the one, I am afraid I am technologically illiterate

DuncinToffee · 14/07/2025 22:41

No worries, that account has all Trump related videos

blueshoes · 15/07/2025 03:43

www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-14-2025

Key Takeaways:

  • US President Donald Trump announced largescale and rapid military aid supplies to Ukraine via NATO and possible future secondary tariffs against Russia.
  • Trump is acting upon the reality that successful US efforts to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table require that economic instruments be coupled with Western military support to allow Ukraine to increase pressure on Russia on the battlefield.
  • Trump noted that Russia has been delaying negotiations to end the war and that the recent intensification of Russia's overnight drone and missile strikes demonstrates that Russia is not interested in peace – in line with ISW's longstanding assessment of Kremlin intentions.
  • Trump said that European security benefits US interests and noted that Europe is committed to helping Ukraine defend itself.
  • Additional US military aid to Ukrainian forces will arrive at a dynamic, not static, frontline characterized by ongoing Russian offensive operations aimed at achieving slow maneuver and by Ukrainian counterattacks in key frontline areas.
  • Russian forces' ability to advance deep enough into Ukraine's defenses to establish these salients indicates that the Russian military command has improved its ability to seize on opportunities to advance, but the rate of Russian advances has not increased beyond foot pace.
  • Russian forces recently advanced in eastern Zaporizhia Oblast near Hulyaipole – the first tactically significant activity in this area of the frontline since the Summer 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive.
  • The Russian military command likely intends to seize on recent advances in western Donetsk Oblast in order to advance westward into Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhia oblasts.
  • Russian forces may leverage advances in western Donetsk Oblast to launch an offensive operation toward Pokrovske, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, in pursuit of Russia's long-standing desire to seize Zaporizhzhia City.
  • Ukrainian forces are counterattacking in key areas of the front to slow Russian advances and are inflicting significant costs on the Russian military, however.
  • Forcing Putin to abandon his current theory of victory and agree to end the war on reasonable terms requires Ukrainian forces to stop Russian advances and begin to retake operationally significant areas. Western aid provided in support of this effort is essential to hastening an end to the war.
  • Timely and reliable Western military assistance to Ukraine coupled with increased economic pressure is necessary to bring about an end of the war on terms satisfactory for the United States, Europe, and Ukraine.
  • Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Lyman and Novopavlivka and in western Zaporizhia Oblast. Russian forces recently advanced in Sumy and Zaporizhia oblasts and near Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Hulyaipole.
* *
DuncinToffee · 15/07/2025 11:41

A long bsky thread explaining the latest sanctions. (sorry I don't know if there is a thread reader equivalent)

https://bsky.app/profile/explaintrade.com/post/3ltyp72rr5k25

1/ "Secondary Sanctions" - What are they, and how do they work?

Since Donald Trump is floating them against Russia's trading partners, and with absolutely no expectation he won't change his mind again next week and declare Zelenskyy the real villain, I thought I'd do a (long, sorry) explainer.

AskingQuestionsAllTheTime · 15/07/2025 12:27

I am not allowed to read bsky at all!

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 15/07/2025 12:38

Not allowed?!

DuncinToffee · 15/07/2025 12:38

Someone on that thread just posted this thread reader Smile Now I know there is one.

https://skywriter.blue/pages/did:plc:m4t4prusopnk4wjt4ehg22q4/post/3ltyp72rr5k25

AskingQuestionsAllTheTime · 15/07/2025 13:09

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 15/07/2025 12:38

Not allowed?!

Yup. I get a pretty picture of a blue butterfly outline when I click on such a link, but no text or other content. I'll give the thread reader a try, though.

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 15/07/2025 13:34

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚑️ Germany says EU discussing 'more than 3 (kyivindependent.com/germany-says-eu-discussing-more-than-3-patriot-air-defense-systems-for-ukraine/)' Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine.

⚑️Germany to decide on more Patriots for Ukraine (kyivindependent.com/germany-to-decide-on-more-patriots-for-ukraine-within-days-or-weeks/) 'within days or weeks.’

⚑️ BREAKING: US to hit Russia with tariffs (kyivindependent.com/trump-meets-rutte-makes-russia-announcement/) if no Ukraine deal reached in 50 days, Trump says.
"We're gonna be doing very severe tariffs if we don't have a deal in 50 days. Tariffs that are about 100%, we call them secondary tariffs," Trump said in a joint press conference in the White House alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

⚑️Trump says (kyivindependent.com/trump-says-hes-disappointed-but-not-done-with-putin/) he's 'disappointed but not done' with Putin.

⚑️'50 days is a very long time' β€” EU welcomes (kyivindependent.com/eu-welcomes-new-us-action-on-ukraine-is-hesitant-on-timeline-kallas-says/) new US action on Ukraine, hesitant on timeline, Kallas says.
The European Union welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed push to bring Russia to the negotiating table, EU Special Envoy Kaja Kallas told the Telegraph in an article published July 14, adding that Washington's 50-day timeline is a "long time."

⚑️Congressional sanctions on hold (kyivindependent.com/congressional-sanctions-on-hold-as-trump-threatens-russia-with-severe-tariffs/) as Trump threatens Russia with 'severe' tariffs.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated on July 14 that the Senate would likely delay advancing a significant package of sanctions targeting Russia's trading partners.

⚑️Kremlin calls (kyivindependent.com/we-need-time-to-analyze-trumps-statement-kremlin-says-after-ultimatum-threatening-sanctions/) Trump's tariff warnings 'quite serious.'

⚑️ Trump reportedly asked Zelensky if Ukraine could strike Moscow. (kyivindependent.com/trump-reportedly-asked-zelensky-if-ukraine-could-strike-moscow/)
Donald Trump encouraged the strategy so that Russia could "feel the pain" and agree to negotiations, the Financial Times reported, citing its sources.

⚑️ Ukraine's parliament set to dismiss government (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-parliament-set-to-dismiss-government-on-july-16-amid-cabinet-reshuffle/) on July 16 amid cabinet reshuffle.

⚑️ Belgium-based holder of frozen Russian funds (kyivindependent.com/euroclear-opposes-expanding-investment-risk-for-frozen-russian-funds-amid-ukraine-aid-push-ft-reports/) opposes expanding investment risk amid Ukraine aid push.
The chief executive of Euroclear told the FT that the EU's proposal would amount to "expropriation" β€” forced seizure β€” because if Russia demands the assets back in the future, they would not be available.

⚑️ Ukraine contracts 'tens of thousands (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-contracts-tens-of-thousands-interceptor-drones/)' interceptor drones.
The technology is critical for Ukraine's air defense as Russia's aerial attacks have escalated significantly over the past few months

⚑️PM Shmyhal considered (kyivindependent.com/pm-shmyhal-considered-for-defense-minister-role-amid-upcoming-cabinet-reshuffle-sources-say/) for defense minister role amid upcoming cabinet reshuffle, sources say.

⚑️Patriot systems, missiles may arrive (kyivindependent.com/some-patriot-systems-to-arrive-in-ukraine-within-days-trump-says/) in Ukraine 'within days,' Trump says.
When asked when certain weapons, including missiles to Patriot air defense systems, were expected to arrive in Ukraine, Trump responded by saying "a full complement with the batteries... We're going to have some come very soon, within days."

⚑️Denmark to provide European-produced satellite communication services (kyivindependent.com/denmark-to-provide-european-produced-satellite-communication-services-to-ukraines-military/) to Ukraine's military.

⚑️5 EU members reportedly unhappy with new Ukraine trade deal (kyivindependent.com/5-eu-members-reportedly-unhappy-with-new-ukraine-trade-deal/).
Five EU member states are unhappy with a new trade agreement between Ukraine and the bloc, European Pravda reported on July 14, citing several EU diplomats.

Editorial: Right now, Ukraine’s democracy risks a Russian-style backslide

  • (kyivindependent.com/editorial-right-now-ukraines-democracy-risks-a-russian-style-backslide/)* While fighting a war of survival against Russia, Ukraine must not turn into its authoritarian neighbor. As Ukraine’s main independent English-language media outlet, we have a duty to acknowledge and expose this threat. A string of recent events indicate that the Ukrainian leadership is increasingly circumventing democratic institutions and sabotaging the rule of law.

⚑️ Ukraine passes bill to withdraw (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-passes-bill-to-withdraw-from-anti-personnel-mine-ban-treaty/) from anti-personnel mine ban treaty.
The vote passed by 305 deputies, with 40 abstaining, and none voting against.

Ukrainian startup says its drones could work on their own by year’s end, thanks to AI. (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-startup-says-its-drones-could-work-on-their-own-by-years-end-thanks-to-ai/)

⚑️Smoke rising near Russian battery plant amid reported Ukrainian drone attack. (kyivindependent.com/drone-strikes-reported-in-multiple-russian-regions-overnight/)
The facility reportedly manufactures batteries for missile guidance and glider modules, including for the Iskander system and cruise missiles, which Russia has been increasingly using to target Ukrainian cities.

https://kyivindependent.com/growing-pains-the-lives-of-ukrainian-teenagers-at-war/

⚑️Ukraine’s economic crimes bureau remains leaderless (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-economic-crimes-bureau-remains-leaderless-amid-government-interference/) amid government interference.

Beneath the problematic surface, the New York Times’ Kursk reporting reveals a deeper moral rot
(kyivindependent.com/beneath-the-problematic-surface-the-new-york-times-kursk-reporting-reveals-a-deeper-moral-rot/)
"In these fraught times, the New York Times has made a seemingly deliberate and very self-aware choice to paint a picture of this war without the understanding of who is in the right and who is in the wrong," writes Francis Farrell, reporter at the Kyiv Independent, in this op-ed.

⚑️ Russian agent caught 'red-handed (kyivindependent.com/russian-agent-caught-red-handed-planting-explosives-in-rivne-apartment-building-ukraines-sbu-says/)' planting explosives in Rivne apartment building, Ukraine's SBU says.
Russian "special services" recruited the 27-year-old Lviv resident who was trying to obtain "easy money" through Telegram channels, the SBU said.

⚑️ Orban urges EU action (kyivindependent.com/orban-urges-eu-action-over-ukraine-conscription-practices/) over Ukraine's conscription practices.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban called upon the EU to take action against Ukraine's conscription practices, repeating accusations against Kyiv over the death of a Ukrainian conscript of Hungarian ethnicity.

⚑️ 5 killed, 53 injured in Ukraine as Russia strikes (kyivindependent.com/attacks-161/) hospitals, residential areas across country.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦β€¬ β€ͺ@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
Β· 6h
⚑️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA β€” JUL 15, 2025
β–  Fewer engagements, but casualties well above average
β–  Considerable losses of land-based systems, drone losses also above average
β–  Strike ratio remains in the single digits

Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 15/07/2025 13:45

UNITED24 Telegram Highlights

⚑️17 Patriot systems are being prepared for deployment. Most will be on the battlefield, β€” Trump also announced.

I discussed with President Zelenskyy the landmark agreement between the U.S. President and NATO, which will speed up the delivery of top-tier American weapons to Ukraine, β€” President Trump’s special envoy, Keith Kellogg.
According to Axios, Ukraine will receive $10 billion worth of American weapons as part of the first aid package. This includes missiles, air defense systems, and artillery shells that NATO countries β€” including Germany and Norway β€” will purchase from the U.S.
CNN reports that the U.S. may also sell NATO allies short-range missiles, howitzers, and medium-range air-to-air missiles, which will then be transferred to Ukraine.
Defense Express suggests the package may include long-range air-launched JASSM-ER missiles, compatible with both F-16s and modernized Su-24Ms.

🀑 Russia sent clowns to Istanbul for talks with Ukraine, led by historian Medinsky β€” Rutte
β€œPutin didn’t send serious people to the negotiations. I remember how you, together with Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff, managed to launch those talks in Istanbul.
I was in TΓΌrkiye myself in May on NATO matters, and we really pressured the Ukrainians to send a serious delegation β€” and they did.
Then the Russians showed up with some historian who started explaining the history of Russia from the year 1250,” Rutte said.

Ukraine and the U.S. to Launch Joint Venture for Defense Chemical Production
Ukraine and the United States will create a joint venture to produce special chemicals needed for the defense sector, the Ukrainian Defense Industry Joint Stock Company (formerly Ukroboronprom) announced.
The facility will be based in the U.S. and will manufacture components used in ammunition production for Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
β€œThis is a crucial step toward addressing the shortage of special chemicals, which is currently a serious issue for the ammunition industry,” the company said.

France warns that a large-scale conflict in Europe could erupt as early as 2030 β€” according to the 2025 Strategic National Review.
The document highlights a growing risk of high-intensity warfare beyond French territory, potentially involving France and its allies.
Russia is identified as the primary threat and is mentioned more than 80 times throughout the review.

Financial Institutions Urged to Prepare for Sabotage of Submarine Cables β€” Financial Times
More than 500 submarine cables worldwide carry financial transactions totaling $10 trillion every day.
Recent incidents β€” including damage to five cables in the Gulf of Finland by a Russian tanker β€” have raised alarm among NATO members and financial regulators.
The head of Finland’s Financial Stability Authority warned that submarine cables cannot be fully replaced by satellites, and even brief disruptions could paralyze the global financial system. London and New York, as key financial centers, are especially vulnerable due to their reliance on this underwater infrastructure.
So far, only Finland has developed a backup system in case of a cable shutdown. Experts are urging banks, governments, and cable infrastructure operators in other countries to act quickly and prepare for this scenario, warning that the consequences could be devastating.

Russians Destroy Historic Building in Kherson, Attack Firefighters with Drones
Russian shelling of the right bank of Kherson has destroyed the House of Culture of Shipbuilders (BCS), one of the city’s most iconic historical buildings.

An unprecedented number of sanctions have already been declared against us β€” we are coping. I have no doubt that we will cope, β€” Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov on President Trump's demand to cease fire.

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 15/07/2025 13:49

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Zelensky spoke with Trump and Rutte after the US confirmed weapons sale to Ukraine.
He thanked Trump for his readiness to support Ukraine and to continue working together β€œto stop the killings and establish a lasting and just peace.”

From DΓ©tente to Deadline: Trump’s β€˜major Russia announcement’ ignites mixed reactions. (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/56291)

Ukraine unleashed another wave of drone strikes overnight, deep inside Russia, targeting defense-related factories in the Lipetsk and Voronezh regions (www.kyivpost.com/post/56319) β€” including the Energia plant, which produces batteries for Russian bombs and missiles.

β€œWe CAN if you give us the weapons,” Zelensky said when Trump asked him why he hadn’t struck Moscow, according to the Washington Post.
Trump added that Ukraine needed to put more pressure on Putin β€” not just in Moscow, but in St. Petersburg as well.
The publication also notes that Trump had considered supplying Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles, but for now they are excluded from the upcoming weapons package.

Ukraine signed a new deal with EBRD to build capital market infrastructure, (www.kyivpost.com/post/56311) including a new stock exchange and post-trade reform. It’s the fourth such promise since 2017 β€” will this one finally bring real change?

Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal has submitted his resignation. He was the longest-serving Ukrainian prime minister, holding the post for more than five years.
Earlier, Zelensky nominated Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister, as the country’s new prime minister.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 15/07/2025 13:52

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

πŸ”Œ The power generation situation this summer is significantly better than last year and does not require electricity restrictions for the population or industry. However, the risks of potential Russian strikes and their consequences remain relevant, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy.

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Trump considered supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, according to The Washington Post.
The transfer of Tomahawks was reportedly still being discussed as of July 11, but they are now excluded from the current aid package. However, the missiles could be added later if Trump decides to increase his leverage.
Sources told WP that the new aid package will likely include authorization for full-range use of the 18 long-range ATACMS missiles already in Ukraine β€” up to 300 kilometers. Additional ATACMS may also be included in the package.

Ukraine’s air defense shot down 178 out of 267 drones launched by Russia, according to the Air Force Command.
An additional 66 decoy drones lost their tracking signals.
There were 23 confirmed drone strikes across 7 locations, and debris fell in 9 more areas.

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ A former U.S. Army officer shared classified information about the war in Ukraine on a dating website, where his online contact pretended to be a Ukrainian woman.
David Slater, 64, admitted guilt in a conspiracy case. During his service at USSTRATCOM at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, he had access to top secret intelligence.
Slater communicated with the unknown woman via email and a dating site messenger. She repeatedly asked him about the war and secret documents.
In her messages, she wrote: β€œMy dear Dave, does NATO or Biden have a secret plan to help us?” and affectionately referred to him as β€œMy secret informant, my love!” and β€œYou are my secret agent. With love.”
Prosecutors noted that Slater had received official training on handling classified data. His sentencing is scheduled for October 8, with a prison term expected to be between 5 years and 10 months to 7 years and 3 months.

Zelensky congratulated Ukrainians on Ukrainian Statehood Day β€” a holiday celebrated annually on the Day of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus.
β€œUkrainians were here, Ukrainians are here, and Ukrainians will remain here. And on this land, life always prevails, our values triumph, and so does our character,” he said.
https://t.me/liveukraine_media/32752

Ukrainian self-irony is as good as ever

Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 15/07/2025 13:54

God I love Ukrainian humour.

AskingQuestionsAllTheTime · 15/07/2025 14:09

DuncinToffee, thanks. That thread-reader worked for me.

LlttledrummergirI · 15/07/2025 14:28

BREAKING: US to hit Russia with tariffs (kyivindependent.com/trump-meets-rutte-makes-russia-announcement/) if no Ukraine deal reached in 50 days, Trump says.
"We're gonna be doing very severe tariffs if we don't have a deal in 50 days. Tariffs that are about 100%, we call them secondary tariffs," Trump said in a joint press conference in the White House alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte

I've just realised why this is bothering me.

I thought they were stopping trade with Russia a couple of years ago. If the USA did, then tariffs make no sense, but they make trading with Russia seem acceptable. Trump can then lower the tariffs and business can resume as normal. The Putin puppet is certainly doing his best for his Russian master.

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 15/07/2025 14:44

It’s secondary tariffs on countries still trading with russia. This from the BBC:

  • The US president says he'll enforce 100% secondary tariffs on Russia if there's no deal between Russia and Ukraine in 50 days
  • This means any country that continues to do trade with Russia will face a big tax to sell their products to the US
notimagain · 15/07/2025 14:49

I thought they were stopping trade with Russia a couple of years ago. If the USA did, then tariffs make no sense, but they make trading with Russia seem acceptable.

The UK and the EU are just as bad and it's something has been boiling my unmentionable ....for a while now.

On one hand you have grand announcements about more aid/collations etc to.
aid Ukraine then OTOH, usually tucked away in the small print you read of further tiers of sanctions on this or that being considered.

Fundamentally there seem to be certain areas of commerce and industry that have to be immune from sanctions for as possible.

PerkingFaintly · 15/07/2025 23:31

Children at risk of being recruited by hostile states, police warn
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9dg217glveo
Counter-terror police have warned the activity of hostile states on British soil is posing a growing threat and urged families to watch for signs their children are being manipulated.
Teenagers, along with petty criminals and disillusioned people, may be more vulnerable to recruitment by Russia, Iran and China, they warned.
Hostile states are increasingly using proxies to carry out acts of sabotage and targeted violence in the UK, counter-terror police said, adding that investigating such activity now accounts for about 20% of their workload.

A silhouette of a boy reading the screen of a laptop

Children at risk of being recruited by hostile states, police warn

Teenagers may be manipulated to carry out acts of sabotage, counter-terror police said.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9dg217glveo

blueshoes · 16/07/2025 02:03

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-15-2025

Key Takeaways:

  • Kremlin officials dismissed US President Donald Trump's demand that Russia agree to a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine within 50 days while promoting claims that Russia can withstand economic pressure and remains committed to achieving its war aims.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin's theory of victory continues to drive his unwillingness to compromise on his pre-war demand for Ukraine's capitulation.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced new appointments within the Ukrainian government.
  • Ukrainian forces recently advanced in northern Sumy Oblast. Russian forces recently advanced near Kupyansk, Borova, and Toretsk.
MagicFox · 16/07/2025 06:38

Anybody hear Trump’s interview with the BBC? I’d like to think he’s waking up, but he’s such a flip flopper that it’s hard to take anything seriously. I don’t think it’s working in the madman theory sense though

OP posts:
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 16/07/2025 10:41

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚑️China pledges (kyivindependent.com/china-pledges-deeper-support-for-russia-amid-trump-tariff-threats-the-telegraph-reports/) deeper support for Russia amid Trump tariff threats.
Following talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Beijing on July 15, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that mutual trust between the two countries had "deepened" and called on both sides to "strengthen mutual support on multilateral forums."

⚑️EU fails to approve (kyivindependent.com/eu-fails-to-approve-new-russia-sanctions-as-slovakia-holds-up-vote/) new Russia sanctions as Slovakia holds up vote.
"The government coalition rejects the imbecile proposal of the European Commission to stop the flow of Russian gas from 2028," Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said.

⚑️Patriot missiles bound for Ukraine already being shipped, (kyivindependent.com/patriot-missiles-bound-for-ukraine-are-already-being-shipped-trump-says/) Trump says. "And in all cases, the United States gets paid back in full."

⚑️Mass attack hits cities overnight (kyivindependent.com/mass-attack-hits-cities-overnight-as-ukrainians-brace-for-50-more-days-of-russian-terror/)as Ukrainians brace for 50 more days of Russian terror.
In Kharkiv, at least 17 explosions rocked the city in 20 minutes amid a massive Russian drone strike. Explosions, power outages, and mass strikes have been reported in multiple cities.

⚑️Update: 'I don't think 50 days is very long' β€” Trump defends timeline (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-shouldnt-target-moscow-trump-says/) for Putin deal.

'Russia doesn't care' β€” Trump's 50-day Ukraine ceasefire deadline dismissed by Moscow pundits
(kyivindependent.com/russia-doesnt-care-trumps-50-day-ukraine-ceasefire-deadline-met-with-a-meh-in-moscow/)
After U.S. President Donald Trump on July 14 threatened to impose β€œsevere” tariffs on Russia in 50 days if there is no peace deal with Ukraine, the highly-anticipated statement was met largely with indifference and even relief among Russian commentators.

⚑️Denmark, Sweden back funding (kyivindependent.com/denmark-sweden-back-funding-us-weapons-for-ukraine/) US weapons for Ukraine.
Denmark and Sweden are open to help deliver U.S. weapons, including Patriot air defense systems, to Ukraine via NATO, countries' officials said on July 15.

⚑️Kyiv court releases (kyivindependent.com/kiyivskii-sud-obrav-zapobizhnii-zakhid-ukrayinskomu-antikoruptsiinomu-aktivistu/) Ukraine's top anti-corruption activist on recognizance as his lawyer dismisses the charges.

⚑️Finland bans Russians, Belarusians from buying property over security concerns (kyivindependent.com/finland-bans-russians-belarusians-from-buying-property-over-security-concerns/).

⚑️France, Italy reportedly opt out (kyivindependent.com/france-opts-out-of-nato-arms-deal-for-ukraine-politico-reports/) of US-NATO arms deal for Ukraine.
France declined to join the plan because of President Emmanuel Macron's push for European nations to strengthen their own defense industries by purchasing domestically produced arms, Politico reported, citing French officials.

⚑️ 'Unbearable' β€” EU's Kallas raises alarm over Russia's escalating chemical warfare (kyivindependent.com/unbearable-eus-kallas-raises-alarm-over-russias-escalating-chemical-warfare-in-ukraine/) in Ukraine.

⚑️Zelensky shouldn't target (https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-shouldnt-target-moscow-trump-says/) Moscow, Trump says.

⚑️US-Ukraine minerals fund looks for manager (kyivindependent.com/us-seeks-administrator-for-investment-fund-with-ukraine-created-under-minerals-deal/) as critical resources deal advances.
The U.S. government’s development finance agency has started looking for a company to manage a joint U.S.-Ukraine investment fund, Ukraine’s Economy Ministry said in a July 15 press release.

⚑️American who spied for Kremlin (kyivindependent.com/us-national-who-shared-ukraine-intel-receives-russian-citizenship/) from inside Ukraine receives Russian citizenship.
Daniel Martindale, an American who secretly provided intelligence to the Kremlin while living in Ukraine, was granted Russian citizenship during a televised ceremony in Moscow on July 15.

Ukraine eyes building its own private military companies β€” their role, legal framework remain unclear
(kyivindependent.com/three-years-into-all-out-war-ukraine-eyes-building-its-own-private-military-companies/)
As the country faces the return of hundreds of thousands of veterans and security challenges that need to be addressed, private military companies may emerge as a potential answer.

⚑️Ukrainian cyberattack 'paralyzes' (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-cyberattack-disrupt-major-russian-drone-supplier-source-claims/) major Russian drone supplier, source claims.
"The stolen data includes confidential questionnaires of the company's employees, and most importantly, full technical documentation on the production of drones, which was handed over to the relevant specialists of the Ukrainian Defense Forces," a source in Ukraine's military intelligence told the Kyiv Independent.

⚑️Missing Russian Mi-8 helicopter found (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-mi-8-helicopter-found-crashed/) crashed in Far East, all 5 onboard dead. 

⚑️ 3 killed, 40 injured in Russian attacks (kyivindependent.com/3-killed-40-injured-in-russian-attacks-against-ukraine-over-past-day/) against Ukraine over past day.
Russian forces launched 400 drones against Ukraine in another mass attack overnight, including up to 255 Shahed-type "kamikaze" drones, as well as one Iskander-M ballistic missile, the Air Force said.
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 198 drones, while 145 decoy drones disappeared from radars or were intercepted by electronic warfare, according to the statement.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦β€¬ β€ͺ@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
Β· 1h
⚑️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA β€” JUL 16, 2025
β–  Casualties remain above average despite a drop in engagements
β–  Record 7-day drone interceptions, good artillery losses as well
β–  Officer deaths: +42 (5.4 per day since start)
β–  Fewer strikes on both sides

Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 16/07/2025 10:44

MagicFox · 16/07/2025 06:38

Anybody hear Trump’s interview with the BBC? I’d like to think he’s waking up, but he’s such a flip flopper that it’s hard to take anything seriously. I don’t think it’s working in the madman theory sense though

I haven't, but after seeing yet another comment on how China is supporting Russia more, it's a crying shame how Trump's handling of tariffs and wild vacillations have made it easier for China and Russia to draw together

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 16/07/2025 10:51

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Putin Plans to Continue War Until West Accepts His Terms β€” Reuters
Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to pursue the war against Ukraine until the West agrees to his conditions for peace, Reuters reports, citing three sources close to the Kremlin.
According to the sources, Putin believes that Russia has already withstood the toughest Western sanctions and is capable of enduring further economic pressure, including potential U.S. tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil.
β€œPutin believes that no one has seriously discussed the details of a peaceful settlement in Ukraine with him, including the Americans, so he will continue until he achieves what he wants,” one source said.
The Kremlin is also reportedly preparing for a possible escalation of tensions with the West in the near future.

❗️French Foreign Minister Jean-NoΓ«l Barrot will visit Ukraine next week to attend a conference of ambassadors.

In the Kharkiv direction, Russia is losing nearly an entire company of soldiers every day, the Armed Forces of Ukraine report.
β€œIn our sector alone, they lose about 100 soldiers killed and wounded daily β€” that’s nearly a full company. In a week, it adds up to more than a battalion. But it doesn’t stop them,” said Pavlo Shamshin, spokesperson for the Kharkiv Operational-Tactical Group.

First Batch of Patria 6Γ—6 APCs from Latvia Arrives in Ukraine
The first Patria 6×6 armored personnel carriers have arrived in Ukraine, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa announced. Latvia and Ukraine have also agreed to deepen cooperation in defense and innovation.
Latvia will deliver a total of 42 APCs, along with spare parts and weapons. The total aid will amount to 0.25% of Latvia’s GDP in 2025–2026.
The Patria 6Γ—6, produced in Finland, can transport up to 10 soldiers. It features a 400-horsepower Scania diesel engine, reaches speeds of up to 100 km/h, and can travel up to 700 km without refueling.

πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ Germany Will Not Disclose Details of U.S. Weapons for Ukraine β€” Pistorius
During his visit to the United States, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius discussed potential arms deliveries to Ukraine with his American counterpart but declined to share specifics about the types and quantities of weaponsβ€”except for mentioning the Patriot air defense systems.
He stressed the importance of secrecy and coordination with European partners, noting that the U.S. will no longer fund these purchases, and the responsibility now lies with NATO allies.
β€œBut one thing is clear β€” and this is a message to all other European NATO members β€” everyone must open their wallets. It’s about urgently raising the funds needed, especially for air defense, because Ukraine is under enormous pressure,” Pistorius said.

Weapons for Ukraine: Two More Countries Join U.S.-Backed Arms Initiative β€” Sky News
Sweden and Denmark are set to join Germany and Norway in purchasing American-made Patriot air defense systems and missiles for Ukraine, Sky News reports.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala told Publico that Prague will not participate in the arms purchases, choosing instead to focus on the Czech-led artillery shell initiative, which he said has proven effective.
Polish Foreign Minister RadosΕ‚aw Sikorski argued that European taxpayers shouldn’t bear the cost of supplying Ukraine with U.S. weapons. β€œRussia should pay β€” through the use of its frozen assets,” he said, according to RAR.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also weighed in, calling on the U.S. to take on part of the financial burden:
β€œWe welcome President Trump’s announcement of a large arms package for Ukraine, but if you say someone else must pay for it, then you’re not really providing it,” she told AFP.
According to The New York Times, nearly all of the weapons Trump intends to supply to Ukraine are already prepared for shipment.

Germany plans to purchase MRC Typhon missile systems from the United States by 2026 to strengthen deterrence against Russia, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced.
The surface-to-surface system includes, among other weapons, Tomahawk Block V cruise missiles with a range of 1,800 km β€” enough to reach Moscow.

EU Imposes Sanctions on Individuals and Entities Involved in Russia’s Destabilizing Activities Abroad
The European Union has imposed new sanctions on nine individuals and six legal entities involved in Russia’s foreign interference, disinformation campaigns, and destabilizing activities, the Council of the EU announced.
Among those sanctioned are Andrei Romanchenko, director of the Russian Television and Radio Broadcasting Network (RTRS), and his colleague Vladimir Naydenov, responsible for communications infrastructure in Russia’s occupied territories. Several pro-Russian bloggers and activists based in Moldova and Australia were also targeted, along with Russian military personnel and Yevgeny Shevchenko, founder of the media outlet Tigerweb, which distributed Kremlin-aligned propaganda targeting Western countries.
The updated list of sanctioned entities includes:
β€’ RTRS
β€’ The 841st Separate Center for Radio-Electronic Warfare (Kaliningrad Region)
β€’ The BRICS Journalists Association
β€’ The Foundation for the Fight Against Injustice
β€’ The Center for Geopolitical Expertise
β€’ Tigerweb
Separately, EU foreign ministers approved additional sanctions against Russian individuals under two regimes: for human rights violations and hybrid threats.
This includes five members of the Russian judiciary involved in the politically motivated sentencing of activist and former Moscow municipal deputy Alexei Gorinov, who was jailed for three years for speaking out against Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Those sanctioned face EU entry bans and asset freezes.

πŸ•― A woman was killed and five others injured, including two women rescued by emergency workers, as a result of the morning shelling of Nikopol in the Dnipropetrovsk region, the State Emergency Service reported.

A Russian drone strike in Vinnytsia hit a factory owned by the Polish Barlinek Group, resulting in casualties, Polish Foreign Minister RadosΕ‚aw Sikorski confirmed.
β€œThe head of the factory has just informed me that it was a deliberate attack from three directions. There are casualties, including two people with severe burns. Ukrainian services are working at the site, and our consular staff are also present. Putin’s criminal war is moving closer to our borders,” Sikorski wrote.
Barlinek Group specializes in the production of wooden flooring.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
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