Ukraine Invasion: Part 58

[MagicFox]

We’re all still here for Thread 58. Thanks to all regular contributors, especially those doing the daily hard work. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

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Sometimes its the only explanation.

After all we had KGB agents in our security services & Royal family, even Wilson was suspected, wrongly i might add.

Honestly, the sight of him sat there with that ludicrous hat made me so angry and really rammed home how much of a circus this whole thing has become.

Starting to think there's a resemblance between Nero and Trump.

I think you’re close. According to some modern historians Nero wasn’t as bad as depicted, it seems he may have been (unfairly?) rubbished by subsequent Roman ‘historians’. That said, for me I feel all of Trump’s appearances can be compared to the spectacles and games of Ancient Rome in the Colossseum and other arenas which were specifically aimed at promoting the emperor and keeping the populace happy.

More like Caligula than Nero, perhaps? We can hope; Caligula was assassinated after four years.

Totally agree @Positivethought

UK Ministry of Defence

@Positivethought agreed, Nero was highly flamboyant and theatrical but wasn't quite as bad as portrayed at first. Although I have to say that worsening the breaking of US guarentees, tearing up the South Asia Treaty that was in the works etc and pissing on good relations all around the world kinda fits with the later depictions of Nero too.

I've said it before tho, but in a weird way in his utterly selfish way I think Trump genuinely, if dimly, wants to leave things in a better state than he found them. He isn't, but that dim, erratic and unreliable light seems to be burning.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

Russia strengthens hand in potential peace talks with steady advances in Donbas (kyivindependent.com/russia-strengthens-hand-in-potential-peace-talks-with-steady-advances-in-donbas/)
Russia's continued battlefield advances come as U.S. President Donald Trump pushes both sides to hold peace talks to end the war at all costs. Zelensky said Ukraine was ready for a bilateral meeting and possibly a trilateral meeting involving the U.S. as well.

⚡️Putin-Zelensky meeting 'not ready at all,' (kyivindependent.com/putin-zelensky-meeting-not-ready-at-all-kremlin-says-despite-trump-push-for-peace-deal/) Kremlin says despite Trump push for peace deal.
"How can we meet with a person who is pretending to be a leader?" Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told NBC News on Aug. 22.

‘Enticing Trump’ — Europe and Ukraine’s $90 billion gambit to win over the White House (https://kyivindependent.com/enticing-trump-europe-and-ukraines-90-billion-gambit-to-win-over-the-white-house/)
Zelensky wants Europe to pay the U.S. $90 billion for weapons to Ukraine, "that we don’t have ourselves: above all, planes and air defense, etc. — we’ll leave it at 'etc.' for now," as he said in a briefing after the meeting earlier this week. Kyiv is also proposing a $50 billion drone deal with the U.S. as part of the offer.

⚡️NATO Chief Rutte arrives (kyivindependent.com/nato-secretary-general-rutte-arrives-in-kyiv-as-ukraine-seeks-to-receive-security-guarantees/) in Kyiv amid Ukraine’s push for security guarantees.

⚡️Iran seeks (kyivindependent.com/iran-relies-on-belarus-to-restore-air-defense-systems-ukraines-intelligence-says/) Belarus help to restore air defense systems, Ukraine's intelligence says.
"Unlike Russia, Belarus is less restricted by sanctions in the military-technical sphere and could become a channel for restoring Iran’s defense capabilities," Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service reported.

⚡️Rubio, Yermak lead talks on security guarantees (kyivindependent.com/rubio-yermak-lead-talks-on-security-guarantees-hope-to-finalize-plan-for-ukraine-by-end-of-next-week-media-reports/), hope to finalize plan for Ukraine by end of next week, media reports.
The military aspect of the guarantees will involve weapons deliveries, financial support, intelligence sharing, and joint military exercises and trainings, a Presidential Office source told the news outlet Suspilne.

⚡️Putin visits center for nuclear weapons (kyivindependent.com/putin-visits-center-for-nuclear-weapons-research-day-after-trump-says-ukraine-cant-win-without-striking-russia/) research day after Trump says Ukraine can't win without striking Russia.

⚡️Ukraine shoots down Russian Orlan 'mother drone' (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-shoots-down-russian-orlan-mother-drone-carrying-fpvs-for-first-time-military-says/) carrying FPVs for first time, military says.
Ukrainian anti-aircraft gunners shot down a Russian Orlan drone carrying two first-person-view (FPV) drones under its wings, the 118th Separate Mechanized Brigade reported.

⚡️Estonia signals readiness to send peacekeepers (kyivindependent.com/estonia-signals-readiness-to-send-peacekeepers-to-ukraine/) to Ukraine.
Estonia is ready to join a peacekeeping operation in Ukraine, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said at a press conference on Aug. 22.

⚡️Russia-Belarus military drills (kyivindependent.com/russia-belarus-military-drills-to-involve-significantly-fewer-troops-than-in-past-lithuanian-intelligence-says/) to involve 'significantly fewer' troops than in past, Lithuanian intelligence says.

⚡️EU delivers over 4 billion euros (kyivindependent.com/eu-allocates-4-billion-euros-to-ukraine-ahead-of-independence-day/) to Ukraine ahead of Independence Day.
The European Union disbursed more than 4 billion euros ($4.7 billion) in financial aid to Ukraine ahead of its 34th Independence Day, underscoring the bloc's continued support for Ukraine amid the ongoing invasion.

⚡️Trump 'very angry' (kyivindependent.com/trump-very-angry-about-ukrainian-drone-strikes-on-russian-oil-pipeline/) about Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil pipeline.
"Viktor, I do not like hearing about this — I am very angry about it. Tell Slovakia you are my great friend," Trump wrote in response to a complaint about the strikes from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

⚡️Trump 'not happy' about Russian strike on US factory (kyivindependent.com/trump-not-happy-about-russian-strike-on-us-factory-in-ukraine/) in Ukraine.

Ukraine's anti-corruption chief on how his agency became a target — and what's next (kyivindependent.com/how-ukraines-anti-corruption-chief-became-a-target-of-the-state-he-serves/)
Semen Kryvonos, head of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), is stuck between a rock and a hard place.
On one side, there is mounting pressure on the Bureau to deliver results, especially in exposing high-level corruption — including in the secretive and ever-expanding defense sector. On the other, Kryvonos must constantly defend his agency from attacks — including from other law enforcement agencies, whose loyalties lie with the president's office. (kyivindependent.com/how-ukraines-anti-corruption-chief-became-a-target-of-the-state-he-serves/)

Oscar-winning director on his new Ukraine war film ()
The Kyiv Independent’s Kate Tsurkan sits down with Oscar-winning director of "20 Days in Mariupol," Mstyslav Chernov, to discuss his new documentary, "2000 Meters to Andriivka" and why he strives to tell universal stories of resilience, bravery and hope against the backdrop of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

What Russia stole, these Crimean Tatar authors endeavor to reclaim with literature (kyivindependent.com/what-russia-stole-these-crimean-tatar-authors-endeavor-to-reclaim-with-literature/)
The “Crimean Fig” anthology, published in English translation by Arrowsmith Press, brings together non-fiction, fiction, and poetry by Crimean Tatar authors, offering insight into their history, culture, resistance to Russian rule, and the quiet struggle to hold on to one’s identity and humanity in a land too often defined by who controls it, rather than who calls it home.

Ukrainian pilot dies (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-pilot-dies-in-mig-29-crash) in MiG-29 crash.
A Ukrainian MiG-29 pilot was killed after completing a combat mission early on Aug. 23, according to a statement by Ukraine's Air Force.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 1h
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — AUG 23, 2025
■ Engagements & casualties remain below average
■ Equipment losses also well below average
■ Fewer 🇺🇦 strikes; double-digit strike ratio
■ Overnight attacks: Limited; interception rate below average

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

❗️Russia does not intend to end the war but uses ultimatums to delay peace — President Zelenskyy

The main points from President Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General Rutte at a press conference in Kyiv:
▫️ Zelenskyy: Security guarantees should be “Article-5-like” (similar to NATO’s collective defense clause). Current discussions focus on financing the Armed Forces of Ukraine, weapons, and diplomacy.
▫️ Zelenskyy on a possible meeting with Putin: He had a long conversation with Trump about the diplomatic track. According to him, Trump is the only person who can call Putin. Initially, a trilateral meeting was discussed, but later Russia proposed a bilateral one. Zelenskyy stressed he would not accept conditions that block peace.
▫️ Zelenskyy: “The Russians are doing everything to prevent the meeting, but Ukraine is not afraid of it.” If Moscow rejects diplomacy, strong sanctions packages are needed.
▫️ Rutte: In Washington, Trump set a priority — to show Putin that the US is part of the security guarantees.
▫️ Rutte: Security guarantees have two layers — a peace agreement with a strengthened Armed Forces of Ukraine, and guarantees from the US and Europe to deter new Kremlin aggression.
▫️ Rutte: Discussions continue on the possible deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine as part of security guarantees. It is too early to speak of the outcome.

Oil market players are skeptical about a rapid end to the Russian war in Ukraine. As a result, global oil prices may rise by the end of the week. Sellers are also factoring a higher risk premium into their prices. However, it is not only Russian oil that is becoming more expensive, Reuters reports.
As of Friday morning, futures for the benchmark Brent crude stood at $67.55 per barrel, while WTI was at $63.42. Both contracts rose by more than 1% the previous day. Over the week, Brent gained 2.7% and WTI 1.1%.
Traders have now abandoned hopes for a quick agreement to end the Russian war in Ukraine through the mediation of US President Donald Trump. ING analysts note difficulties in arranging a Putin–Zelenskyy summit and unresolved issues in talks on security guarantees for Ukraine. This has also increased the likelihood of tougher US sanctions against Russia.

❗️Ukraine warns Belarusian army not to approach border during Zapad-2025 exercises
Ahead of the Russian-Belarusian exercises Zapad-2025, scheduled for September 12–16, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry warned Minsk against provocations, advising the Belarusian army not to approach the Ukrainian border.

Russia Launches “Not My Enemy” Propaganda Campaign Across Europe
Russia has launched a propaganda campaign in Europe under the slogan “Russia is not my enemy.” Stickers and posters with this message have appeared in Romania, France, and Italy, depicting Moscow as a peacemaker rather than an aggressor.
According to Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, which reportedthe (t.me/CenterCounteringDisinformation/15355) campaign on August 21, these stickers are typically displayed in local languages and often show images such as a handshake, designed to “create the illusion of a ‘peaceful partnership.’”
The campaign’s objective, as stated by the Center, is to “portray itself as a peacemaker, downplay its own crimes, and sow discord in European societies.” Officials warn that such influence operations are intended to “undermine citizens’ trust in the rule of law and democratic institutions,” cast doubt on Europe’s Euro‑Atlantic trajectory, and discredit support for Ukraine.
Read more: https://united24media.com/latest-news/russia-launches-not-my-enemy-propaganda-campaign-across-europe-10997

🤦‍♂️ Putin during a meeting with nuclear physicists in Sarov:
▫️ Relations with the United States are at an extremely low level after World War II, but with the arrival of President Trump, the light at the end of the tunnel has finally loomed;
▫️ Trump’s leadership qualities are a good guarantee that relations will be restored, and the pace of joint work on this platform will be maintained;
▫️ The meeting with Trump in Alaska was meaningful and frank. Contacts continue;
▫️ Russia is discussing the possibility of cooperation with the United States in the Arctic and Alaska;
▫️ The first steps taken by Russia and the United States are the beginning of a full-scale restoration of relations;
▫️ The ability to maintain its sovereignty is extremely important for Russia, without it it will not exist;
▫️ All of today’s Western Europe is effectively deprived of sovereignty, but Russia cannot live like this;
▫️ Those who stopped interacting with Russia due to political pressure will return;
▫️ Russia does not “hook” other countries in the construction of nuclear power plants there, but helps create an entire industry;
▫️ Prototypes of quantum computers with enormous computing capabilities have already been assembled in Russia;
▫️ Russia is currently cooperating with unfriendly countries in the nuclear sphere, including supplying nuclear fuel;
▫️ We do not have unfriendly countries — we have unfriendly elites in some countries.

Russia is recruiting South African women to work at the Alabuga drone factory. South African authorities have launched an investigation, — Bloomberg.
According to the agency, in January, the South African organization BRICS Student Commission began distributing job advertisements for girls aged 18–22 in construction and the service sector at Alabuga enterprises. Recruitment is also promoted on Instagram and TikTok.
Research organizations, including the Institute for Science and International Security, claim that most women end up not in construction, but in strike drone production. Up to 90% of the recruited employees are estimated to work on assembling Shahed-136 drones.
Officials of the Russian special economic zone deny the participation of African women in drone manufacturing. At the same time, housing is being built in Alabuga for tens of thousands of new workers, which analysts link to the expansion of military production.
Bloomberg notes this is not the first such report — recruitment was previously covered by Voice of America.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

On the eve of Ukraine’s 34th Independence anniversary, the EU announced €4.05 billion in aid — €3.05 billion via the Ukraine Facility mechanism and €1 billion in macro-financial support.

🇺🇦 Today, Ukraine celebrates its National Flag Day.
The blue and yellow have become a global emblem of freedom, unity, and resilience — the colors of a brave people.
Under this flag, may Ukraine’s strength, hope, and victory continue to grow. https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/31429

The first draft of security guarantees for Ukraine could be ready as early as the beginning of next week, said Ukraine’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsia.

Head of Zelensky’s Office Yermak said military personnel bring valuable experience, as speculation grows (kyivpost.com/post/58784) that Zelensky and Zaluzhny could face off in future elections.

🎙️ A new episode of Off the Record is live!
In this episode of “Off the Record”, Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine Natalka Cmoc sits down with Danish Ambassador Ole Egberg Mikkelsen for a candid discussion on defense, recovery, and reforms.
This episode goes beyond policy into the human side of diplomacy, showing why strong partnerships — and local trust — matter most.
Watch now:

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Kaja Kallas: Proposed Ukraine land concessions are Putin's trap

🇺🇸 The United States will send singer Brandon Howard to “Intervision,” Russia’s alternative to Eurovision.
Howard is rumored to be the son of Michael Jackson, though no confirmation exists in open sources. What is known is that his mother, Miki Howard, is a former singer, while his father, Joe Howard, was her producer.
Alongside the U.S., representatives from 14 other countries will travel to Moscow. Russia will be represented by pro-Putin singer Shaman, who is under EU sanctions for repeatedly performing at the Kremlin.
▪️ The “Intervision” contest first existed in the Soviet period (1965–1968 and 1977–1980) as a counterweight to Eurovision. In 1994, Russia began taking part in the European contest.
▪️ However, in 2022 Russia was banned from Eurovision. This year, the aggressor state has decided to revive the Soviet-era format.

Ukrainian national Serhiy Kuznetsov, arrested in Italy on suspicion of involvement in the Nord Stream pipeline explosions, has claimed that he was in Ukraine at the time of the blasts.
He also refused extradition from Italy to Germany, where he could face formal charges.
The judge postponed the hearing after Kuznetsov requested a Ukrainian-language interpreter.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-22-2025

Key Takeaways:

• The Kremlin continues to signal that Russian President Vladimir Putin is unwilling to have an immediate bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
• Russian officials continue to deflect blame for the lack of Putin-Zelensky meeting and Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations by rejecting the legitimacy of Ukraine's democratically elected government.
• Ukraine continued its strike campaign against Russian military and oil infrastructure in Russia and occupied Ukraine.
• Ukrainian authorities returned Ukrainian civilians whom Russian authorities deported from occupied areas of Ukraine to a checkpoint on the Russia-Georgia border.
• Ukrainian forces advanced in northern Sumy Oblast and near Pokrovsk and Novopavlivka. Russian forces advanced in northern Sumy and eastern Zaporizhia oblasts and near Chasiv Yar and Novopavlivka.

We do not have unfriendly countries — we have unfriendly elites in some countries.

That one's begging for a cartoon depicting the unfriendly elites in Russia... Not just Putin, but all his rich enablers.

• The Kremlin continues to signal that Russian President Vladimir Putin is unwilling to have an immediate bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Surely that is a good thing for Zelenskyy? Putin wants this man dead and meeting with Putin would be fraught with the possibility of harm.

President Zelensky has shared an 'inspirational' letter from King Charles on Ukraine's Independence Day

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Pentagon has quietly barred (kyivindependent.com/pentagon-has-quietly-barred-ukrainian-long-range-strikes-in-russia-with-us-missiles-wsj-reports/) Ukrainian long-range strikes in Russia with US missiles, WSJ reports.
The U.S. has quietly implemented a review process giving Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authority to bar Ukrainian long-range strikes inside Russia with American missiles, effectively blocking strikes for months, the Wall Street Journal reported on Aug. 23.

⚡️US approves sale of ERAM missiles (kyivindependent.com/us-approves-sale-of-eram-missiles-to-ukraine-wsj-reports/) to Ukraine, WSJ reports.
Washington approved the sale of Extended-Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles to Ukraine, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Aug. 23, citing two unnamed U.S. officials.

⚡️Little progress made so far on Ukraine peace deal (kyivindependent.com/little-progress-made-so-far-on-ukraine-peace-deal-german-chancellor-says/), German Chancellor says.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Aug. 23 described renewed efforts to reach a peace deal in Ukraine as "the first 200 meters" of 10 kilometers.

China ready to send peacekeeping troops (kyivindependent.com/china-ready-to-send-peacekeeping-troops-to-ukraine-german-media-reports) to Ukraine, German media reports.
German media outlet Welt reported, citing anonymous EU sources, that China has signalled it is prepared to send peacekeeping forces to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire.
However, China is prepared to do so only "if the peacekeeping forces were deployed on the basis of a mandate from the United Nations (UN)," the sources told Welt.

Zelensky promises developments on security guarantees in 'coming days (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-promises-developments-on-security-guaranees-in-coming-days).'
Meanwhile, Finnish President Alexander Stubb voiced doubts about Russia's readiness for peace in an interview with Helsingin Sanomat, saying, "They (Russia) want to continue the war at least until the fall to maximize their own territorial gains."

Russian deserter confesses to killing 5 (kyivindependent.com/russian-deserter-confesses-to-killing-five-captured-ukrainian-soldiers-in-the-back-of-the-head-polish-media-reports) captured Ukrainian soldiers.
A 31-year-old Russian serviceman claimed in an interview to have participated in the May 2024 killing of five captured Ukrainian soldiers in Donetsk Oblast, according to Polish-Belarusian media outlet Vot Tak.

⚡️Zelensky signs decrees imposing sanctions (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-signs-decrees-imposing-sanctions-on-putins-relatives-kremlin-allies/) on Putin’s relatives, Kremlin allies.

⚡️France summons Italian ambassador over official's remarks on Macron’s Ukraine proposal (kyivindependent.com/france-summons-italian-ambassador-over-officials-remarks-on-macrons-ukraine-proposal-reuters-reports/), Reuters reports.
France has summoned Italy’s ambassador after Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini disparaged French President Emmanuel Macron’s suggestion that European troops could be deployed in Ukraine as part of a post-war settlement, a French diplomatic source confirmed to Reuters on Aug. 23.
Responding to Macron’s appeal earlier this week, Salvini used a Milanese dialect expression loosely meaning "get lost."

⚡️Drone strikes spark fires (kyivindependent.com/drone-strikes-spark-fire-at-russian-gas-terminal-and-oil-refinery-media-reports/) at Russian gas terminal and oil refinery, media reports.
Drones struck a natural gas terminal in Russia's Leningrad region and an oil refinery in Samara region on Aug. 24, the Russian Telegram news channel Astra reported, citing local reports and footage of the attacks.

⚡️Drone incidents reported in Moscow and St Petersburg (kyivindependent.com/drone-incidents-reported-in-moscow-and-st-petersburg-dozens-of-flights-disrupted/), dozens of flights disrupted.
In response to concerns over airspace safety, Russia’s federal aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, temporarily suspended operations at multiple airports in major cities of the Volga and Central regions of European Russia—including Izhevsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara, Penza, Tambov, and Ulyanovsk.

⚡️Pro-Ukrainian partisans reportedly destroy (kyivindependent.com/pro-ukrainian-partisans-reportedly-destroy-railway-electric-transformer-in-southern-russia/) railway electrical transformer in Southern Russia.

⚡️Russia attacks Ukraine (kyivindependent.com/russia-attacks-ukraine-with-72-drones-ballistic-missile-on-independence-day/) with 72 drones, ballistic missile on Independence Day.

⚡️Russian strikes (kyivindependent.com/russian-strikes-in-dnipropetrovsk-oblast-kill-1-injure-9-others/) in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast kill 1, injure 9 others.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 3m
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — AUG 24, 2025
■ Engagements & casualties up, equipment losses below avg
■ Visually confirmed: 18 🇷🇺 : 36 🇺🇦 — 30-day ratio at 0.9x
■ Overnight attacks: Up w/moderate interception rate
■ Fewer strikes, but strike ratio could be better

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Ukraine’s population has shrunk by about 10 million due to the war, Frontliner reports.
At the beginning of 2022, more than 40 million people lived in Ukraine, not counting residents of Crimea. According to 2024 data, the population stands at 35.8 million, of which only 31.1 million are in government-controlled territory.
Another 5 million Ukrainians are abroad, mostly in Europe, with the largest numbers in Germany, Poland, and Italy.
“Mass migration, record mortality, declining birth rates, and an aging nation pose a serious challenge to Ukraine’s future,” the article notes.
In 2023, about 495,000 deaths were recorded — one third more than in pre-war years. There are now 280 deaths per 100 births, while only around 180,000 children were born that year — the lowest figure in modern history. The main reasons are danger, economic hardship, and uncertainty about the future.

President Zelenskyy announced important agreements and an imminent meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Kyiv today for the first time and shared a heartfelt video on Ukraine’s Independence Day. https://t.me/United24media/34762

Türkiye also allows for the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine within the framework of security guarantees.
This was reported by the Ukrainian Ambassador to Türkiye, Nariman Dzhelyal.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is ready to discuss territorial issues at a meeting with Putin, but Putin is not ready for negotiations, First Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Kyslytsia said.

The EU’s position during the negotiations is taken into account by both the United States and Ukraine, Ukrainian Ambassador to the EU Vsevolod Chentsov said.
...In addition, it is worth noting that the meeting took place during the August holidays. All of them (European leaders — ed.) had to interrupt their vacations and personally go to Washington. What is no less important, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, made efforts to coordinate this visit,” Chentsov stressed.
He added that after Monday’s visit to the White House, it remained unclear whether European leaders would also be able to be present at the negotiating table at some stage. He noted that the current process is becoming “quite dynamic,” and expressed hope that the next meeting would not take long to be organized.

Ukrainian athlete Liudmyla Luzan won two gold medals in one day at the World Canoeing and Kayaking Championships.

In Warsaw, activists painted the asphalt near the Russian embassy in the colors of the Ukrainian flag.
The action took place on Ukraine’s National Flag Day. People also gathered near the embassy with posters showing Putin’s face crossed out and slogans in support of Ukraine.

The building of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was decorated with Ukrainian flags and illuminated in blue and yellow on the occasion of Ukraine’s national holidays.

“The people of Ukraine have an indomitable spirit, and the courage of your country is an inspiration to many,” President Trump said as he congratulated Ukraine on Independence Day.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Since July Ukrainian forces have been systematically targeting transport nodes to prevent (www.kyivpost.com/post/58822) resupply and movement of troops. The campaign also makes Russian holidaymakers aware of the war.

Keith Kellogg has arrived in Kyiv — right now he is taking part in Independence Day celebrations.

Peace Summit, Propaganda Win, Energy War Escalates.
Welcome to “Summary of the Week” — your quick guide to the top headlines from August 16 to August 23, 2025.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping congratulated Ukraine on Independence Day — despite being one of Russia’s closest allies.
President Volodymyr Zelensky also thanked for greetings from:
▪️ The President of Lithuania
▪️ The Prime Minister of Sweden
▪️ The President of Switzerland
▪️ The King of the United Kingdom
▪️ The King of the Netherlands
▪️ The President of Turkey
▪️ Pope Leo XIV
▪️ The President of Azerbaijan — and other world leaders.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

❗️Around 237,000 people need to be evacuated from Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions, Ukraine’s Ministry for Communities and Territories Development reported.
These are people who continue to live in dangerous areas. Among them are nearly 17,200 children.
In total, more than 64,000 people have been evacuated from these regions between June 1 and August 22.

🇳🇴 Norway is allocating around 7 billion kroner (about $695.7 million) for Ukraine’s air defense.
The systems will be supplied from Germany to Ukraine.

Three Russian soldiers involved in war crimes in Bucha were eliminated in Luhansk region.

Three children and a young man have been rescued from temporarily occupied territory.
The children are between 6 and 15 years old. The 28-year-old man has a disability and requires constant care.
He was illegally taken by Russian forces from the Oleshky orphanage in the Kherson region, first to temporarily occupied territory and then to Russia.
Qatar acted as a mediator in their rescue. In total, Qatari mediation has already helped return 83 children from Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine and from Russia itself.

The Ukrainian MiG-29 pilot who died was a member of the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade, known as the “Ghost of Kyiv.”
Serhii Bondar served as deputy squadron commander. He had dedicated his entire life to aviation, although he once took a break from military service to work as a lecturer at the National Aviation University.
With the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, he returned to service, flying L-39 and MiG-29 jets.
He is survived by his wife and two children.

🇬🇧 A British volunteer has been killed in Donbas, and her body has remained unretrieved for two months due to ongoing fighting.
Annie Lewis Murphy, a 69-year-old former BBC documentary producer, left the UK in May to deliver a RAV4 vehicle to Ukraine. She was supposed to hand it over to the Aid Ukraine UK team in Lviv but instead decided to continue on her own to Kramatorsk.
The volunteer organization then lost contact with her. It was later discovered that she came under attack by a Russian drone and was killed between June 11 and 12.
Police say her body is still in an active combat zone, making evacuation impossible. As a result, local authorities have not yet been able to issue her family a death certificate. [Rest in peace, brave woman; I hope your passing was fast]

🇺🇦 Slava Ukraini!

Slava Ukraini!

Bit of analysis here of the recently announced Ukraine Flamingo cruise missile.

My only real ??? Is I'm not sure how well the claimed accuracy will hold up at longer ranges in an enviroment where GPS might be jammed..

missilematters.substack.com/p/the-flamingos-have-arrived-what-ukraines

Lovely to see that Mark Carney is visiting Ukraine on Independence Day.
Slava Ukraini! 💞🇺🇦

We know who should get his orange arse over there, but never will. Which is a shame because it might bloody teach him some history, and some humility too while he's at it.

I doubt that it is possible to teach that fart anything at all. As far as he is concerned, whatever it may be he already knows more than anyone else does about it.