Information and Updates about Ukraine

For the past few days, I’ve dedicated a lot of my time to gathering information about Ukraine, as well as looking at disinformation. The following is for anyone who wishes to inform themselves, as well as others - I am just the messenger, and no permission is needed to share this information elsewhere. Basically - feel free.

Primary rules

1. Debates, should they occur, are to be taken elsewhere. I want to avoid clogging this thread as much as possible. This applies to most things, actually. Try not to flood the chat with unrelated material. Discussion of the situation is permitted, but keep, that in mind.
2. Misinformation will be corrected upon if new information is learned, in italics. example: early on, it was believed that a radiation containment storage was destroyed in Chornobyl, with fallout being unknown. This was a mistranslation; there was fighting in Chornobyl, with possible risk of destruction of infrastructure within the area.
3. I will not post any graphic content here, but some things could be potentially distressing.
4. List is subject to change.

Other people are welcome to post their information they’ve collected here.

Original update, that I posted a little over a day ago in the Share things nobody asked you to share chat. I decided to make this to dedicate it completely to this topic, to avoid flooding the other chat.

• The invasion began around 5am Kyiv time. This also marks the 3rd time Russia has violated the Olympic truce.
• Putin calls it a “special military operation” in Ukraine, stating that their goal is not to occupy, but to demilitarize and denazify the country. Do note that Ukraine’s president is of Jewish background, and has had family members who’ve lived through the holocaust. He is also not a nazi.
• People in subway stations across Ukraine and other underground places are taking shelter, using them as bomb shelters. There were air raid sirens in Kyiv going off.
• A curfew has been declared.
• People from Ukraine are fleeing, into neighbouring countries like Moldova.
  At the same time, there are some Ukrainians heading back to Ukraine to take up arms. There’s probably more refugees, but still.
• Heavy fighting was reported in the Chornobyl area. The zone has reportedly been seized by Russian forces.
• Hostomel military airfield was briefly seized by the Russians, but I believe Ukrainians might have reclaimed it. Still, fighting continues in the area.
• This invasion is the largest state-on-state (not counting Yugoslavia then) invasion in Europe since WW2.
• Some Russian soldiers were believed to have abandoned their equipment and uniforms after being shot at.
• There are multiple anti war protests in Russia. People have been arrested there.
  Ukraine defenders have managed to hold most key positions.
• It is thought large scale bombings of Kyiv are likely to occur in the next two hours. (Update; this did indeed happen, but Kyiv still remains Ukrainian)
• The Ukrainian president has ordered general military mobilization.
• 13 border guards were killed on Zmiinyi island, which despite everything they managed to defend it for hours previously. Still, they’ve unfortunately fallen. Update: Snake Island defenders are still alive; they have been captured. Update2: They have been freed!
• Men aged 18-60 are not to leave Ukraine.

Alright, now for some small bit of information regarding language.

Kyiv vs. Kiev

Kyiv is the Ukrainian spelling for the city. Kiev is the Russian. It’s the same city, but many people would prefer to use Kyiv. The city is Ukrainian, so use the Ukrainian spelling. Same with Chornobyl vs. Chernobyl; Chornobyl is actually the Ukrainian spelling. Small things, but worthwhile to note.

Okay, now that’s over with - here’s information regarding recent developments as of February 26th, 2022. Day three of the invasion.

Day 3 of the invasion: Live updates: https://english.nv.ua/nation/putin-declares-war-russians-attack-ukraine-on-all-fronts-50219425.html?preview=

• The invasion is not going well for Russia. People had assumed Kyiv would fall within hours, but this is clearly not true. Ukraine, despite everything, holds its ground.
• President Zelenskyy of Ukraine has chosen to remain in Kyiv. He has refused to leave, although the US stands at ready to evacuate him. “I need ammunition, not a ride,” he says.
• Day 3: 198 Ukrainian civilians killed. 3 are children. 1115 civilians wounded, 33 are minors.
• Russians are shown to have supply problems, with tanks broken down on roads, ran out of fuel. It has been reported that they are asking for food on the streets.
• Ukrainian hospitals have been bombed/attacked/come under fire.
• Ukrainians were seen treating injured Russian soldiers. Shows the empathy that people keep, despite the times.
• Protests in Russia agains the war, hundreds have been arrested.
• At least 150 Russian officials condemn Putin’s actions.
• Ukrainian civilians are taught to make molotovs, in a “Molotov cocktail resistance.”
• Road signs are being moved around in order to confuse Russian troops.
• Tank traps are also being made.
• It is reported that many Russian soldiers thought they were only going for training, not given the knowledge that they’d be deployed like this. Some troops were thought to have abandoned their post and uniforms upon being fired at.
• Multiple bridges have been blown up to stop Russian crossings.
• Weapons in Ukraine have been distributed to civilians.
• Many European countries have chosen to close their airspaces to Russian carriers.
• There are actions being taken to remove Russia from SWIFT.
• Russian losses in last 24 hrs of its war against Ukraine:
  SU-30 fighter aircraft, 11 helicopters, 2 Su-25 aircraft, 2 Il-76 air-fighters, a column of equipment and fuel echelon, according to Air Force Command of Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
• Germany has overruled its weapon policy. Weapons are now being sent to Ukraine.

This thread will be updated periodically, however I have prepared a list of good sources for information here:

• The Kyiv Independent: https://kyivindependent.com/
• Ukraine World: https://ukraineworld.org/
• Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/
• This link contains a few places to help Ukrainians: https://fortune.com/2022/02/25/how-to-help-ukraine/
• How to help Ukrainians: https://time.com/6151353/how-to-help-ukraine-people/
• Contains multiple ways to help Ukrainians: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/ways-to-help-ukraine-conflict/
• A twitter list containing multiple people reporting from and around Ukraine: https://twitter.com/i/lists/1494327296383021062
• Reddit post containing many charities to donate to: https://www.reddit.com/r/ukraine/comments/tgc00n/want_to_support_ukraine_heres_a_list_of_charities/
• https://wck.org/ A great organization overall
• https://sp4ukraine.org/

Please take a look at all these links!

Feel free to contribute your own information, but be aware of misinformation.

(following)

Feb 26, 2022

• Ukraine’s government has a hotline called “Come back alive from Ukraine” for relatives of Russian soldiers. So far, it’s received hundreds of calls (It only became operational on this day, to take things into consideration)
• Kyiv administration: Kyiv residents must close their windows tightly.
  Due to the shelling and explosion of the oil depot in Vasylkiv, a town 40 kilometers south of the capital, the wind can carry away smoke and harmful substances. (The Kyiv Independent)
• A gas pipeline in Kharkiv was blown up tonight, creating a small mushroom cloud.
• Live updates from the Kyiv independent: https://kyivindependent.com/national/russias-war-on-ukraine-where-fighting-is-on-now-feb-27-live-updates/
• Lots of small arms fire in Kyiv heard.
• Starlink service is active in Ukraine. Terminals on the way.
• Thread on advice for civilian resistance, especially for those with no military training: https://twitter.com/SpencerGuard/status/1497583307504046087
• Many Kremlin propaganda sites have been taken down. Anonymous claims responsibility.
• Russian state TV channels have been hacked to show what is happening in Ukraine.

Pope Francis says his heart aches over the situation in Ukraine and announces a “Day of Fasting for Peace” on Ash Wednesday.

During the General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis made a heartfelt appeal for peace in Ukraine, saying that the threat of war had caused “great pain in [his] heart.”

He also prayed that “all the parties involved refrain from any action that would cause even more suffering to the people, destabilizing coexistence between nations and bringing international law into disrepute.”

— Sourced from Vatican News

February 27th 2022

• Snake Island defenders (Zmiinyi island) may still be alive.
• Russian troops entered Kharkiv.
• Putin has ordered Russia’s strategic nuclear deterrent forces put on heightened alert, in response to “aggressive statements” from NATO.
• This is the website launched to help Russian families find their relatives sent to war. https://200rf.com/
• Negotiations have begun at the Belarusian border.
• Russia’s defense ministry has refused to acknowledge any combat loss at all. The only official numbers are from the Ukrainian military.

Apparently my brain wants me to make a serial killer universe. So far I have….
Babydoll Killer:
Dresses their victims to resemble a baby doll and tries to set up scenes for child play.

Bleeding-Heart Killer:
Leaves Bleeding-Heart flowers at each scene, and takes out the victims heart.

Forests' Hangman:
Strings victims up in the woods upside down by their ankles and slits their throats.

Mermaid Killer:
Ties a cinderblock to the ankles of their victims and throws them into the water where they drown. Uses lakes, swimming pools, the ocean, ponds, aquariums. Cuts gills into the victims.

Bro?? wtf is that?

this is a chat dedicated to what's going on in Ukraine right now. why are you posting that here?

Oops, my bad. My phone decided to be goofy and go here from the share things nobody asked for chat, and I clearly didn't notice…. Sorry for the mix up.

Thoughts and prayers are going out to Ukrainians and others involved.

Feb 28th, 2022

• Fighter jets are sent to Ukraine from EU countries
• The EU has banned Russian state sponsored media, such as RT (Russia Today)
• Hundreds of Russia aligned mercenaries from the Wagner Group are operating in Kyiv, confirmed by an advisor to the Ukrainian ministry of internal affairs (I did some small research here and it looks like the Wagner Group is a neo Nazi group.)
• The mercenaries have orders to assassinate President Zelenskyy and overthrow the current government.
• Snake Island defenders are confirmed to have survived, and are captured.
• Russian state media sites 'hacked' to display messages such as: 'Putin is forcing us to lie and is putting us in danger…It's not our war, let's stop him!'
• Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have begun.
• An infographic shows where to throw molotovs. https://twitter.com/GeneralStaffUA/status/1498225748234182658
• Russian MLRS fire is slamming into civilian apartment blocks in Kharkiv.
• Russia is currently suffering from massive cyberattacks. From key government sites down, to anti war messages on major media outlets.
• The russian ruble has gone down to a value worth less than one US cent, a record low.

(Genuinely so happy that the Snake Island defenders survived!)

Feb 28th 2022

• “Russian soldiers who lay down their weapons will be granted amnesty and money” from the Ukrainian defense minister
• Finland decided to send weapons to Ukraine: 2,500 assault rifles, 150,000 rounds of ammunition, 1,500 anti-tank weapons, and 70,000 food kits.
• President Zelenskyy has signed an application for Ukraine’s membership in the EU.
• Several thousand foreigners have applied to fight for Ukraine.
• Belarus will renounce their neutral and nonnuclear status, allowing Russia to place nuclear weapons on their territory.
• Berdiansk is currently under Russian occupation. Videos can be seen, in which civilians shout “get out of Ukraine” and “Berdiansk is Ukraine” at Russian soldiers.
• Switzerland broke its historically neutral status in order to adopt EU sanctions against Russia.
• Shell says it will exit Russian oil and gas investments.

Important link: https://www.boycottrussia.info/

(SWITZERLAND!??!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?)

(Jeez.. You know something’s wrong when the Swiss get involved)

(I mean, at least it was against Russia and not for? Idk if them taking sides sets some kind of precedent for the future but it seems good)

dont look into what switzerland was doing with the nazis during ww2

March 1st, 2022

• there was a tv tower in Kyiv that almost got destroyed. however, the missile hit a holocaust memorial - Babyn Yar - and killed at least 5 people.
• strikes in Kyiv very close to the centre
• European Court of Human Rights to stop bombing and shelling civilian targets
• EU disconnected key Russian banks from SWIFT
• multiple diplomats walked out of a UN Human Rights Council when the Russian Foreign Minister started speaking
• Belarusian troops are said to be advancing into Ukraine and joining the fight (on Russia’s side - excluding some pro Ukrainian Belarusians)
• Sumy is getting hit particularly hard
• Ukraine and Georgia relations are at a low, the final straw was the Georgian govt blocking a flight of Georgian volunteers
• in occupied towns, it is shown Russia has come armed with tear gas.
• pro Ukrainian Chechen unit recently formed
• Message from a Ukrainian solider:
  If anything happens don’t let us be forgotten. We are surrounded in Mariupol no way out.
• 128 wounded civilians are currently being treated in local hospitals after the city was heavily shelled by Russian forces, according to Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boychenko.
  Electricity was restored in the city and 26 tonnes of bread were baked overnight for Mariupol residents.
• Russian paratroopers have landed in Kharkiv and are attacking a medical military centre
• Mariupol, at this point, is probably completely surrounded.
• a plot to assassinate Zelenskyy failed. Ukrainian authorities had been tipped off by members of Russia’s Federal Security Service who did not support the war.

So sorry for not updating this! Was low motivation for a while and I’m just getting it back. Note that looking at world news almost 24/7 WILL take a mental toll on you.

March 28th, 2022

• Irpin has been liberated, according to the city’s mayor
• Multiple cities have been awarded the award “Hero City of Ukraine.” The award is an honorary title commemorating outstanding heroism. The Hero Cities of Ukraine are as followed:
  Chernihiv
  Hostomel
  Kharkiv
  Kherson
  Mariupol
  Volnovakha
  Irpin
  Bucha
  Okhtyrka
  Mykolaiv
• EU is planning to double military support to 1 billion euros for Ukraine.
• About 3.8 million people have fled Ukraine.
• Russia is likely seeking to re-arrange and reposture its forces for renewed offensive activity, sourced from British defense officials
• Ukraine states that the Siege of Mariupol has close to 5000 causalities, including 200 children. The true numbers are hard to count. True numbers are likely higher.
• Russian troops have also deported citizens of Mariupol to unknown destinations (about 30,000). This is a form of genocide.
• Poland has accepted around 2.3 million refugees of Ukraine. Its capital, Warsaw, has moved up by about 20% in terms of population and is running out of accommodation. About 500,000 refugees that arrived in Poland have also moved on to other countries.
• The G7 has rejected Russia’s demand for gas payments to be done in rubles.
• EU members have around 17 billion Euro to fund refugee aid.
• Face to face negotiations in Turkey are expected to begin on Tuesday.
• Ukraine halts humanitarian corridors due to information about planned provocations along routes. Note that even while the corridors have been open, Russia has still violated agreements multiple times that allow safe passage for civilians.
• Ukraine and Russia both account for 30% of the global wheat exports. The war is expected to disrupt this, along other exports.
• Joe Biden has said Putin cannot remain in power, after describing him as a butcher. The Kremlin calls these remarks “alarming”
• Mariupol’s mayor says the city is on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe. It has been under siege for over 22 days, compared as a “Modern Day Leningrad”. People have begun to die from starvation and dehydration.
• Russia continues to deny targeting civilians.
• Russia is to restrict visas from people who come from “unfriendly countries”. See a list of its unfriendly countries here: https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/here-are-the-nations-on-russia-s-unfriendly-countries-list-1.5810483
• Russia’s top independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta has suspended activities after receiving a second warning from state communications. The newspaper’s editor in chief was a co winner of last year’s Nobel peace price, and plans to donate his Nobel Award to raise funds for Ukrainians. He pledges to stay in Russia, and that the paper will be back. For note, this leaves Russia with no major news media outlets critical of the Kremlin.
• Individuals in Germany displaying the letter Z to symbolize support for Russia may be subject to prosecution. (Z itself is not forbidden, it’s more the context that people would be using it in that matters)
• Ukrainian troops launch counterattacks against Russian troops in Kharkiv region
• Russia’s war so far has cost Ukraine over $560bn
• Over 160,000 civilians are still trapped in Mariupol.
• Around 7 Russian generals have been killed in Ukraine
• A senior Ukrainian official has said he doesn’t expect a breakthrough at upcoming peace talks
• Mayors of cities that have been abducted are being found dead. Some are still missing.
• At least 300 were killed in the Mariupol theatre bombing. Prior to the bombing, the theatre was a shelter where civilians were hiding.
• Russian state news briefly posted something (but deleted it) suggesting troop deaths to be at around 10,000. Russian officials have said the posting was a cyberattack.

March 29th, 2022

• Snake Island defenders have been freed!
• UK says that a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia won’t be enough to lift their sanctions.
• Administrative building in Mikolaiv struck by missile today. 7 people are currently recorded as dead, 22 are injured. Search and rescue operations are continuing.
• Russia has said it will "drastically" reduce its military operations in the Kyiv and Chernihiv region so that peace talks can progress
• “De-escalation does not mean a ceasefire,” the head of Russia’s delegation has said.
• A Russian oligarch and members of the Ukrainian delegation are showing symptoms of poisoning. All of them attended a peace talk.
• Netherlands expels 17 Russian spies working under diplomatic cover
• Belgium also expels 21 Russian diplomats
• Ireland expels 4 Russian diplomats
• Testimony of a witness (May contain potentially distressing content; no images but open at your own risk) https://twitter.com/ukraine_world/status/1508816209696940046
• The mayor of Hola Prystan in Kherson Oblast is believed to have been kidnapped by Russian troops.
• NATO says Ukraine is invited to its summit scheduled for April 6-7; other non NATO members are invited (Georgia, Finland, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the Republic of Korea)
• Russia trying to force the ruble on population in currently held cities in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions with little success

March 30th, 2022

• https://twitter.com/ukraine_world/status/1509153703336554500 photo from Irpin. Irpin is mostly liberated, but still faces the damage done by invaders. In addition, they must not let their guard down. Further attacks may be feared. (The photo is not graphic, but contains a scene of destruction.)
• While Irpin’s liberation is good news, dead Ukrainians slaughtered in mass murder were found on the streets during the retaking.
• The mayor of Irpin states that the city is being fired upon by nearby cities held by Russia, so it’s very hard for them to repair electricity and water supplies.
• US estimates since the invasion began, over 10,000 Russian soldiers have been killed. This number is staggering for multiple reasons.
• A building marked with the Red Cross was bombed by Russian forces in Mariupol.
• In the Chornobyl exclusion zone, troops are being amassed. Despite saying they (Russia) would decrease hostilities in Kyiv and Chernihiv oblasts, military buildup is continuing in Kyiv oblast and Chernihiv is still being shelled.
• The number of refugees fleeing Ukraine has reached 4 million.
• A photo from Kyiv, showing some of the protective measures set up around certain buildings. The post explains why: https://twitter.com/ukraine_world/status/1509148072693092357
• Russia’s FSB is interviewing Ukrainian refugees under duress, seizing their phones, keeping them captive and pressuring them to make up stories about war crimes.
• Air quality in Kyiv has dropped. Pollutants are nine times above their normal. This may be due to fires from nearby fighting.
• The Russian National Guard is firing officers who refuse to join the war in Ukraine.
• In Maryinka, it is reported that phosphorous ammunition has been used.
• Mariupol before and after photos. Nothing graphic, but photos of destruction: https://twitter.com/jimsciutto/status/1509135202907738122
• Russian Federation units are dumping free floating mines into the Black Sea, which will threaten any form of navigation there for years to come. This threatens countries like Romania and Turkey, as well as food supplies.
• There was a large attack on central Chernihiv that injured 25 civilians, on March 30th.
• Kremlin spokesman says “nothing very promising” in peace talks with Ukraine

And while not events, just a notable line from a conversation I observed on Twitter
“Ukraine is not Europe. Europe is Ukraine. The future of Europe will be decided in Ukraine.”

April 17th, 2022

• Russian Navy Ship Moskva sinks. She sunk on the 14th, and is the largest warship to be sunk in combat since WW2. Two Ukrainian anti-ship Neptune missiles may have sunk Moskva, although this is disputed. The reason why Moskva’s sinking is important is because she was the flagship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. She was also used in the assault of Snake Island; was probably the warship the defenders said “Russian warship, go fuck yourself” to.
• Russia says that its troops have “cleared” Mariupol, and only a small number of Ukrainian troops remain within a steel factory. However, Ukrainian troops are confined in pockets of resistance.
• President Zelenskyy threatens to withdraw from peace talks with Russia if the Ukrainian fighters in Mariupol are killed.
• He has also called the situation in Mariupol inhuman, once again urging for allies to provide more weapons for Ukrainian forces.
  
• Remains of chemical weapons were found in Sumy.
• Another Russian general has died. Major General Vladimir Frolov.
• Russia has set a deadline for the Mariupol defenders to lay down their arms. If they surrender by Sunday, their lives will be spared.
• Around 100,000 people are believed to still be in Mariupol.
• US aid arrives to Ukraine, including heavy duty weaponry for the first time - helicopters, cannons, drones and more.
• Zelenskyy says he is beginning to plan for a postwar future.
• Putin threatens to put nukes in the Baltics if Finland and Sweden join NATO.
• Finland’s Europe minister says Finland is highly likely to join NATO, despite the threats.
• Sweden is also likely to to join. Both of these are notable. Although many know Switzerland for its neutrality, Sweden has been neutral three years longer. That makes NATO notable for Sweden. Finland is also a neutral country.
• From the Finnish Foreign Minister: Threats from Russia will not affect country’s decision to join NATO.

It’s also Easter. The fighting continues, but I decided to share this article here about a Ukrainian Easter Tradition.

I’ve added a new link to the main post, containing a reddit post that has links to many different charities by subject. Feel free to check it out.

April 20th, 2022

• Mariupol defenders have asked world leaders to evacuate the Azovstal plant, saying that days, even hours could be left. The 36th marine brigade commander has stated they’re outnumbered 10 to 1. 500 wounded soldiers and hundreds of civilians are at the plant.
• Half a million Ukrainians have been deported to Russia (by Russia.) They are typically sent to economically depressed regions, and even receive documents banning them from leaving Russia for two years.
• South Korea sends 20 tons of humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
• Japan will give Ukraine drones and chemical protection.
• Norway sends Ukraine 100 air defense systems.
• Ukraine’s intelligence: Russia plans forced mobilization in Zaporizhzhia, Kherson regions.
• More than 5,000 Ukrainian refugees were detained while entering the United States by land, air or sea borders last month.
• UN chief calls for a humanitarian pause (four days) for Orthodox Easter.
• A Russian billionaire has ‘blasted’ the war, calling on the west to do more to stop this massacre. The billionaire is Oleg Tinkov.
• Germany will provide training and maintenance to Ukrainian military.
• Two employees who stayed behind in a zoo in Kharkiv were found dead. It was confirmed that they were barricaded in a room, previously had been shot dead by Russian soldiers.
• Henkel, a major German manufacturer will cease operations in Russia.
• More US assistance is on the way.

April 21st, 2022

• Ukraine extends martial law until May 25th. It first imposed it at the beginning of the full scale invasion, on Feb 24th.
• Putin announces Russian soldiers will not storm the last area of major resistance in Mariupol. He claims to have taken the city, but Ukrainian media still reports that Ukrainian troops are still active inside the city. Instead, the plant will be blockaded.

A pause here for a note:
Note that the last area of major resistance is Azovstal Steel Plant. Steel plants are very big, my city has a steel plant. If you were to walk from one end to another, it could take you a few hours. Azovstal has underground tunnels and atomic bunkers built to stand a nuclear attack.

• UK sanctions additional 26 Russian individuals and enterprises.
• Latvian parliament recognizes Russia's actions in Ukraine as genocide, adopts law to strip citizenship for supporting war crimes.
• Governor of Luhansk says Russia now controls 80 percent of the eastern region.
  
• 5 million Ukrainians have fled the country since war began, while 7 million are estimated to be displaced within the country.
  
• People are still uncovering mass graves with civilians in Ukraine. One is in Borodyanka, where nine bodies were found. They have been transported for forensic study to the morgues in the Kyiv region.
• Many Americans believe that the response to Ukraine isn’t “tough enough,” although few want US troops to be involved.
• Russia may intensify attacks on Donbas as it wants to demonstrate successes ahead of its May 9th Victory Day celebration.
• A 91 year old holocaust survivor, Vanda Semyonovna Obiedkova, died pleading for water in a basement in Mariupol. Originally, she survived nazi occupation in Mariupol by hiding in a basement. There are many Nazi occupation survivors who are experiencing this war.
• Liberated cities returning to life, says Zelenskyy. However, he makes sure to add that mines and shells are still a danger, and urges civilians not to enter territory not yet inspected.
• United Kingdom, the United States and Canada walked out on Russia’s representatives in a G20 meeting.
• Ukraine ‘ready to hold a special round of negotiations’ right in Mariupol.
• The timing of Russia’s invasion began during ‘Muddy Road Season.’ Mud has helped slow down Russian advances, particularly in the North.
• Kharkiv under heavy bombardment. 1 million people remain in the city.

Also, here’s an interesting photo of Putin from his meeting with his minister of defense.

I have information that somewhat correlates to the war in this update. Actually, it might have a bigger relation - that all depends on how everything goes. This information is right at the beginning for convenience.

April 26th, 2022

• Explosions in Transnistria. Here is an article explaining what Transnistria is, since it’s not really common knowledge: https://opoyi.com/english/explained-transnistria-and-its-importance-to-russia. The explosions may be a false flag operation with Russia behind it.
  
• Moldova is to meet with its Security Council. More information will probably come out soon.
• 35 air strikes launched on Azovstal overnight, civilians injured. 1000 civilians are believed to be hiding in the underground shelters.
• Forced labour in exchange for food probably happening in Mariupol. Russian troops forcing men to remove rubble and dig mass graves, in exchange for food.
• Germany to supply Ukraine with anti aircraft systems.
• Russian state-controlled media: Transnistria may soon decide to ‘protect the interests of the republic.’ Similar rhetoric was used by Kremlin proxies in Eastern Ukraine prior to the full scale invasion of Ukraine.
  
• Officials in Kyiv dismantle the Ukraine-Russia friendship statue. Plans for this were announced not too long ago. The arch over the statue will be painted with Ukrainian colours.
• Russia's prosecutor general wants to ban memes "used with extremist goals."

Sorry for long time without any updates! It’s reaching the end of my school year, so obviously been a bit more busy.

May 19th, 2022

• A Ukrainian medic’s bodycam shows firsthand footage of what’s going on in Mariupol. Warning, that content may be a bit graphic. I watched the video within the article myself. https://www.thestar.com/news/world/europe/2022/05/19/captive-medics-bodycam-shows-firsthand-horror-of-mariupol.html

• President Zelenskyy says that the Donbas region has been destroyed.

• The US senate approves nearly $40bn in aid for Ukraine.

• Sweden and Finland confirm intentions to join NATO, submit applications. The applications must be reviewed by 30 member countries.

• Vyshyvanka Day is today. It’s a holiday that aims to preserve the Ukrainian folk tradition of creating and wearing embroidered clothing. The designs of Vyshyvankas may have meanings, such as fertility, hope and protection.

  

• Stepan, the cat of Kharkiv, wins an influencer award. He helped raise thousands for Ukrainian animal shelters.

  

• First war crimes trial of a Russian soldier ongoing.

• Ukrainian foreign minister discusses ways to unblock its food exports with UK counterpart.

• UN warns that Russia’s war has stoked a global food crisis that could last years.

• https://twitter.com/SESU_UA/status/1527209109925376000/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1527209109925376000%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Feurope%2Flive-news%2Frussia-ukraine-war-news-05-19-22%2Findex.html Patron, a landmine finding dog and mascot wears his embroidered shirt for Vyshyvanka day.

• Some Ukrainian soldiers inside the Azovstal plant have left and been taken to Russian controlled territories as prisoners of war. There are still soldiers left within however, vowing that the “fight continues.”

• "Swedish people will be best protected within the NATO alliance," prime minister says.

• as of May 11th, Russia is estimated to have lost around 42 colonels.

Literally the least important part of the update but I love Stepan he's so cute

Stepan is amazing

June 1st, 2022

• It is children’s day in Ukraine! Patron the dog has a message for this day:

  Children's Day.

  I remember when I was little. There were some prohibitions: don't go there, don't bite, it's dangerous there. At the time, I thought my people were just very anxious. Only then did I realize that they were worried about me, defending me. Because, you know, if you eat linoleum, then your tummy isn't very good (don't try it, I've already checked this information for you!).

  I want to say something important to all children. Never stop dreaming and believing. It seems to me that somewhere high in the sky, every dream clings to a cloud, and when it rains, they come true. Sometimes drops with dreams do not reach the ground, so you need to dream often. And the belief that everything will be fine helps dreams to cling more tightly to the clouds. That's what my dad told me, and he's a champion, so there's no reason not to believe him.

  And then you need to help your dreams come true faster. If you dream of entering Paris, learn French; you dream of becoming a pyrotechnician - study physics and chemistry well, believe me, you will need it.

  And don't forget to smile. Even when very, very sad. Ask your mother if you can help her with something, she will be so happy, you'll see!

  I want all Ukrainian children to cry only for happiness. I was told that when people have something flowing from their eyes and they blink their noses, it is not always from grief, but maybe from happiness.

  May you all be happy, children. And more. Even more!

  And a little more. 🐶

  @dsns_ukraine

• Fires being set in Russia, including on Russian recruitment buildings. I found a list of some of these “mystery fires”: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Russian_mystery_fires
• Mariupol defenders still in Russian custody. They could possibly face the death penalty.
  
• Many African countries rely on Ukrainian grain. The war threatens this reliance, and a food crisis already looms over them. In addition, Russia has stolen vast amounts of Ukrainian grain.
• There is an estimated 20,000 death toll in Mariupol, but the actual count could be much higher as more mass graves are uncovered. A recent statement from a person speaking from anonymity said they believe the death toll is closer to 50,000.
• https://www.reddit.com/r/ukraine/comments/v1vcuw/severodonetsk_a_serviceman_of_the_armed_forces_of/ A cloud of nitric acid that formed from a chemical power plant (fired upon by Russia)

I’ve also added a new link to the main post, but I’ll post it here as well for convenience: https://wck.org/

I know, it’s been a while— I’ve added a new link to the main post.
https://sp4ukraine.org/
They have an initiative to bring winter supplies for Ukrainians. Russia is targeting energy infrastructure in Ukraine, and while Ukrainians are resisting, it’s obviously way more comfortable being warm in the winter. When you donate to them, there is an option to select what you’d like this money to be used for.
The opinions include

• Christmas cheer
• winter supplies
• pets
• general donation fund
• medical emergencies
• injured frontline volunteer

Now, for a couple of recent updates.
December 11th, 2022 (not all of the updates are from today)

• Ukrainian missiles hit Russian barracks in occupied Melitopol. For reference, here’s the location of this city.
  
  The strikes were reportedly done with HIMARS rockets. HIMARS rockets can fire up to 70km; the guided missile can reach 270km.
• Kherson was recaptured about a month ago. An international team of legal advisers has been working with local prosecutors in Kherson, gathering evidence of alleged sexual crimes committed by Russian forces as a part of a full scale investigation.
• Many cities and towns in Ukraine have been on and off with power. The city of Odesa is one of them; the port was not operating on Sunday due to the Russian attacks on the region’s energy systems.
• Russia’s ex-president Dmitry Medvedev has said the country is ramping up production of new-generation weapons to protect itself from enemies in Europe, the United States and Australia.
• A neo-Nazi paramilitary group linked to the Kremlin has asked its members to submit intelligence on border and military activity in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, raising concerns over whether far-right Russian groups are planning an attack on Nato countries. This specific group is Task Force Rusich and has ties to the Wagner Group. Previously, Task Force Rusich has advocated for ‘removal of body parts’ of POWs.
• The German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has said Vladimir Putin is determined to conquer parts of Ukraine and shows no restraint in his brutality. “Whenever I speak with Putin, he says very clearly that for him it is about conquering something,” Scholz said on Saturday at an event in Potsdam, near Berlin. “He simply wants to conquer part of Ukrainian territory with violence.”
• Reuters reports on influential nationalist Russian blogger Igor Girkin who is reported to have visited the conflict zone.
  He is quoted as saying some Russian officers fighting in Ukraine are unhappy with the military top brass and Putin because of the poor execution of the war. He describes it as “the fish’s head is rotten.” He is a former FSB member. He also quotes…
  ”It is not just me… people are not blind and deaf at all: people at the mid-level there do not even hide their views which, how do I put it, are not fully complimentary about the president or the defence minister.”
• Russian forces have “destroyed” the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said
• Russia wants to turn Ukraine into a “dependent dictatorship” like Belarus, the wife of jailed Belarusian Nobel peace prize laureate Ales Bialiatski said on Saturday upon receiving the prize on his behalf, speaking his words. Bialiatski, Russian rights group Memorial and Ukraine’s Centre for Civil Liberties won the 2022 prize in October.
• Although Kherson has been liberated, people still struggle to clear traps left behind Russian forces. Kherson is not alone; many other towns have reported traps; from a grenade in a piano, a street sign directing passerbys into a minefield, and even a police station that housed a torture chamber during the occupation so booby trapped, they can’t even begin to hunt for evidence.
• The de-mining of Ukraine could take years, says Zelenskyy.
• The fiercest fighting has raged near the towns of Bakhmut and Avdiivka, the region’s governor Pavlo Kyurylenko said.
• Russian forces have placed Grad multiple-launch-rocket systems on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant’s territory, according to Ukraine’s nuclear energy operator. Russia’s move violated conditions for nuclear and radiation safety, the company said in its statement, which was backed by several Ukrainian ministers. The risk of a nuclear meltdown is greatly reduced as none of the reactors is operating, but experts say a release of radiation is still possible at the Russian-occupied site, it’s been reported.
• Additionally, Ukraine’s atomic power agency has accused Russian forces of abducting two senior staff at the plant and detaining a third.
• Russia increases military activity in Mariupol, Donetsk Oblast. Petro Adriushchenko, an advisor to Mariupol’s mayor, said on Dec. 11 there were an unusually high number of combat helicopters headed toward the Azovstal steel plant.
• Russia forces people to receive Russian passports in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
  Russian forces in occupied Melitopol are forcing residents to get Russian passports to receive their payments, the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces reported on Dec. 11.
• All of Ukraine’s thermal, hydroelectric power stations damaged by Russian attacks.
  This winter, Ukraine “will be living with significant restrictions” on power, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Dec. 11. (Personal note: this is why I say it’s especially important to spread that link I shared around! even if you can’t donate, spread the word)
• 300,000 people remain without power supply in Odesa Oblast.