Most popular posts by Ukrainian Informal Network community members over the last 24 hours. Updated hourly.
OTD in 1994 The Budapest Memorandum was signed. It remains the most spectacular waste of paper, ink, and geopolitical optimism in the history of humankind. The deal was simple: Ukraine disarms. Russia, the UK, and the USA promised, in return, to guarantee our security and territorial integrity.
The new US National Security Strategy, in its predictable and characteristic ugliness, is a good occasion for Europe to finally let go of the time-consuming transatlantic crisis management efforts and start focusing on a proper and proactive own strategy instead.
After reading the 2025 U.S. National Security Strategy, seeing Scott Bessent say that the US remains an ally of China, and reading Musk call for dismantling the EU, I just want to scream into the void, because it feels like we are sliding back into late 19th century imperialism led by a kakistocrats
Europe has been underestimating its own power, especially towards Russia. We should be more self confident. The United States is still our biggest ally. And it's in the interest of the U.S. that we work together. Extracts from my intervention at the 2025 Doha Forum ↓
Russian army destroyed the railway station in Fastiv near Kyiv tonight. Just bombed it into obliteration. Fire that broke out ate up the construction. It’s gone. This is more than just about a railway. This is exactly what Russia is trying to do to my people : to make us gone. Either by
Something has changed. A side of America that most Europeans never encountered face to face is now in charge. Europe had a decade of warnings and the first Trump Administration to prepare for this. We chose not to. To meet this moment and secure our future, we must also change.
The Russian shadow fleet tanker Kairos, hit by Ukrainian naval drones, has run aground near the Bulgarian town of Ahtopol. Bulgaria's transport ministry says a Navy helicopter and border patrol boat were dispatched to rescue the 10 crew members, but a storm disrupted the operation.
🇺🇦🗣️ Budanov: AFU is an army of light, goodness, which protects the civilized world from the Russian threat of the 21st century... Our people have a heavy burden, but we steadfastly bear it with honor and humility. We know that this is not just our will, but our great duty.
1/ A Russian convict soldier has described the gruelling and deadly experience of serving in a 'Storm V' assault unit, from initial training, to facing swarms of Ukrainian drones, and being the only survivor of a bloody battle against dug-in and determined Ukrainian forces. ⬇️
Today, several more Russian jet powered Shaheds were intercepted by STING (by @wildhornets.bsky.social), one of which is in this photo. It seems that the interception of jet Shaheds by interceptor drones is not an isolated phenomenon and is becoming more common.
Seven Ukrainian children taken by Russian occupation authorities have been returned home from the Kursk and Moscow regions, as well as the Republic of Mari El. The children are from Kherson and Kharkiv regions. Notably, Melania Trump was reportedly involved in efforts to secure their return.
To put this differently—we’re spending 18 billion dollars annually to detain random people at Guantanamo Bay for no reason other than it looks cool on social media. Or to put it another way; about 20% of DHS’s annual budget if you don’t include the supplemental budget.
1/ The US National Park Service has for the first time made access to its parks free on June 14, explicitly tying it to Donald Trump's birthday. The inauguration of a public celebration of the leader's birthday marks a very significant step on the road to authoritarianism in the US. ⬇️
Russian war criminals carried out a massive strike on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure last night, using more than 700 drones and missiles in total, including 300 Shaheds, of which 615 were shot down. The footage shows the destroyed railway station in Fastiv, Kyiv region.
Russia launched a strike on Ukraine's energy and transport infrastructure. Hits were reported in Kyiv region (Fastiv railway, Bila Tserkva TPP), Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih (damaged homes, injuries), Lutsk and Lviv region (TPPs hit, power out), and Poltava, Rivne, Chernihiv critical systems were targeted.
IAEA confirmed that the new sarcophagus at Chornobyl lost key safety functions after a drone strike earlier this year,specifically its ability to contain radioactive material. While no irreversible damage to structural or monitoring systems was found, the agency stresses urgent repairs are needed.
Hungary has vetoed the EU’s eurobond plan to fund Ukraine, blocking a potential fallback if efforts to tap frozen Russian assets fail. The rejection, revealed during an ambassadors' meeting, removes a key alternative as talks with Belgium, holder of most frozen Russian reserves, remain deadlocked.
1/ Russians who were mobilised in 2022-23 and have survived to the present day may not live much longer, as they are reportedly being formed into assault squads, where they will likely be sent to their deaths. This is forecast to lead to a bribery bonanza for commanders. ⬇️
Russian pro-war channels are now lamenting that Siberian peoples, Buryats among them are being chewed up on the “SVO”, while “labour migrants from Central Asia” arrive to fill the gaps. The inflow is already visible on the streets through the rising number of “women with covered heads”.
A massive overnight missile and drone attack across Ukraine overnight. Russian MiG-31K launched Kinzhal missiles, ballistic strikes hit Kyiv and Dnipro, and at least six ballistic missiles targeted the Kryvyi Rih TPP. Cruise missile groups are still heading toward Lviv region.
🇺🇦 Zelensky: Today I held a very important Headquarters. There is a really good decision for each combat brigade regarding the distribution of people. Each combat brigade should be guaranteed to receive monthly replenishment of people so that they understand how to organize training, rotations.
Ukraine celebrates Armed Forces Day today! Our defenders are titans, carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. They protect Ukraine, they shield Europe, and they are the only reason World War III has not already consumed the globe. They are our everything.
☢️🇺🇦 Chornobyl Shelter Has Lost Its Essential Safety Functions and Requires Comprehensive Restoration, - IAEA The statement stressed that despite partial repairs, the timely and complete restoration of the NSC is critical for long-term nuclear safety.
Zelensky held a phone call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, thanking him for his support and words on Ukraine’s Armed Forces Day. They discussed the diplomatic landscape, including recent talks between Ukrainian officials and Trump's team in the US, and agreed to continue close coordination.