Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

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
blueshoes · 08/08/2025 17:48

@AskingQuestionsAllTheTime It is murder. It is state-acquiesced, if not state-sponsored, murder.

I would be surprised if these murders did not happen more often in the temporarily occupied territories.

DuncinToffee · 09/08/2025 08:29

Donald Trump has said he will meet Vladimir Putin in the US state of Alaska next Friday.

DuncinToffee · 09/08/2025 08:30

Zelenskyy says Ukraine will not give up land to the 'occupier'

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that Ukraine will not give up land to the "occupier".

His comments come in apparent response to Donald Trump's announcement that he and Vladimir Putin will meet in Alaska on Friday.

Zelenskyy is repeating what he has said previously, that Ukraine will not give up land and that any peace negotiations must involve Kyiv.
"Of course, we will not give Russia awards for what it has done. The Ukrainian people deserve peace," Zelenskyy says.
He adds: "The answer to the Ukrainian territorial question already is in the Constitution of Ukraine.
"No one will deviate from this – and no one will be able to. Ukrainians will not gift their land to the occupier.
"Ukraine is ready for real decisions that can bring peace.
"Any decisions that are against us, any decisions that are without Ukraine, are at the same time decisions against peace.
"They will not achieve anything. These are stillborn decisions. They are unworkable decisions."

Mb76 · 09/08/2025 08:35

DuncinToffee · 09/08/2025 08:29

Donald Trump has said he will meet Vladimir Putin in the US state of Alaska next Friday.

Will Putin travel to USA and not be arrested for his war crimes?

Igotjelly · 09/08/2025 08:38

Mb76 · 09/08/2025 08:35

Will Putin travel to USA and not be arrested for his war crimes?

In fairness the US is not a member of the ICC.

I can’t imagine whatever comes from this will be in anyway beneficial to international peace and stability.

DuncinToffee · 09/08/2025 08:40

Mb76 · 09/08/2025 08:35

Will Putin travel to USA and not be arrested for his war crimes?

He should but it seems more like he will take back Alaska

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 09/08/2025 08:54

minsmum · 08/08/2025 17:37

https://x.com/olddog100ua/status/1953737566630347043
Did anyone expect Azerbaijan to.be producing ammunition for Ukraine

well, following the shooting down of the Azerbiijani civilian airliner by Russian, they made (at least a temporary) peace with Armenia (brokered by Trump, so he has done something constructive in all his chaos) and are now supporting Ukraine. They've sent a little humanitarian aid before now, but nothing military. Surprising.

Mb76 · 09/08/2025 09:06

Igotjelly · 09/08/2025 08:38

In fairness the US is not a member of the ICC.

I can’t imagine whatever comes from this will be in anyway beneficial to international peace and stability.

The thought of him strolling into the USA is making me sick …. And yea there is a long Russian narrative about wanting Alaska back. They wrote songs about it

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 09/08/2025 10:00

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚑️Breaking: Trump, Putin to meet (https://kyivindependent.com/breaking-trump-putin-to-meet-in-alaska-on-aug-15/) in Alaska on Aug. 15 for peace talks.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he will hold a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15.

⚑️As ceasefire deadline passes, no additional Russia sanctions (https://kyivindependent.com/as-ceasefire-deadline-passes-no-additional-russia-sanctions-announced-by-trump/) announced by Trump.

⚑️Ukraine, allies set to meet (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-allies-set-to-meet-in-uk-ahead-of-trump-putin-meeting-axios-reports/) in UK ahead of Trump-Putin summit, Axios reports.

⚑️'Ukrainians will not gift their land' β€” Zelensky rejects (https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainians-will-not-gift-their-land-zelensky-rejects-idea-of-territorial-concessions-to-end-russias-war/) idea of territorial concessions to end Russia's war.
The day before, Donald Trump claimed that peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv would likely involve "some swapping of territories."

⚑️Putin proposed (https://kyivindependent.com/putin-proposed-halting-war-in-exchange-for-ukraines-eastern-regions-wsj-reports/) halting war in exchange for Ukraine's eastern regions in meeting with Witkoff, WSJ reports.

⚑️Armenia, Azerbaijan sign peace deal (https://kyivindependent.com/armenia-azerbaijan-sign-peace-deal-at-white-house-ceremony-plan-to-nominate-trump-for-nobel-peace-prize/) at White House ceremony, plan to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize. [ahahaha, so Trump might get it after all]

⚑️ Putin holds calls with key allies (https://kyivindependent.com/putin-holds-calls-with-key-allies-xi-lukashenko-ahead-of-trump-summit/) Xi, Lukashenko ahead of Trump summit.

⚑️US, Russia discuss deal (https://kyivindependent.com/us-russia-discuss-deal-to-cement-moscows-hold-on-occupied-ukrainian-territories-bloomberg-reports/) to cement Moscow's hold on occupied Ukrainian territories, Bloomberg reports.
The proposed deal is aimed at freezing the conflict and laying the groundwork for a ceasefire and technical negotiations toward a final peace settlement, the news agency reported.

⚑️Watchdog claims Russian troops enter Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, military says attack repelled (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-troops-reportedly-advance-near-dnipropetrovsk-oblast-village-as-military-claims-repelled-assault-in-area/).

⚑️Pentagon can divert (https://kyivindependent.com/pentagon-san-keep-some-weapons-meant-for-ukraine-under-new-policy-cnn-reports/) some weapons meant for Ukraine to US stockpiles, CNN reports.
According to the sources, the memorandum permits the Pentagon to reclaim weapons produced for Ukraine under the U.S. Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) and return them to U.S. stockpiles.

⚑️ Ukrainian drones strike (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-drones-strike-23-000-targets-in-july-kill-5-000-russian-troops-military-chief-says/) 23,000 targets in July, kill 5,000 Russian troops, military chief says.

⚑️EU approves reduced (https://kyivindependent.com/eu-approves-reduced-3-7-billion-in-ukraine-facility-aid-amid-reform-delays/) $3.7 billion in Ukraine Facility aid amid reform delays.
The EU Council approved a regular tranche payment of 3.2 billion euros ($3.7 billion) under the Ukraine Facility mechanism on Aug. 8, a smaller amount than initially planned due to Kyiv's failure to complete key reforms.

⚑️ Russia reportedly shifts oil exports to China (https://kyivindependent.com/russia-shifts-oil-exports-to-china-after-trumps-india-tariffs/) after Trump's India tariffs.
Barrels of Russia's Urals oil are now being offered at a discount to both state-owned and private Chinese refineries, Bloomberg reported.

⚑️China vows to continue buying (https://kyivindependent.com/china-vows-to-continue-buying-russian-oil-amid-trumps-tariff-threats/) Russian oil amid Trump's tariff threats.

⚑️ Romania reportedly suspects (https://kyivindependent.com/romania-suspects-russian-sabotage-behind-azeri-oil-contamination-media-reports/) Russian sabotage behind Azeri crude oil contamination.
The crude mixed with organic chloride, which was transported through Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey, threatened to seriously corrode infrastructure at OMV Petrom’s Petrobrazi refinery, potentially triggering a national fuel crisis, G4Media reported.

⚑️ Save Ukraine works to rescue children (https://kyivindependent.com/russia-launches-catalogue-of-ukrainian-children-for-adoption-sorted-by-eye-and-hair-color/) listed in Russia’s adoption β€˜catalog,’ spox says.

⚑️ UEFA pays $13 million in 'solidarity' money (https://kyivindependent.com/uefa-paid-nearly-13-million-in-solidarity-money-to-russian-football-clubs-after-ukraine-invasion-guardian-reports/) to Russian football clubs while Ukrainian teams fail to receive funds, Guardian reports.
At the same time, five Ukrainian clubs have not received similar payments due to restrictions by a Swiss bank, allegedly because they are located in a "zone of military operations," the Guardian reported.

⚑️ Kyiv holds farewell (https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-holds-farewell-for-journalist-tortured-killed-in-russian-captivity/) for journalist tortured, killed in Russian captivity.

Not their war: Who are Ukraine's foreign fighters? (
At the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, thousands of foreigners flocked to Ukraine to join its defense against Russian forces. More than three years later, the foreign fighters who remain are a different breed β€” driven by a deep commitment to Ukraine.
With its newly created International Battalion, Ukraine's legendary Azov Brigade aims to fill this gap, offering modern training for foreign soldiers. The Kyiv Independent's Francis Farrell and Olena Zashko spoke with Azov's foreign fighters during training in the east of Ukraine.

⚑️Putin presented (https://kyivindependent.com/putin-presented-award-to-witkoff-meant-for-cia-official-whose-son-died-fighting-for-russia-cbs-news-reports/) award to Witkoff meant for CIA official whose son died fighting for Russia, CBS News reports.

⚑️Russian attacks kill (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-8-injure-24-including-2-children-over-past-day/) 8, injure 24, including 2 children, over past day.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 09/08/2025 10:10

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Donald Trump outlined his vision for ending the war in Ukraine, noting that the territories where fierce fighting has raged for three and a half years have claimed many Ukrainian and Russian lives. He said there are plans to return part of these lands and carry out a mutual exchange.
β€œThe process is complicated and difficult, but we will return part of the territories, conduct some exchanges, and this will benefit both sides,” Trump said.
He added that almost all issues have been resolved, with only one remaining β€” the matter of Russia and Ukraine. A meeting with Russia is being prepared, and its location will be announced later. According to Trump, Zelenskyy must be ready to β€œsign something” to end the war.

⚑️Ukraine and Romania have agreed to jointly build a bridge across the Tisza, Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said after talks with Romanian Foreign Minister Oana-Silvia Țoiu.
They also discussed European integration and deepening defense cooperation, including joint production and Romanian business participation in Ukraine’s recovery.
According to Svyrydenko, one option for defense cooperation could follow the Danish model β€” direct financing of military production in Ukraine.

Canada will lower the price cap on Russian-origin offshore oil from $60 to $47.60 per barrel, aligning with the European Union and Britain, Reuters reports. The finance ministry said the move aims to reduce Russia’s oil revenues and increase pressure on Moscow over the war.

Zelenskyy: Spoke with Polish PM Tusk on peace, defense, EU talks, and support for Ukrainians.
[He] spoke with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, discussing peace efforts, joint defense production, support for Ukrainians, and the negotiation process for Ukraine’s EU membership.

πŸ‡§πŸ‡Ύ Lukashenko says he will not run for an eighth presidential term

Bild: German authorities fear Russian sabotage on railways
German government representatives, in comments to Bild, warned of possible attacks on Deutsche Bahn infrastructure by Russian special services and left-wing extremists.
Last week, two arson attacks were recorded on the railway line between DΓΌsseldorf and Duisburg, with the left-wing radical group Angry Birds claiming responsibility. Another act of sabotage was reported in Saxony-Anhalt.
In response, German security services are stepping up surveillance of Russian intelligence activities and considering possible manifestations of violence β€” including arson, dangerous interference with train operations, or damage to equipment β€” that could affect tens of thousands of people.

Over 500 drones detected over sensitive sites in Germany β€” Bild
Between January and March this year, 536 drone flights were recorded over sensitive sites in Germany, Bild reports, citing an internal Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) document titled β€œDrone as a Means of Crime.”
The report notes particular concern over reconnaissance flights near military facilities: 117 such incidents were documented, including ten at the naval base in Wilhelmshaven β€” the largest base of the German Navy, hosting Operational Flotilla 2 and several frigates.
Drones were also spotted over the U.S. Ramstein Air Base and in Bremerhaven, home to the Bundeswehr Naval Operations School.

German Siemens Equipment Powers Sanctioned Russian Weapons Plant, Investigation Finds
As Russia works to increase military production for its war in Ukraine, a state-owned explosives manufacturer bypassed Western sanctions by acquiring German-made Siemens equipment through a middleman importing technology from China, Reuters reported on August 7.
Customs data and state procurement records reviewed (www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/despite-western-sanctions-russian-bomb-factory-bought-siemens-tech-via-middleman-2025-08-07/) by Reuters indicate that the Biysk Oleum Factory (BOZ) in southern Siberia obtained Siemens components via a Russian intermediary, Techpribor, which sources industrial technology from Chinese wholesalers and resellers. The equipment was required to automate machinery at the facility.

The Russians have installed anti-drone nets at the Pacific Fleet’s Rybachy nuclear submarine base in Kamchatka.

From the Netherlands to Lviv: a traveler raised €20,000 for Ukrainian children.
24-year-old Liam Visser from Groningen cycled almost 1,600 km to help Ukrainian teenagers. He raised half the sum himself, and the other half was doubled by a philanthropist from the Netherlands.
€5,000 will go to a summer camp, and the rest will support children from frontline areas.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 09/08/2025 10:14

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Following the recent anti-corruption rollbacks and policy reversals, anti-graft agency chiefs have warned that their removal (www.kyivpost.com/post/57773) could be the next step in what they deemed as escalating pressure on the agencies.

Dozens of mourners packed into a cathedral in central Kyiv (www.kyivpost.com/post/57805) on Friday to pay their respects to independent journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who died in Russian captivity last year aged 27.

πŸŽ™οΈ New episode of Off the Record out now!
This week, Kyiv Post’s Off the Record podcast dives deep with Ukraine’s Business Ombudsman, Roman Waschuk, on the country’s business struggles, reforms, and the quiet fight for the future.
From tax disputes to global investments, reform is more than just rooting out corruption.
Listen now ➑️

Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 09/08/2025 10:19

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ While Trump has resumed military aid to Ukraine, the Pentagon can still divert weapons back to U.S. stockpiles, CNN reports, citing four sources.
In July, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth halted the delivery of a large batch of weapons to Ukraine, acting under a memorandum written by Under Secretary for Policy Elbridge Colby.
The Colby memo remains part of Pentagon policy and contains a previously unknown provision allowing the department to redirect weapons back to American arsenals.
The document classifies U.S. stockpiles into β€œred,” β€œyellow,” and β€œgreen” categories, with red and yellow covering weapons deemed in short supply. These now require Hegseth’s explicit approval before being sent anywhere else. For example, Patriot air defense interceptor missiles fall into the red category.
If Colby’s strategy remains in place, it means that without the president’s direct and explicit approval, no further shipments will get the green light.

❗️❗️Putin will agree to a full ceasefire if Ukraine hands over the part of Donetsk region currently controlled by the Defence Forces, WSJ reports.
As part of the proposal, the Kremlin leader said Russia would pass a law obliging it not to attack Ukraine or Europe.

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡­A Swiss OSCE delegation officer suspected of passing information to Russians.
The colonel, with over 20 years of service in the Federal Department of Defence, worked in Vienna with Switzerland’s OSCE delegation. In summer 2024, he allegedly handed a document to the Russian delegation, although it was later distributed to all OSCE members.
He was recalled to Switzerland, reportedly under pressure from other countries concerned about a possible leak to Moscow. The case is being investigated by the military prosecutor’s office, intelligence services, and oversight bodies. The probe may involve not only this specific episode but also broader suspicions of disclosing military secrets or espionage.

Ukrainians deported by Russia have ended their hunger strike at the Georgia–Russia border.
Fifteen men had been on hunger strike since August 5. Radio Svoboda reports they decided to stop after meeting with a representative of the Ukrainian Embassy. However, they warned that if the situation does not change, they will resume their protest in a few weeks.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said the group has been provided with food, essential supplies, and medicine.

In Russia, captured Azov fighter Vladyslav Shpak has been sentenced to 21 years in a high-security prison.
He was charged with β€œparticipation in a terrorist organization” and β€œundergoing training for the purpose of engaging in terrorist activity.”

A combat medic and chief curator of the Chernihiv Art Museum, Maryna Hrytsenko, has been killed at the front.
In February 2023, Maryna joined the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade. As a combat medic, she took part in battles for the Kharkiv region, and in January 2025, she was awarded the Order β€œFor Courage.”
She was killed on August 7, along with two fellow soldiers, when an enemy drone attacked them during a combat mission.

Lukashenko officials β€˜persistently asked’ and offered money for Time interview – reporter
According to interviewer Simon Shuster, Belarusian officials were unusually insistent in their attempts to arrange an interview with Alexander Lukashenko, even offering money.
A Belarusian official who contacted him in May asked how much it would cost to secure the interview and was surprised to learn that no bribe was needed. β€œJust checking to avoid any misunderstandings later,” the official said.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
DuncinToffee · 09/08/2025 12:30

Keir Starmer offers 'unwavering support' after Zelensky angrily rejects Trump peace plan

President Zelensky ruled out suggestions Ukraine and Russia could "swap" territory - and said any deal drawn up without Ukraine's input would be a non-starter

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/keir-starmer-offers-unwavering-support-35702757

PiggyPigalle · 09/08/2025 12:42

Mb76 · 09/08/2025 09:06

The thought of him strolling into the USA is making me sick …. And yea there is a long Russian narrative about wanting Alaska back. They wrote songs about it

When he was here on a state visit in 2003, David Blunkett the Home Secretary who was blind, had a guide dog who unusually barked at Putin.
Blunkett apologised to the Queen, who replied "Dogs do have interesting instincts, don't they."
BBC NEWS | World | Europe | Putin on state visit to UK

BBC NEWS | World | Europe | Putin on state visit to UK

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3015258.stm

DuncinToffee · 09/08/2025 12:44

Senior European and Ukrainian officials will meet in the UK this weekend to agree a strategy before the Trump-Putin meeting, Axios reports.

There’s an understandable fear that Trump will just accept everything Putin says.

blueshoes · 09/08/2025 13:50

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-8-2025

Key Takeaways:

  • Kremlin officials are reportedly demanding that Ukraine cede to Russia strategically vital unoccupied territory in Donetsk Oblast and freeze the frontline in other areas as part of a ceasefire agreement.
  • The surrender of the rest of Donetsk Oblast as the prerequisite of a ceasefire with no commitment to a final peace settlement ending the war would position Russian forces extremely well to renew their attacks on much more favorable terms, having avoided a long and bloody struggle for the ground. Conceding such a demand would force Ukraine to abandon its "fortress belt," the main fortified defensive line in Donetsk Oblast since 2014 β€” with no guarantee that fighting will not resume.
  • Russia's failure to seize Slovyansk in 2022 and ongoing struggles to envelop the fortress belt underscore the success of Ukraine's long-term efforts to reinforce the fortress belt cities.
  • Russian forces are currently still attempting to envelop the fortress belt from the southwest and are engaged in an effort to seize it that would likely take several years to complete.
  • Ceding Ukrainian-held parts of Donetsk Oblast will place Russian forces on the borders of Donetsk Oblast, a position that is significantly less defensible than the current line.
  • Russian positions along the Donetsk-Kharkiv and Donetsk-Dnipropetrovsk Oblast border areas would provide a more advantageous launching point for a future Russian offensive into nearby areas of Kharkiv or Dnipropetrovsk oblasts. ISW continues to assess that Russian forces will almost certainly violate any future ceasefire or peace agreement and renew military aggression against Ukraine in the future unless a peace agreement includes robust monitoring mechanisms and security guarantees for Ukraine.
  • Putin's reported proposal once again underscores that he maintains his uncompromising demands for Ukraine's capitulation and remains disinterested in good-faith negotiations.
  • The Kremlin does not appear to be setting the domestic information conditions necessary for the Russian people to accept a settlement short of full victory in Ukraine.
  • Ukrainian forces advanced near Kupyansk and Toretsk. Russian forces advanced near Lyman, Toretsk, and Pokrovsk.
Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
blueshoes · 09/08/2025 13:55

DuncinToffee · 09/08/2025 12:44

Senior European and Ukrainian officials will meet in the UK this weekend to agree a strategy before the Trump-Putin meeting, Axios reports.

There’s an understandable fear that Trump will just accept everything Putin says.

Agree. Very worrying.

The ISW post below explains why it is such a bad idea for Ukraine to cede the Donetsk Oblast.

DrBlackbird · 09/08/2025 17:38

Russian forces will almost certainly violate any future ceasefire or peace agreement and renew military aggression against Ukraine in the future unless a peace agreement includes robust monitoring mechanisms and security guarantees for Ukraine

Let’s call a spade a spade. Trump cares more about impression management. Not whether it’s a workable solution for the long term. Ukraine had β€˜security guarantees’ after giving up their nuclear weapons and that’s not worked out so well.

MagicFox · 09/08/2025 19:00

A summary by Vlad Vexler on the Trump-Putin Alaska tete a tete:

TRUMP + PUTIN

Trump doesn’t want to be tough on Putin. Putin doesn’t want to use tough language about Trump.

Both would relish a meeting. For Putin, a meeting boosts his global - and local - status. For Trump, it feeds his narcissistic supply - Putin is Trump's object of narcissistic idealisation.

PUTIN'S POSITION

Current rumours claim that the Kremlin has softened its stance. I’m not persuaded. In my analysis, Putin still wants -

(1) Political control over Ukraine

(2) To use Ukraine as a lever to destabilise the West

(3) To weaponise the process of negotiations as a means of winning the war

(4) To contemplate, for now faintly, ending the war as a way to win it - by restarting it later, or creating a low-threshold challenge to NATO’s Article 5

(5) To keep asking the question: β€œIf I fight for three more months, will Ukraine be in a weaker position?” His current answer is yes.

PUTIN’S MISTAKE

Constrained by an excess of caution (Putin is radical in aim, but cautious in method) and a lack of imagination, Putin has failed to grasp the following -

Settling for less in Ukraine and securing partial reintegration with the West would give Putin an extraordinary opportunity to undermine the West from within - accelerating the West's democratic decline and ideological realignment with Moscow.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

In the short term, Putin’s aim is to get Trump to back a proposal Ukraine can’t accept, and then turn on Ukraine when it refuses.

In the medium term, Kremlin maximalism keeps sustainable peace beyond reach. Yet there is an unlovely drift in the air -

if the war were to stop, it may well stop through a deal struck between Russia and the US first, with Ukraine and Europe initially left on the sidelines.

OP posts:
blueshoes · 09/08/2025 21:51

@MagicFox interesting perspective. Thanks for sharing.

Putin may not want to play the long game because he is old man for whom time is running short to leave his putrid legacy.

blueshoes · 10/08/2025 00:55

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-9-2025

Key Takeaways:

  • The Trump Administration has described Russian President Vladimir Putin's reported demands for a ceasefire in Ukraine in four different ways since August 6. The exact details of Putin's position remain unclear.
  • The only element of Putin's reported position common to all reports is Putin's continued demand for Ukraine to withdraw from unoccupied areas of Donetsk Oblast β€” a major Ukrainian concession.
  • Ukrainian and European officials reportedly presented a counterproposal to US officials on August 9 as European officials continue to issue statements of support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
  • Russian officials welcomed the announcement that US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Alaska on August 15 and referenced Russian narratives about Russia's historical claims to Alaska.
  • Ukraine continues its long-range drone strike campaign against Russian military and defense industrial base (DIB) facilities.
  • Russian milbloggers claimed that the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) replaced Northern Grouping of Forces and Leningrad Military District (LMD) Commander Colonel General Alexander Lapin with Chief of Staff of the Russian Ground Forces Colonel General Yevgeny Nikiforov.
  • Ukrainian forces advanced near Kupyansk.
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 10/08/2025 10:56

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚑️White House considering (https://kyivindependent.com/white-house-considering-inviting-zelensky-to-peace-talks-in-alaska-media-reports/) inviting Zelensky to peace talks in Alaska, media reports.

⚑️'Future of Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukrainians' β€” EU leaders react (https://kyivindependent.com/future-of-ukraine-cannot-be-decided-without-ukrainians-eu-leaders-react-to-russias-ceasefire-proposal-ahead-of-trump-putin-meeting/) to Russia's ceasefire proposal ahead of Trump-Putin meeting.

⚑️Ukraine, Europe reject (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-europe-reject-putins-ceasefire-proposal-present-counterproposal-to-us-ahead-of-trump-putin-meeting-wsj-reports/) Putin's ceasefire proposal, present counterproposal to US ahead of Trump-Putin meeting, WSJ reports.
Ukrainian and European officials rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal for a ceasefire in exchange for Kyiv to cede its eastern territories to Russia, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Aug. 9.
The EU and Ukrainian officials instead offered a counterproposal to U.S. officials ahead of a planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Putin on Aug. 15 in Alaska.

⚑️'We stand firm on clear Ukrainian positions' β€” Zelensky warns Russia will reinvade (https://kyivindependent.com/we-will-not-allow-russia-to-divide-ukraine-zelensky-says-following-talks-with-european-leaders-warns-russia-will-reinvade-if-peace-talks-favor-moscow/) if ceasefire favors Moscow, ahead of Trump-Putin meeting.

⚑️Russia, Belarus attempting to institute renewed EU migrant crisis (https://kyivindependent.com/russia-belarus-attempting-to-institute-renewed-eu-migrant-crisis-with-help-from-libyan-warlord-telegraph-reports/) with help from Libyan warlord, Telegraph reports.
Putin andLukashenko appear to have renewed their efforts to institute a migrant crisis within the EU with the assistance of Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar, the Telegraph reported on Aug. 9.

⚑️Ukrainian intelligence confirms hitting radar station (https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-intelligence-confirms-hitting-radar-station-in-russian-occupied-crimea/) in Russian-occupied Crimea.
The Yenisei radar station is used not only in Russia's S-500 air defense system but also as part of the S-400 system.

⚑️Ukraine hits (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hits-storage-site-for-shahed-type-drones-imported-parts-in-russias-tatarstan-republic/) storage site for Shahed-type drones, imported parts in Russia's Tatarstan Republic.

⚑️Ukraine imposes (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-imposes-sanctions-on-russian-energy-figures-companies-including-rosatom/) sanctions on Russian officials, energy companies, including Rosatom.
Vladislav Vlasiuk, the president's representative on sanctions policy, said the latest sanctions are "100% synchronized" with U.S. restrictions.

⚑️Drones strike Saratov oil refinery (https://kyivindependent.com/drones-strike-saratov-oil-refinery-in-russia/) in Russia.

⚑️Dozens of flights delayed (https://kyivindependent.com/dozens-of-flights-delayed-at-russias-sochi-airport-following-reported-drone-attacks/) at Russia's Sochi airport following reported drone attacks.

⚑️Russian attack on Kharkiv furniture store injures (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attack-on-kharkiv-furniture-store-injures-5-including-child/) 5, including child.
⚑️Update: 2 killed, 19 injured in Russian strike (https://kyivindependent.com/this-is-how-russia-wants-peace-russian-drone-attacks-bus-in-kherson-killing-2-injuring-16/) on bus in Kherson.

β€ͺRagnar Bjartur Gudmundsson πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦β€¬ β€ͺ@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
Β· 1h
⚑️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA β€” AUG 10, 2025
β–  Engagements stay slightly above average, but casualties remain below
β–  Heavy MLRS strikes, despite notable artillery & MLRS losses
β–  100 overnight aerial attacks with a 70% interception rate

Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 10/08/2025 11:00

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Ceasefire β€” First, mandatory security guarantees, including NATO membership, and mutual territorial exchanges, not unilateral concessions: Ukraine and Europe present their own peace plan β€” The Wall Street Journal
The plan rejects Moscow’s proposal for a partial ceasefire and Putin’s demand to hand over the Donetsk and Luhansk regions without a fight.
It also seeks to set clear red lines for the allies ahead of President Trump’s meeting with Putin in Alaska on August 15.
The plan was presented today at a meeting in the UK, attended by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance (in person), Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg (via video link), along with the national security advisers of Britain, Germany, and France, the head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, and the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov.

Andriy Yermak and Rustem Umerov meet with J.D. Vance and David Lammy in the UK
British Foreign Secretary Lammy reaffirmed that London’s support for Ukraine remains unwavering and that work continues toward achieving a just and lasting peace.
According to Zelenskyy, the meeting was constructive: Ukraine’s arguments were heard, the risks were acknowledged, and the path to peace must be determined only in full agreement with Ukraine.
An Axios journalist reported that, according to American officials, the hours-long talks in Britain resulted in significant progress toward ending the war ahead of the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska.

The positions were clear: a reliable, lasting peace is possible only with Ukraine at the negotiating table, with respect for its sovereignty and without recognizing the occupation. A ceasefire is necessary. The frontline is not a border, said Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak after a meeting in Britain with European security advisers, the British Foreign Secretary, and the U.S. Vice President.
"I want to especially thank U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance for participating in joint discussions, respecting all points of view, and working toward a reliable peace.”

Estonia, with the support of the European Commission, plans to take out a loan of up to €3.6 billion to finance defense spending β€” ERR.
β€œEstonia is interested in obtaining a loan. The Ministry of Defense has prepared and sent a preliminary application to the European Commission, but the process is still at a relatively early stage,” said Janno Luurmees, Director of the State Treasury Department at the Ministry of Finance.

According to the report, the exact loan amount and repayment period have not yet been determined, though it could be taken for up to 45 years.

Kalle Kirss, Head of the NATO and EU Department at the Estonian Ministry of Defense, said the funds are intended for the purchase of medium- and short-range anti-aircraft missiles, artillery shells and other ammunition, infantry fighting vehicles, as well as to replenish the armament of the Republic’s Navy.

Russians shelled the railway station in the city of Synelnykovo, Dnipropetrovsk region.

Newly built tugboat Kapitan Ushakov sinks in Russia
The newly built tugboat Kapitan Ushakov has sunk near a shipyard in Russia. Russian media released a video showing the vessel lying on its side.
https://t.me/United24media/34277

UNITED24Media

Newly built tugboat Kapitan Ushakov sinks in Russia The newly built tugboat Kapitan Ushakov has sunk near a shipyard in Russia. Russian media released a video showing the vessel lying on its side.

https://t.me/United24media/34277

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 10/08/2025 11:03

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Zelensky said Ukraine is prepared to make real decisions to achieve peace (www.kyivpost.com/post/57821) but will not cede any territory to Russia.

On the fifth anniversary of the protests in Belarus in 2020, Kyiv Post salutes the courageous defenders (www.kyivpost.com/post/57828) of freedom, democracy and the European orientation of Belarus.

Ukrainian drones struck oil refineries in Russia’s Saratov (www.kyivpost.com/post/57849) region overnight, sparking fires and sending plumes of smoke into the air.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 10/08/2025 11:06

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί In London, Ukraine and its European partners presented their plan for Trump–Putin talks, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing two sources.
On August 6, Putin, through Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, proposed freezing the front line if Ukraine handed over the entire Donetsk region to Russian control.
The European counterproposal stipulates that before any other steps are taken, the parties must first reach a ceasefire. It also states that any territorial exchanges could only take place on a reciprocal basis β€” meaning if Ukraine withdrew from certain regions, Russia would have to withdraw from others.
The plan further requires that any territorial concessions by Ukraine be backed by ironclad security guarantees, including potential NATO membership for Ukraine.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance attended the meeting, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg, and Witkoff joined via video link.

❗️More details from The Wall Street Journal shed light on this week’s events.
β–ͺ️When Trump first called European leaders on Wednesday after Witkoff’s meeting in the Kremlin, he told them that Russia would be willing to withdraw from the southern regions β€” Kherson and Zaporizhzhia β€” in exchange for full control over the Donbas.
(This now explains why Zelensky, in his evening address, said Russia seemed more inclined toward a ceasefire but stressed the importance of not being deceived on the details. He immediately sensed something was off about the proposal.)
β–ͺ️On a second call Thursday, with Witkoff present, Witkoff denied that Russia was planning to withdraw from anywhere.
(At this point, alarm bells went off β€” the first leaks emerged suggesting that Putin had pitched a misleading offer, while Rubio had hinted the day before at a briefing about β€œdifficult territorial questions” for Ukraine.)
β–ͺ️On Friday, the Europeans demanded a third call so that Witkoff could finally clarify the growing confusion about what Putin had actually proposed. During that call, Witkoff stated plainly that the only offer on the table was a unilateral withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Donbas in exchange for a ceasefire.
πŸ’¬ β€œThis proposal is far worse than what Trump told us [on Wednesday],” said one European official.
πŸ’¬ β€œThis is just giving Putin everything he wants in exchange for nothing,” said another.
Once it became clear what Putin’s plan was, Zelensky and European leaders immediately rejected it.
Postscript from WSJ:
β–ͺ️The Russian army, bogged down in fighting around Chasiv Yar and Pokrovsk, is unlikely to be able to capture the fortified Sloviansk–Kramatorsk agglomeration by military means in the foreseeable future, according to most military analysts.
β–ͺ️Handing over strategic territory that is home to hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian citizens in exchange for a ceasefire β€” especially with Putin, who has repeatedly violated past ceasefires β€” would be an enormous windfall for him, giving up nothing in return, European officials said.

Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) warn that if Ukrainian forces withdraw from the entire Donetsk region under a deal with Russia, the Russians would gain control over the β€œfortress belt” β€” the main fortified defensive line in Donetsk since 2014 β€” and secure more advantageous positions for an offensive on Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions should hostilities resume.
They note that potential Ukrainian defensive lines in the area would run through open fields, while natural barriers such as the Oskil and Siverskyi Donets rivers lie too far to the east to serve as effective defensive positions for Ukrainian forces.

Explosion at Russia’s largest soda plant in Bashkortostan.
The blast occurred at the Bashkir Soda Company, which produces chemicals that can be used in the manufacturing of explosives or dual-use goods.
Reports say 27 people were injured, 21 of whom are in intensive care. Nineteen ambulance crews are working at the scene.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

This thread is not accepting new messages.