Day 1116 War in Ukraine

Protesters in Georgia are aware that the police use photographs of them to charge them really large amounts of money in fines, so they wear masks.

Third-year anniversary of the day that Russia bombed a building that was clearly marked “children.” Estimate is that over 300 children and their caregivers died.

Protesters in Georgia use their own trash bags during their marches as the authorities removed all trash containers because protesters were using them as barricades.

When Germany and France were fighting, it made sense for Switzerland to be neutral. When France and Germany joined all of the rest of Europe in opposing Russia, Swiss neutrality made a lot less sense. “Switzerland’s new defence minister Martin Pfister” had made moves to correct this problem.

France made a pitch for Europe to buy European weapons systems as the US is now an unreliable supplier.

Russia will of course, rush in to fill the gap of Voice of America going silent.

Senator Lindsey Graham talks of a President Trump who exists only in the fantasies of his most ardent supporters. There’s no such person in real life.

Fiber-optic cables for drones are great because they can’t be jammed, but they CAN be caught up in anti-drone nets!

Ukraine adds electronic sights to their air defense systems, enabling them to hit more targets at night.

Think some Russian soldiers were also amazed by toilets and washing machines back when they entered Germany in 1945. Some things don’t change.

https://balloon-juice.com/2025/03/16/war-for-ukraine-day-1116-a-terrible-anniversary/

 

Day 1115 War in Ukraine

Huh! Seems like only yesterday Republicans were idolizing Viktor Orbán of Hungary, now Hungarians are rising in revolt.

“Double tap” - drone strike followed up by another one on the same target an hour later, causing damage to First Responders and their vehicles. 178 drones sent last night, targeting energy infrastructure.

Canada reconsidering the F-35, looking for European jet fighters. Trump & Musk have made it clear that the US is no longer a reliable supplier of weapons.

Zelenskyy does a Zoom meeting with national leaders. He repeats that Ukraine will not recognize Russian-occupied territory as part of Russia.

In Georgia, man gets shot, likely by a regime person.

Voice of America and Radio Free Europe shut down. Tyrants everywhere rejoice. History of how Putin established control over Russia’s media.

In only 50 days, Trump has fundamentally broken US alliances with democracies and thrown us in with dictatorships. “such an arrangement has long been a dream of Mr. Putin’s”

Keith Kellogg, demoted from handling the Russia-Ukraine project, will handle just Ukraine.

Germany to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine.

France considers sending trainers to Ukraine.

Pro-Russian leaders of Serbia and Hungary facing opposition from their people.

Donetsk is the important front now.

Ukraine uses its own missile at 1k km.

Tuapse oil refinery still burning.

https://balloon-juice.com/2025/03/15/war-for-ukraine-day-1115-another-russian-double-tap-strike-on-ukrainian-first-responders/

 

Day 1114 War in Ukraine

“Four Russian Pantsir-S1 air defence systems targeted by FPV drones.” The air defense systems are $15 to $20 million each, FPV drones are $100 to $1000.

Putin’s goals are the same as they always were. He wants to completely crush Ukraine. US Intelligence assessment is that Russia would use a truce to rest and refit and would then come up with some sort of “provocation” to re-start the war. “[Putin] has a long-standing desire to restore ‘Mother Russia,’ one official said.”

Trump desperately wants Putin’s approval.

In Georgia, formerly suspended Theater University students given airtime. Joyous crowd greets them afterwards.

Two Russian citizens participated in Tbilisi protests and are arrested on false charges.

Portugal reconsiders buying F-35s and looks to European contracts.

Musk’s DOGE cuts funds that were being used to trace Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia.

Putin makes a false claim, Trump says “Oh, okay” and repeats the claim without fact-checking it. Trump scolds Ukraine for the Kursk operation, claiming that Ukraine is smaller and weaker than Russia. But “even pro-Russian Telegram channels disputed the encirclement claims by Putin and Trump.”

Hospital hit by Russian drones.

https://balloon-juice.com/2025/03/14/war-for-ukraine-day-1114-his-truce-goes-marching-on/

 

Day 1113 War in Ukraine

Woman who was under the rubble of her apartment building was rescued after 20 hours.

Russia is clearly just delaying accepting the US-proposed cease-fire. They’ll keep this up as long as they can. Russia essentially saying that if the US hands them complete victory, they’ll comply.

The US person assigned to take care of the war is sidelined as Russia doesn’t like him.

Zelenskyy comments on cease-fire proposal and celebrates Iftar with Islamic Ukrainian warriors.

In Georgia, Theater students and rector were supposed to debate. Rector cancels debate and restores status of students.

Another lecturer dismissed.

Chinese take over Georgian portal on Black Sea.

“Putin aide claims NATO 'threatens' Russia in Baltic region.”

“Russian presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev claimed on March 13 that NATO is deliberately ‘escalating’ tensions in the Baltic region”

Finland, Canada and Sweden send more aid to Ukraine.

Trump hopes Russia will “do the right thing.”

Former National Security Advisor John Bolton says that while Trump sees Putin as a good buddy, Putin sees Trump as an “easy mark.” Interesting comments about how Russia deals with China.

Ukrainians don’t wish to go it alone without American support, but there’s no question they will rather than surrender to Russia.

“Russia suspected of killing 5 Ukrainian POWs in Kursk Oblast.”

Russian UAV production site hit. Also oil refinery hit.

https://balloon-juice.com/2025/03/13/war-for-ukraine-day-1113-you-cant-handle-the-truce/

 

Day 1110 War in Ukraine

 

Senator Mark Kelly has words for Elon Musk.

Elon Musk called Senator Kelly a “traitor.” Blogger posts very precise definitions of traitor, emphasizing that the Founding Fathers knew full well that the term would be misused. He then reprints a portion of an very extensive piece on Russian disinformation that used AI.

It’s very highly likely that Russia made the attack on Xitter appear to be from Ukraine.

Regime in Georgia is purging the universities of professors who support the protesters.

Students being fined for blocking roads at the rate of double their tuition.

Lengthy list of demands for what Ukraine must do. Funny, but there’s no mention of what Russia must do.

Woo hoo! “Ukrainian Air defence shot down 130/176 UAVs and 42 drones suppressed by EW. “

Very impressive! After a raid “they returned with two captured Russians, an enemy ‘Kapushon’ electronic warfare system, three enemy Mavic drones, and four enemy FPV drones.”

Russia apparently makes breakthrough in Kursk area. Ukraineassures us there is no threat of encirclement.

Balloon Juice - War for Ukraine Day 1,110: One Dare Calls It Treason

Day 1108 War in Ukraine

Women’s Day recognized by Georgia protesters.

Trumps betrayal of Ukraine and the minerals deal he wants. “Trump’s cringe-inducing shakedown of Zelensky in the Oval Office…”

“’We are taking from the Ukrainians without intending to give them anything back,’ she says, shock filling her voice”

US cyber support has dried up. Withholding medical supplies just adds insult to injury.

Blogger says Trump’s goal is to make Ukraine cease to exist so that he can do business with Putin. No self-respecting Ukrainian will sign on to this.

“US to stop participating in future military exercises in Europe.”

“The Telegraph understands that the president is considering redeploying troops from Germany to Hungary”

Nuclear weapons are rendered very thinkable as Europe tries to find another nuclear umbrella after the US proves unreliable.

Russia will likely test Europe’s unity & resolve.

Europe looking for alternatives to Starlink. Starlink has 40k terminals in Ukraine.

Britain has deployed their nuclear deterrent so that it’s intertwined with that of the US. Oops!

Ukraine launches morning strike on Russian base.

Russians and North Koreans attack Ukrainian forces at Kursk. Risk of encirclement.

Once Russian troops were discovered trying to use a pipeline to surprise Ukrainians, the pipeline was bombed and cut off.

Russia attacks energy resources and a meat-processing plant.

Russian oil refinery 800k from the front hit.

https://balloon-juice.com/2025/03/08/war-for-ukraine-day-1108-trumps-goals-in-ukraine/

 

Day 1106 War in Ukraine

A piece compares the meeting of Trump, Vance & Zelenskyy with that of der Fuhrer, Ribbentrop and the Czechoslovakian President Emil Hácha in late 1938. Fortunately, the modern day story is going better then that story did.

Trump & Co. are holding talks with Ukrainian opposition figures. Doubt it’ll amount to much, but it shows how opposed to democracy they are. Main opposition figure is (very sensibly) opposed to taking any assistance from the US.

US Special Envoy suggests that the US is engaged in “strategic overreach.” Makes a number of pro-Trump, pro-Russia statements after that.

Europe reaffirms its support for Ukraine.

Turkey wants to join the new NATO that leaves the US out.

Russia ups attacks on truth and media.

Very sensibly, Europe is trying to replace Starlink, which is run by Musk.

French people understand by 73% that the US is no longer on the side of the good guys. Other interesting results.

Trump says explicitly that defending a NATO country depends on whether they’re spending at least 2% of their budget on defense.

Neither Putin nor Trump really understand Ukraine.

A detailed look at Ukraine’s capabilities and theirs and Europe’s chances.

https://balloon-juice.com/2025/03/06/war-for-ukraine-day-1106-trump-his-national-security-team-seek-to-subvert-ukraine/

Day 1013 War in Ukraine

 

The WaPo engages in an example of “mind reading.” Phrases like “has decided” and “move aimed at” and the conclusion that Trump’s objective is to get Zelenskyy to the negotiating table are all examples of the paper reading Trump’s mind and drawing conclusions as to what his thoughts and intentions are.

"The US is pausing all current military aid to Ukraine until Trump determines the country’s leaders demonstrate a good-faith commitment to peace” In other words, aid is halted and it’s very highly unlikely to be restored.

It’s really a terrible way to write and it appears more informative than it actually is.

Blogger predicts that sanctions on Russia will now be lifted.

Russia plans to launch 500 drones against Ukraine. They’re currently using 150 to 200 drones at a time.

Blogger gives us a list of charities we can contribute to that can help Ukraine.

Mothers in Georgia demand release of their sons.

Temur Katamadze is on day 46 of his hunger strike.

Baltic states have imposed sanctions on Georgian officials.

“In Russian-occupied Abkhazia, they say Russia spent millions to support its favored candidate.”

US withdraws all cybernetic defenses against Russia. Money laundering is also now (for all intents and purposes) “legalized.”

“Trump's mafiosi Secretary of Commerce accuses Zelenskyy of wanting Russians off Ukraine's land and ‘wanting all the land’" It’s somehow considered a BAD thing of Ukraine wants ALL of ITS land back?

Russia very pleased by Trump’s actions.

Swedish water supply on island of Gotland attacked. “Someone broke into the pump controls and destroyed them. “

Europe working on plans to strengthen Ukraine.

Lech Walesa opposes Trump policy toward Russia.

Ukraine working with Europeans. Zelenskyy boosted at home by US attacks on him.

Trump copying and pasting items from TikTok Facebook to his own Truth Social feed.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk: Russia feels complete impunity and if they occupy Ukraine, that will simply be another phase of the conflict. Russia seeks to destroy Ukraine, period.

Ukraine’s draft officers being attacked.

“The Russians also hit an animal preserve in last night’s attack.”

Russians also striking Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

Russia trying to cut off Kursk offensive by breaking into Ukrainian territory.

$160 million Russian air defense complex burned down. Numerous oil depots hit.

https://balloon-juice.com/2025/03/03/war-for-ukraine-day-1103-trump-gives-putin-a-lifeline/

Day 1102 War in Ukraine

Europe and Canada are determined to defend Ukraine in the absence of US participation.

Residential building in Kharkiv hit.

Mzia Gabeshia holds both Georgian and a Ukrainian flag in a solo protest in Georgia.

Zelenskyy attends a meeting of Britain, “Italy, Germany, Denmark Norway, Poland, Finland, Romania and representative from Turkey and Canada.”

“Europe developing 'coalition of the willing' to back ceasefire in Ukraine”

Blogger feels “attempts to mend any fences with Trump or to stroke his ego are not going to work.” Europe should simply get to work to replace US assistance to Ukraine.

Trump very confidently declares victory long before the game is concluded.

I agree with this: “To seasoned diplomatic observers, US President Donald Trump’s furious dressing down of Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office was a planned political mugging, a trap set by the Trump administration…”

Russians are quite pleased with Trump’s attitude.

“Belfast: Thales missile factory to supply 5,000 air defence missiles to Ukraine”

Czech initiative says they have enough to get Ukraine a Black Hawk helicopter.

British and German groups who were very pro-American are now VERY annoyed!

British people really dislike Trump.

Human Safari in Kherson continues with another attack on a public transportation bus.

Russian oil refinery in Ufa, 1350km from the front line. It produces 23.5 million tons per year.

https://balloon-juice.com/2025/03/02/war-for-ukraine-day-1102-russia-once-again-pounds-kharkiv/

 

Day 1100 War in Ukraine

The EU Commission President wishes Zelenskyy well in his dispute with President Trump.

What we saw today between Trump, Zelenskyy and Vance was that Trump can’t intimidate Zelenskyy and that gives hin a sad. Extended look at the psychology of the match, one that Trump lost badly.

The Ambassador from Ukraine just holds head in her hands.

Stephen Miller, who has probably had the smoothest and least problematic relationship with Trump, and Musk.

“The 5th President of #Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, reacts to the Trump-Zelenskyy talks.“ She was horrified.

Temur Katamadze is on his 44^th day of hunger strike and will continue it until he achieves victory or dies.

Kyiv Independent says it plainly: “America’s leadership has switched sides in the war.”

Zelenskyy-Trump talk was going fine until Vance butted in and brought in Trump’s ego.

Unsurprisingly, Trump Administration will likely stop all arms transfers.

US Cyber Command ordered to stand down and to permit Russian propaganda to flourish.

Europe offers support to Zelenskyy.

Germany points to foreign interference in its last election.

Norway will produce anti-aircraft missiles with Ukraine.

Absolutely huge amount of Russian drones each night. They strike power plants, hospitals and residential areas.

Woo hoo! Russian ammo storage “cooking off!”

Russia radio station destroyed.

https://balloon-juice.com/2025/02/28/war-for-ukraine-day-1100-trumps-tantrum/

Day 1096 War in Ukraine

In Georgia, snow is very high, many people are trapped inside. Elderly home requests assistance. Authorities are too busy hunting protesters.

In a ceremony to honor Ukraine and the start of the fourth year of the full-scale Russian invasion, the US is notable by its absence.

Zelenskyy attended the G7 meeting by Zoom.

Even in harsh winter conditions, Georgian protesters still show up.

Georgians gather at Ukrainian Embassy to mark three years since Russia invaded.

Georgia Police enjoy making late-night visits to collect fines.

“The US voted ‘with’ Russia against the UN resolution condemning the invasion of Ukraine and demanding a withdrawal.”

President Macron of France says he stopped talking to Russia after the horrors of Bucha were discovered.

Macron fact-checks Trump live. Trump is clearly not used to that happening.

Germany’s Merz urges Europe to be independent of US.

Denmark contributes to Ukraine. Ireland will hand Ukraine much of its air defense system.

Canada will provide a great deal, including F-16 simulators.

Baltic & Nordic states are against a “rushed peace deal” for Ukraine.

“Russia has never kept its word on a ceasefire since it first invaded Ukraine in 2014”

Russia launches glide bomb attack on Kharkiv.

Story of mother trying to bring son home from Russian captivity. He was returned, but was tortured by Russia.

Theater premiere in a bomb shelter.

Russian oil depots hit!

https://balloon-juice.com/2025/02/24/war-for-ukraine-day-1096-the-third-year-ends-the-fourth-year-begins/

 

Day 1095 War in Ukraine

 

The blogger strongly disputes this assertion. He was involve at senior levels from 2008 on. The idea that Russia was concerned about Ukraine joining NATO is straight-up agitprop.

Three-year anniversary of the start of the planned, very-rapid re-invasion of Ukraine. Russia commemorates by launching 267 UAVs!

“Zelenskyy offers to step down in exchange for peace and Ukraine’s Nato membership “

He also refuses to sign away Ukraine’s natural resources to the US. The US ***granted*** Ukraine only $100 billion, not $500 billion and it wasn’t a loan.

“The President awarded the families of the fallen Heroes of Ukraine with the Orders of the Golden Star.”

A Georgian convict released by an amnesty arranged by the current, illegitimate president just killed a 23-year old and left the country.

Finings and the law.

Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli remains in criminal detention for slapping a police officer.

German Christian Democrats, a center-right party, wins election and will send Taurus missiles to Ukraine. He’s also annoyed that Musk meddled in Germany’s election.

Sweden sends air defense systems to Ukraine.

US wants to seriously water down UN resolution on war in Ukraine. "It looks like something the Russians drafted."

Trump makes Polish President wait for 90 minutes and then spent only 11 minutes with him. A full hour has been scheduled.

European Council will meet March 6^th to discuss defense of Ukraine without the U.S.

Ukraine’s Defense Minister says Ukraine has alternative to Starlink communications system. Musk’s ties to Russia have been a concern for quite a while.

Ukraine’s Security Service says 102 enemy agent networks were exposed.

Russia, which likes to present itself as defender of Christian values, bombed St. Stephen’s Church.

Ukrainian drone flies into Russian fortified garage and wipes out several vehicles.

https://balloon-juice.com/2025/02/23/war-for-ukraine-day-1095-zelenskky-baits-his-trap/

Day 1093 War in Ukraine

Trump is really letting his mob-boss flag fly! He just doesn’t give a crap anymore! Now he’s threatening to take Starlink away if Zelenskyy doesn’t sign away his mineral rights.

Huh! DOGE employee has an interesting background!

Abrupt, late-on-Friday-night firings of many critical military people.

As it’s very cold in Georgia right now, volunteers are distributing lentil soup to protesters.

Protests in Georgian small towns.

“The police literally stood aside as protesters were attacked with a machete and a bat, yet arrested a woman who asked them about their inaction. Typical.”

Germany’s opposition leader says Europe and Ukraine should form their own bloc.

More sabotage of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea.

Seriously, when the Fox News curvy couch crew are the “voice of reason,” that’s very, very bad!

Two horrifying headlines side by side.

Zelenskyy’s approval rating WAS in the high 50s. Then Trump started into an argument with him. Now his rating is in the low 60s!

Yet another drone-missile. 20 kg warhead.

A drone that carries FPV drones!

A ruined Vovchansk. How many more cities will suffer this fate?

Russian KIAs might be as high as 211k. Confirmed deaths are 93.5k. Ukraine government figures 250k KIA and 610k wounded.

https://balloon-juice.com/2025/02/21/war-for-ukraine-day-1093-russian-irregulars/

 

Day 1090 War in Ukraine

Hoo boy! You KNOW your group is in REALLY sad shape when THIS guy is your “voice of reason!” MBS suggested “Hey, Ukraine should have a seat at this table.” The US and Russia both agreed that that was a terrible idea!

US and Russia agree “to restore staffing at their respective embassies in Washington and Moscow, to create a high-level team to support Ukraine peace talks and to explore closer relations and economic cooperation.”

Zelenskyy rejects any deal coming out of the meeting in advance as Ukraine did not play any part in it.

Trump blames Ukraine for having started the war (they did no such thing).

Regime people ask if the only legitimate president Salome Zourabichvili has “treason n in her blood.” because of who her ancestors are.

Mzia Amaglobeli ends her hunger strike on its 38^rd day. She asks other hunger strikers to end their fasting as well

Europe votes for €6 billion and says that amount may be increased.

If there is any historical parallel to the current US-Russia meeting, it is “a mixture of Munich and Molotov-Ribbentrop 😃“

Russia won’t accept “peacekeeper” forces from NATO countries.

Film clip of Russian air defense system being wiped out.

Russia strikes civilian buildings.

Syzran oil refinery can process 8.5 million tons a year and is now on fire.

https://balloon-juice.com/2025/02/18/war-for-ukraine-day-1090-the-trump-administration-surrenders-to-putin/

 

Day 1089 War in Ukraine

Sigh! The US used to support Soviet dissidents like Sakharov & Solzhenitsyn. Now it springs Andrew Tate (pictured), who’s been accused of human trafficking and sex crimes.

Details on the minerals agreement that Trump wants. No time-frame given, so the agreement would presumably be in perpetuity. Essentially, it’s just a list of demands.

Ukraine has suspended elections because it is using all of its governmental resources to combat the invasion. Of course, this is being used as a reason to attack Ukraine.

Any deal about Ukraine that does not include Ukraine as a participant will not be recognized by Ukraine. Also, Europe must be at the negotiating table.

Georgia government wants to add an article on treason to the Criminal Code.

Georgian officials suffer attacks by eggs being thrown at them.

The Georgian government is also opposed to USAID.

Trump appears likely to withdraw US troops from the Baltics.

VP Vance insults European NATO members. Europeans have to prepare for the day when the US is no longer an ally.

Why does US give more weapons to Ukraine? They’re supplying their own arms manufacturers. They remove weapons from their own stocks, then manufacture replacements.

Oil tanker carrying oil from Russia to Europe attacked.

Trump makes pro-Russia statements. Funny, but Trump NEVER treats Putin or Xi with the same disrespect he shows to US allies. He probably imagines himself as a fellow dictator. Ha ha ha!

Hmm, what does China consider to be its interests in a peace in Ukraine? They would profit greatly by rebuilding it.

$135 million Russian anti-aircraft system blown up.

Fortunately, the Russian drone that struck the Chernobyl sarcophagus did not cause any readiation leakage.

The last one of the five really big pumping stations that was carry oil from the Caspian Sea was pt out of commission.

https://balloon-juice.com/2025/02/17/war-for-ukraine-day-1089-a-bad-deal-is-worse-than-no-deal-at-all/

 

Day 1087 War in Ukraine

Day 80 and Georgia protests are still going strong!

Ah, okay. Zelenskyy didn’t unconditionally refuse to sign the American document promising the US 50% of Ukraine’s mineral wealth. His condition was that it had to contain security guarantees.

The US will consider Europe’s needs, but Europe doesn’t get a seat at the table. Zelenskyy wants Europe to be involved. If Europe is to be Ukraine’s sole defender, they should be in the negotiations. China supports including Europe. The US is essentially giving Russia everything it wants.

Very sensibly, Ukraine is keeping its membership in NATO an open question.

Zelenskyy’s speech to assembled allies at Munich Security Conference is well worth reading/listening to. “Ukraine will never accept deals made behind our backs without our involvement. And the same rule should apply to all of Europe.”

Georgian media is financially stressed.

“President of Ukraine 🇺🇦 Volodymyr Zelensky and the 5th President of Georgia 🇬🇪 Salome Zourabichvili met at the Munich Security Conference.”

People are trying “to second-guess Trump's grand strategy and its super-complex double agenda.” There is no plan. He’s making it up as he goes along.

Were underwater cables in the Baltic Sea cut by dragging anchors? A German Vice-Admiral says a dragging anchor would definitely have been noticed by the crew.

US apparently going to talk with Russians and Ukrainians in Saudi Arabia. Zelenskyy has n idea about this, so clearly the Ukrainians ar not authorized to sign anything.

The Shahed drone hitting in Chernobyl could have caused a catastrophe.

“Ukrainian drone operators from the 82nd Air Assault Brigade spotted a Russian mortar cache and passed the coordinates to artillery, which struck and destroyed the target, likely in the Kursk region.“

https://balloon-juice.com/2025/02/15/war-for-ukraine-day-1087-the-us-has-decided-to-negotiate-with-no-one-for-nothing/