Ukraine updates in English

[US7IGN]

Firstly, in Poland, compared to other European countries, there are very few Muslim migrants and they are not seen as a threat. One of the first questions that even Poles themselves ask is why are there claims only against Ukrainians?
To understand this, you need to look at the history of relations between Poles and Ukrainians. But what matters now is not so much what happened, but what attitude some politicians are now forming towards it, including, unfortunately, those who have come to power. For example, they are stirring up hatred for Ukrainians because of what some of them did to Poles a hundred years ago, but they are silent about what Poles did to Ukrainians at the same time in the same places. The big question is who suffered more, but you understand that neither truth nor justice is the goal for those who speculate on this issue, although neither one nor the other participants in those events have been alive for a long time.
It's good that they don't even remember the events of even older times that are described in the historical novel By Fire and Sword (Polish: Ogniem i mieczem), by the Polish author Henryk Sienkiewicz. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/With_Fire_and_Sword
Interestingly, the Polish director Jerzy Hoffman dedicated the film based on this novel to his wife, who was Ukrainian. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/With_Fire_and_Sword_(film)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiUORqTCD6E
I believe that the memory of such things should warn against repetition, and not serve to incite hostility, from which Poles and Ukrainians will suffer, and the russians will win.

[US7IGN]

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said in an interview with the Greek newspaper Real News that Greece will not participate in providing military security guarantees to Ukraine, despite the security agreement signed on October 17, 2024. https://www.real.gr/politiki/arthro/giorgos-gerapetritis-sti-realnews-to-ergo-tis-ilektrikis-diasyndesis-elladas-kyprou-tha-prochorisei-647552/

Norway has agreed to buy Type-26 anti-ship frigates to be built in the UK. The £10 billion deal will create 4,000 jobs and significantly strengthen NATO's northern flank, The Guardian reports. https://mind.ua/news/20294007-norvegiya-uklala-istorichnij-oboronnij-kontrakt-na-zakupivlyu-britanskih-fregativ-the-guardian

On September 1, a new school year started in Ukraine for over 3.5 million children, of whom almost 2.3 million will study in person, which is 103 thousand more than last year. https://unn.ua/news/ponad-35-miliona-ditei-rozpochaly-navchannia-23-miliona-uchniv-pishly-do-shkil-oflain

More than 400 schools in Ukraine have closed or changed their educational status due to a small number of students. This was reported by Deputy Minister of Education and Science Nadiya Kuzmichova. According to her, as of spring 2024, there were 525 educational institutions in Ukraine with fewer than 45 children. Since the beginning of the new academic year, 457 of them have either been liquidated or have had their status downgraded. It is worth noting that the number of schools in Ukraine is decreasing every year. If in the 2020/2021 academic year there were 14,815 schools operating, then in September 2024 there were already 12,268 general secondary education institutions. https://komersant.ua/shkoly-bez-ditey-400-navchalnykh-zakladiv-likviduvaly-abo-ponyzyly-status/

In September 2025, mandatory basic military training began in Ukraine for students of higher education institutions who have reached the age of 18. https://buh.ligazakon.net/news/238708_z-1-veresnya-zaprovadzhena-obovyazkova-bazova-zagalnovyskova-pdgotovka--kogo-stosutsya

The United Kingdom has extended the Ukraine Permission Extension program for two years, during which it will provide protection and humanitarian assistance to Ukrainian refugees. https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/strengthening-border-security-and-reforms-to-the-asylum-system

One of the largest prosthetic centers in Europe and a network of rehabilitation microclinics are to be launched in Ukraine. This was announced by the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Health Mykhailo Radutsky.

“In early June 2024, the Verkhovna Rada ratified a grant agreement between France and Ukraine. This agreement provides for over 51 million euros for projects in various sectors, in particular in medicine - the creation of a production center in Lviv and a network of prosthetic microclinics in the regions” https://sud.ua/uk/news/ukraine/339916-v-ukraine-zarabotaet-odin-iz-krupneyshikh-tsentrov-protezirovaniya-v-evrope

The evaders strike back. A Ukrainian border guard was found dead near the border with Poland. https://regionews.ua/ukr/news/volyn/1756908731-na-volini-bilya-kordonu-z-polshcheyu-znayshli-mertvim-viyskovosluzhbovtsya-dpsu

I heard that some deserters are fleeing with the weapons they were given in the army, and maybe this is one of them. The probability that a border guard commits suicide due to a nervous breakdown due to the need to shoot refugees in the back is extremely small. That is, the state spends money on border guards, on those who catch those who do not want to serve, on those who have to serve, so that they kill each other at the border. Well, such mobilization is extremely effective.

The head of one of the largest volunteer foundations, "Return Alive," Taras Chmut, in an interview with the YouTube channel Pressing, believes that out of approximately 30,000 mobilized soldiers, about a third, that is, 10,000 of them, end up in combat units. The rest turn out to be too sick, run away, or have reasons to resign. https://www.unian.ua/war/viyna-v-ukrajini-chmut-rozpoviv-yaki-ye-problemi-z-mobilizaciyeyu-v-krajini-13118133.html

Deputy Head of the President's Office Pavlo Palisa stated that mobilization in Ukraine will not stop immediately even in the event of a ceasefire. https://vsviti.com.ua/news/170897

By the way, after men under 23 were allowed to travel abroad, this category was immediately called "18-22" and a joke appeared - not everyone has such a long size and this is again discrimination.

[US7IGN]

I've been feeling unwell for the last few days. Weakness since morning and heartache at night. However, many people, even younger than me, complain about the same thing. Maybe it's a result of constant stress, maybe something in the air. This summer, two of my friends died in their 50s. They were wonderful guys whom I knew for many years. They certainly deserved a better and longer life.

Chinese President Xi Jinping commented on the possibility of people living to 150 during the conversation between Xi, Vladimir putin and Kim Jong Un. putin confirmed the discussion in response to a question at a news conference with russian reporters at the end of his visit to China. Modern medical developments including surgery to replace organs give rise to expectations that “life expectancy will increase significantly,” putin said. “This will have social, political and economic consequences. Of course we should also think about this.” Age and health have been a concern for all three leaders, with none of them appointing clear successors. Xi, 72, ended presidential term limits and is set for a potential fourth term leading China in 2027, while putin, also 72, has changed his nation’s laws to allow him to rule russia for longer. Kim, 41, took his daughter to Beijing, adding to speculation that he’s grooming her as a successor, Bloomberg reports. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-03/xi-muses-on-living-to-150-in-rare-hot-mic-moment-with-putin-kim?srnd=phx-politics

But it seems that it's not just Eastern leaders who want to live and rule forever.

When President Donald Trump sat down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last month, the topic was the weighty issue of ending russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But at one point, Trump took a provocative diversion into domestic politics. Zelensky noted that, in his country, the law doesn’t allow for elections during periods of martial law.

“So you say during the war, you can’t have elections,” Trump responded. “So let me just say, three and a half years from now – so you mean, if we happen to be in a war with somebody, no more elections? Oh, that’s good.” https://edition.cnn.com/2025/09/02/politics/democrats-alarm-trump-elections-analysis

Do all those who talk about the weakness of russia, which is undeniably weak, understand that it is necessary to take into account its allies, which include not only North Korea, but also China and India? Leaders of China, russia, North Korea and Iran gather in Beijing for huge military parade in challenge to the West. Xi’s message with his multi-day exercise of soft and hard power, is clear: China is a force that wants to reset global rules – and it’s not afraid to challenge those of the West. https://edition.cnn.com/2025/09/02/china/china-axis-of-upheaval-sco-summit-parade-dst-intl-hnk https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c5yl1e5gvznt

The house rules of a few countries should not be imposed on others,” Xi told more than 20 world leaders gathering at a two-day summit orchestrated to play-up China’s global leadership and its close and enduring partnership with russia, as the two neighbors seek to rebalance global power in their favor at the expense of the US and its allies.

The meeting of the Beijing- and Moscow- backed Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the northern port city of Tianjin is China’s biggest diplomatic event of the year, including russian President Vladimir putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. https://edition.cnn.com/2025/09/01/china/china-sco-summit-xi-address-intl-hnk

Meanwhile, russia has begun using new modifications of Shahed kamikaze drones for attacks on the territory of Ukraine. These drones are equipped with cameras and radio control systems, which allows them to be controlled even from the territory of the russian Federation. Most likely, they use mobile communication, which is why the authorities can turn it off during drone attacks. https://gazeta.ua/articles/life/_rosiya-zastosuvala-novi-shahed-z-kamerami-ta-radiokeruvannyam/1229029

In recent days, russian attacks have been aimed mainly at destroying Ukrainian energy facilities. Moreover, putin called on Eastern European countries to stop supplying gas and oil to Ukraine during a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Tuesday in Beijing. https://gazeta.ua/articles/world-life/_putin-zaklikav-yevropejski-krayini-zupiniti-postachannya-gazu-ta-nafti-v-ukrayinu/1228914

I've heard that more and more old strategic aircraft are breaking down in russia, but does it matter now if China can support russia with its weapons if necessary? https://militarnyi.com/uk/news/dva-rosijskyh-tu-160-ne-zmogly-vykonaty-pusky-raket-po-ukrayini-cherez-tehnichni-problemy/

[US7IGN]

After additional medication, I was just starting to feel better when another heavy sleepless night came.

For the first time, more than 800 drones and missiles overnight. Civilians killed and injured, civilian infrastructure damaged in Kyiv, Odesa, Kremenchuk, Kryvy Rih, Zaporizhzhia, among other cities. One of the government buildings in Kyiv was hit for the first time. Damaged bridge over the Dnipro in Kremenchuk. I think we will know about other consequences later. https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c1dqp42r4zvt

In Kyiv, it was very loud all night and in the morning ballistic missiles were shot down nearby.

In the morning the sun shines, there is electricity and water, I drink tea, look out the window and only the smoke in the air reminds me of the terrible night. They say that only 30% of the missiles were destroyed, so air defense capabilities have decreased. Not very optimistic before autumn.

On the night of September 6, the russian military attacked Ukraine with 91 Shahed attack UAVs and simulator drones of various types, the Ukrainian Air Force reported. https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/news-povitriani-syly-drony-rf/33523265.html Truth be told, drone attacks of varying degrees of intensity occur every day.

The situation on the ground is not good either. The russians have advanced in Sumy, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk regions, according to DeepState maps. https://zn.ua/ukr/war/rosijani-prosunulisja-v-sumskij-donetskij-ta-dnipropetrovskij-oblastjakh-deepstate.html

Ukraine is on its own. Europe is all talk, no action. Macron’s promise of boots on the ground is an empty show of solidarity that putin will never allow, writes The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/09/05/europe-is-lying-to-ukraine-no-troops-are-coming/
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0m40pv44kgo

It seems that the future of Ukraine now depends on China's agreements with Europe.

The Ministry of Defense discussed with the relevant parliamentary committees the draft laws that caused public resonance. The norm on increasing punishment for the military will be removed. Protests took place in Kyiv and Lviv on September 5. People demanded more protection of the rights of military personnel, including a law on a military ombudsman, the establishment of clear terms of service, and the absence of repression. https://24tv.ua/shmigalya-radi-virishili-ne-posilyuvati-pokarannya-dlya-viyskovih_n2909289
https://24tv.ua/zahistist-prava-viyskovih-kiyevi-mitinguyut-proti-posilennya_n2908833

When you perceive the war exclusively within your own country, everything is clear, but when you look at it on a global scale, everything becomes less clear. India becomes Ukraine’s top diesel supplier in July as Trump slaps punitive tariffs on Delhi over russian oil imports. Indian-origin diesel is reaching Ukraine through multiple channels. A significant portion arrives via tanker deliveries along the Danube from Romania. https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/india-becomes-ukraines-top-diesel-supplier-in-july-as-trump-slaps-punitive-tariffs-on-delhi-over-russian-oil-imports/3961937/?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=WhatsappShare

It turns out that India is the main supplier of fuel made from russian oil to Ukraine. Just as China is the main supplier of drone components to both russia and Ukraine.
Recently, I have started looking for opportunities to get involved in investment processes again. One obvious way is to study the experience of others, which led me to an interview with Oleksandr Yakovenko, founder of TAF Industries (formerly TAF Drones), which in a year and a half has gone from a startup with 20 people to a thousand specialists. The company produces up to 80,000 drones per month and is one of three Ukrainian companies that are included in the ranking of the best drone manufacturers in the world. Most of the interview is about how difficult it is to find people, but something else caught my eye. In 2024, the company received about a billion dollars in revenue, which has two components: contracts and mass production of drones. But 60-80% of revenue is the import of components and their sale. The company orders a significant part of its components from China. Although there are risks with export control, they are smaller than the risks of production in Ukraine under shelling. For example, the SMT line for assembling electronics in Mukachevo was destroyed a few weeks ago. https://dou.ua/lenta/interviews/taf-industries-drones-interview/?from=recent_pinned

Here is the answer to the prospects for work in Ukraine for an electronics company that will not be another component of a corrupt procurement system, but will decide to engage in real production.

Lana Zerkal, who I consider one of the top women in Ukraine by her combination of qualities, gave an interview to the BBC, which can be considered part of the next election campaign in Ukraine. Her diplomatic past and ties to the UK give reason to believe that she will be part of the team that Zaluzhny could lead.
https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/articles/c1kzkz9le3ko

[ke6sls]

I am still always thinking of you Wlad & Eugene.

Tonight is first time I've had time and energy to read all the posts since my last visit.

I am full time caretaker of my friend.  I now control all of her finances, and all the responsibilities related to that.  I'm the least skilled person for this task.   I am also in charge of her caregivers and the medical appointments.  I am now a parent to a 75 year old who I refuse to let fall between the cracks and be forgotten.

My doctor recommended a pain specialist for me.  Now, after many weeks of adjusting, am at full dosage of new drug.  This drug has many side-effects, the primary one is lethargy.  When my morning alarm sounds, I feel so exhausted, like I need to go back to sleep.  The fatigue never stops.  Remaining awake has turned into some type of physical contest, I never know which will win, my will or the fatigue.

I love her and will continue my quest.  I am the great noise stirring up the dirt with her medical team.  Yet I have to be grateful, they now visit her twice a day, ensuring she is safe, fed, has her medications, and provide her transportation to various doctors and practitioners.

So I think about you guys, over there, and my fists clinch .....  My petty grievances compared to your world being bombed. 

Humbled. 

I can't understand a world like this.

The kittens are well.  They have all found safe, soft, comfortable places to slumber.  Their next adventures are just a few hours away, when my alarm sounds again at 6am.  They love the first bits of morning now, it's still DARK outside when I open the back door.  The whole pack of little tigers quickly exit and begin their individual perfect quests of the day.  Then one at a time, they come home and visit and enjoy a hug, a nibble of breakfast, then WHOOOSHHH, they are gone again in a silent moment.  This little family is my rock, and in some odd way, I couldn't imagine anything more fulfilling.

I'm not ready for any of this.  Yet here we are.

Stay safe, see you way through this insanity. 

I'm always thinking of you guys!

73
Jaye

[US7IGN]

Hi Jaye! Glad to see you!

I agree with you. It's good to have someone around. I was even thinking about getting a hamster again, but russian terrorists have been destroying our energy system lately and I wouldn't want the poor animal to freeze in the winter. https://apostrophe.ua/ua/news/society/2025-09-08/zagarbnyky-atakuvaly-energetychnu-infrastrukturu-v-kilkoh-oblastyah-ukrayiny/350850
https://zn.ua/ukr/energetics/rf-vdarila-po-tes-na-kijivshchini-rjatuvalniki-j-enerhetiki-namahajutsja-stabilizuvati-situatsiju.html

During russia's large-scale combined attack on the night of September 7, the Cabinet of Ministers building was hit not by a Shahed drone, as initially reported, but by an Iskander missile. https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/articles/clylvgdd82no

In any case, this speaks volumes about the state of air defense even in Kyiv. In one of the videos, I saw several drones hit the huge Thermal Power Plant near Kyiv. None of them were intercepted.
https://www.stroimdom.com.ua/topic/237244-rosiyani-prinesli-nam-viynu/?do=findComment&comment=5539825

Ukraine risks facing a shortage of air defense equipment as deliveries from the United States slow amid increased russian air attacks, following a review of military aid to Ukraine by the U.S. Department of Defense, Western and Ukrainian officials have said, the Financial Times reports. https://www.ft.com/content/26df4030-9613-498d-9ce8-44691aee4346

The Kremlin said on Monday, Sept 8, that no sanctions would ever force russia to change course in the Ukraine war, hours after the United States and the European Union indicated they were considering additional economic restrictions. https://www.reuters.com/world/china/kremlin-says-sanctions-will-never-force-russia-change-course-2025-09-08/

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has confirmed that Rome will not send troops to Ukraine as part of a possible "Coalition of the Willing." He also believes that the war will not end before Christmas 2025, RaiNews.it reports. https://www.rainews.it/maratona/2025/09/attacco-di-droni-russi-nella-notte-esplosioni-a-kiev-kharkiv-e-dnipro-e2d882d4-161f-467b-8dce-5bf28d22ff88.html#65b9441a-b968-46ad-8f41-6d28ee2257fb

On the evening of Monday, September 8, it was also noisy in occupied Donetsk - the city was attacked by cruise missiles. They hit the former Topaz plant, where the russian invaders had a military base. Windows were blown out in my friend's apartment, which is located nearby. It's sad when you only learn about the fate of your property from the photos sent to you by those who remained in the occupied territories. https://war.obozrevatel.com/ukr/v-okupovanomu-donetsku-krilati-raketi-urazili-kolishnij-zavod-topaz-tam-bula-vijskova-baza-rf-foto-i-video.htm

The management of the largest energy company warns of a difficult winter. https://sud.ua/uk/news/ukraine/340575-gendirektor-yasno-sergey-kovalenko-prizval-gotovitsya-k-raznym-stsenariyam-so-svetom

Of course, you can buy more batteries and gas cylinders for lighting and cooking, but this will not help heat apartment buildings, supply them with water, and pump sewage.

There was an air raid all night today, and although there weren't many really loud explosions, I couldn't sleep and didn't feel very well in the morning. Then I went to the hairdresser. She's one of the few people I still talk to in person. She looked tired too. Next week I'm going to have some tests and see a cardiologist. I also don't like having my blood pressure constantly high. Anyway, I thank God for another day, the opportunity to eat and take a warm shower, and the presence of electricity.

On the night of September 10, russia attacked Ukraine, especially the western regions, with strike drones all night, explosions were heard in Lviv, Vinnytsia and other cities. Also at night, russia launched cruise missiles from Tu-95MS bombers and from sea carriers, which attacked cities in western Ukraine after 6 a.m.

According to the air force, the main targets of the attack on September 10 were the energy system. They claim that they managed to shoot down or suppress 386 drones out of 415. They also shot down 27 cruise missiles out of 42 launched. They failed to shoot down the only ballistic missile launched. https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/articles/cqxz85xj2zzo

Some of the drones even flew into Poland, which was the first to shoot down russian drones. At the same time, for the first time, the Poles had to close the airports of Warsaw, Lublin and Rzeszow.
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/09/09/europe/poland-scramble-jets-russian-drone-reports-intl-hnk-ml

"Here we go!" - US President Donald Trump reacts to russia's drone incursion over Poland, saying Moscow violated its airspace.

russia's defence ministry says it did not plan to attack any targets in Poland. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk says up to four of 19 russian drones were shot down by Polish and Nato aircraft (Polish F-16 fighter jets, Dutch F-35s, Italian AWACS surveillance planes and NATO mid-air refuelling aircraft). It marks the first time russian drones have been downed over the territory of a Nato country. Tusk also warns that Poland is at its closest to open conflict since World War Two.
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c2enwk1l9e1t
https://www.reuters.com/world/live-poland-shoots-down-drones-its-airspace-during-russias-ukraine-attack-2025-09-10/?

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk assured after the russian drone attack that "there is no reason to panic." According to him, this was a "large-scale provocation," but all procedures worked flawlessly, and the threat was neutralized thanks to commanders, military personnel, and allies. https://www.rmf24.pl/fakty/polska/news-tusk-o-rosyjskich-dronach-prowokacja-na-duza-skale,nId,8019153

The reaction of the West and NATO is expected and understandable, and the russians can celebrate another victory, this time on NATO territory.

The United States has updated its visa application rules. Only two application points have been designated for Ukrainians — Warsaw and Krakow. Kyiv is not on the list, so all those wishing to apply must schedule an interview in these cities in Poland. https://news.novyny.live/kiyiv-vikliuchili-zi-spisku-punktiv-podachi-viz-do-ssha-detali-279475.html

The Ukrainian authorities are going to reduce the number of courts in Ukraine by three times, despite the fact that there is already a shortage of judges and it takes a very long time to consider a lawsuit. https://sud.ua/uk/news/publication/340768-optimizatsiya-seti-sudov-mozhet-vyglyadet-slozhnoy-i-nepopulyarnoy-reformoy-no-ee-nuzhno-sdelat-irina-mudraya

[KD8ZM-Brady]

Jaye, God bless you for sticking with such a difficult situation. That's true love.

Wlad, glad you are feeling better, although the insomnia is unwelcome news. I don't know what to say about the drone incursion into Poland, other than it's just Russia testing the limits of NATO. Typical of Putin.

The Ukrainian news over here has been in regards to a 23 year old Ukrainian woman who was brutally killed by one of America's numerous urban creatures. How sadly ironic that she thought she had escaped the Ukrainian war zone, only to die in an American one. A terrible tragedy, although it pales in significance compared to what is happening in Ukraine itself.

[US7IGN]

The Ukrainian news over here has been in regards to a 23 year old Ukrainian woman who was brutally killed by one of America's numerous urban creatures. How sadly ironic that she thought she had escaped the Ukrainian war zone, only to die in an American one. A terrible tragedy, although it pales in significance compared to what is happening in Ukraine itself.

The Democratic People's Republic of Ukraine regime did not let her father leave the country for the funeral - https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15085907/Father-Ukrainian-refugee-knifed-North-Carolina-train-funeral.html

[US7IGN]

US President's special envoy Keith Kellogg has visited Kyiv again and secured it from drones and missiles for the duration of his stay. https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/news-zelenskyi-kellog/33528038.html

But the rest of the country continues to suffer daily airstrikes. Even interactive maps have appeared where you can see online where the missile danger is. https://fakty.com.ua/ua/ukraine/suspilstvo/20250913-onlajn-karta-povitryanyh-tryvog/

EU High Representative Kaia Kallas believes that the war in Ukraine will drag on. According to her, it will last at least two more years, El Pais reports.

Nevertheless, this does not stop big business from continuing and expanding its presence in Ukraine. Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced the allocation of land to the German defense concern Rheinmetall for the construction of a joint projectile manufacturing plant. According to the head of the Ministry of Defense, the new enterprise will be built in a "safe region." https://armyinform.com.ua/2025/09/11/u-bezpechnomu-regioni-ukrayina-vydilyla-rheinmetall-zemlyu-dlya-spilnogo-zavodu-z-vygotovlennya-snaryadiv/

In my opinion, there is no "safe" region in Ukraine, but I also know that the German government has created risk insurance instruments for German companies operating in Ukraine.

Over 10,000 entries of Ukrainians aged 18–22 were recorded at the Polish-Ukrainian border in the first week after the changes in legislation — 10–12 times more than before, writes the Polish publication Rzeczpospolita. https://www.rp.pl/spoleczenstwo/art42982391-mlodzi-mezczyzni-z-ukrainy-ruszyli-do-polski-to-efekt-decyzji-kijowa

Poland is deploying about 40,000 troops to its borders with Belarus and russia in response to the russian-Belarusian military exercises "West-2025", which begin on Friday, TVP reported. In addition, Poland will send its military to Ukraine for training in countermeasures against unmanned aerial vehicles. https://tvpworld.com/88865149/poland-deploys-40000-soldiers-to-border-as-russia-holds-drills

F-35 fighter jet pilots shot down russian Shahed drones using AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles that cost more than €400,000 apiece — targeting aircraft that cost only a few thousand euros, Bild reported on Sept. 11, citing unnamed sources. A senior NATO officer told the German tabloid that using F-35s against drones “makes no military sense in the long term.” https://www.bild.de/politik/ausland-und-internationales/polen-vorfall-400-000-euro-fuer-eine-abgeschossene-billig-drohne-68c1d4d19f4fa552b0d73d90

On the afternoon of September 11, a Ukrainian Su-27 plane crashed during a combat mission, the pilot died. https://hromadske.ua/viyna/251172-pid-chas-vykonannia-boyovoho-zavdannia-zahynuv-lyotchyk-su-27-oleksandr-borovyk?traffic_source=ukr.net

The State Border Guard Service denies this and says that they have not recorded an increase in the flow of passengers at the border of men aged 18-22. https://sud.ua/uk/news/ukraine/340299-v-gpsu-raskryli-vyros-li-passazhiropotok-posle-razresheniya-muzhchinam-18-22-let-vyezzhat-za-granitsu

Someone says that this is Zelensky's main electorate, although supporters of the conspiracy theory can point out that this consistently corresponds to the idea of destroying the country from the inside. I don't really understand why Zelensky would win the election if the russians take over the country? On the other hand, after the election he can send everyone to the front, starting from the age of 16 and women. Well, except for the police and everyone else who supports the regime. Instead, Europe, and primarily Poland, once again received the best Ukrainians who will make its demographics and economy better.

The 2025 admission campaign is still underway in Ukraine. Ukrainian universities can admit twice as many applicants to their ranks for obtaining bachelor's education than there are currently in our state. This was stated by the Director General of the Directorate of Higher Education and Adult Education of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, Oleh Sharo.
https://24tv.ua/education/vstupna-kampaniya-2025-skilki-abituriyentiv-mozhut-priynyati_n2913132

I don't know what proportion of Ukrainians aged 18 are leaving Ukraine because of the war, but I do know that many are going to study at universities in Europe, partly because the quality of education in Ukraine has declined. And this is a vicious circle.

The International Monetary Fund has determined that Ukraine’s funding needs over the next two years may be as much as $20 billion higher than the government in Kyiv estimates as talks to secure the next aid package are set to begin. The discrepancy emerged during the meetings IMF staff has held in Kyiv over the last week to discuss external financing for 2026 and 2027, according to a person familiar with the discussions. Reconciling the differences is crucial before the Washington-based lender considers Ukraine’s request for a new loan program as the current funding runs out. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-11/imf-sees-up-to-20-billion-hole-in-ukraine-funding-through-2027?srnd=homepage-europe

The Prosecutor General's Office proposes to recreate a military justice system that would include not only military police with operational and investigative functions, but also investigative units, military prosecutors, military courts, and the bar. This was the case in the Soviet Union, with the possible exception of military lawyers. https://sud.ua/uk/news/publication/340879-v-ofise-genprokurora-podcherknuli-neobkhodimost-sozdaniya-voennoy-politsii-voennykh-sudov-i-voennoy-advokatury

Also the People's Deputy from the pro-government faction, Oleksandr Fedienko, believes that for the efficiency of the mobilization centers, it is necessary to raise their salaries to the level of the prosecutor's office and other law enforcement agencies. https://sud.ua/uk/news/publication/340896-chlen-komiteta-po-natsbezopasnosti-predlozhil-podnyat-v-ttsk-zarplaty-do-urovnya-nabu-gbr-i-prokuratury

It is becoming harder and harder to capture enough people and keep them in obedience as it is clear that the primary task of the authorities is to retain power, but more and more people in Ukraine are unable to solve the question of how to help the country without helping its authorities, and do nothing at all.

I recently heard a good description of the situation in Ukraine. The dictatorship exists thanks to fear and distrust. It surrounds itself with informers and sycophants, because they are the ones who provide constant control and support the government with flattery. Instead, the dictatorship is afraid of talented and intelligent people: they are destroyed, forced to be silent, they simply flee the country. Educated, talented and critically thinking people pose a threat to the dictatorship, because they are able to ask questions, create alternative ideas, unite others around change. As a result, society loses its best and most talented people, and the country gradually degrades, and now, in war, this happens many times faster than in peaceful life, and we see the results on the streets of our cities and villages, in the news and on the map ...

[US7IGN]

It's still quiet in Kyiv, but the war is not only on the front lines. On the night of September 14, an extraordinary event occurred in the Kyiv region - a detonation of ammunition occurred in a freight train carrying military cargo. Two dozen trains changed routes and there are reports of injuries to those who were nearby on a passenger train.
https://sud.ua/uk/news/ukraine/341081-nochyu-na-kievschine-proizoshla-detonatsiya-boepripasov-v-poezde-s-voennym-gruzom-genshtab

Ukraine is struggling to defend itself against the growing number of attack drones that Moscow has started using in its onslaughts. When russia introduced self-destructing drones from Iran into its war against Ukraine three years ago, Moscow made headlines around the world by launching 43 of them into Ukraine in a single strike. This month, in just one night, russia sent more than 800 exploding drones and decoys swarming across the border.

The drastic increase is a result of huge production jumps in russia for one-way attack drones, which are prioritized by President Vladimir V. putin and are now being assembled domestically at two main facilities. The Kremlin has also pressed through big manufacturing increases in the smaller tactical drones that russia uses on the front line, enlisting russian regional governments, factories and even high school students in the push. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/14/world/europe/russia-ukraine-drone-attacks-production.html

President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to NATO allies in a letter Saturday, saying the US will issue “major” sanctions on russia only when they agree to do the same and stop buying oil from russia. Meeting Trump’s demands would mark a major shift among the alliance, and there are major questions as to whether there would be collective interest in taking these steps. https://edition.cnn.com/2025/09/13/politics/trump-nato-russia-tariffs-ultimatum

Ukraine’s largest drone manufacturer, Ukrspecsystems, has announced a £200 million investment programme in East Anglia, including a new 11,000m² factory at Mildenhall and a test and training site at Elmsett, Suffolk. The project is expected to create up to 500 jobs and apprenticeships across the region, with onboarding of the UK workforce due to begin later this year. Production of drones is scheduled to start in early 2026. The announcement comes days after Lotus confirmed 550 job cuts at its Hethel headquarters in Norfolk, underlining the significance of new investment for the area. Ukrspecsystems has said it plans to expand further in the UK over the next three years. https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/ukrainian-drone-firm-to-invest-200m-in-britain/

[US7IGN]

Today, my friend called me and told me an interesting story. He is still two years away from the age at which he is no longer mobilized, but he is already twenty years old and disabled. Because of this, he was also removed from military registration a long time ago and even went abroad. But not this time. At the border, the border guards told him that he was again on the military registration and was wanted, and his documents were no longer valid. Apparently, because of his age and not very healthy appearance, they did not detain him, but he was forced to return to Kyiv and go solve this problem. In Kyiv, he learned that the mobilization centers had been scattered after previous attacks on them and finding the right person was a separate adventure. He found the employees he needed in one of the hospitals, where they were allocated several offices. Should we be surprised when the russians hit such places with drones and missiles?

He also noted that there were police at the entrance to the hospital, who were catching men who came to the hospital. He does not rule out that among them could have been not only those who intended to visit doctors, but also those who were supposed to come to the mobilization center workers for any questions.

After he provided copies of all the necessary documents to obtain a postponement of mobilization due to illness, he was told to go to another address to find out where and when he could get an answer. It is significant that everyone refused to record the fact of his appeal, without making any registration. Then he went to another building behind high fences, the gate of which was guarded by a soldier with a machine gun. He left his young daughter in the car because he thought he would return quickly. Inside, he saw a queue and decided to get out to pick up his daughter from the car. He was not allowed to do this, and when asked what would happen to his daughter if he did not get out at all, a soldier laughed and said: "Don't worry. We will take care of her. We will give her to an orphanage." After some time, he nevertheless left there and terribly regretted returning to Ukraine. Now he became one of the inhabitants of the animal farm, where mobilization is when tough, armed men capture the weak and sick so that they can go to the front and fight in their place.

I think there's no need to say what he thinks about this country after that.

[KD8ZM-Brady]

That is one horrific story! What a terrible corrupt conscription system.

I hope Europe will bite the bullet and stop buying Russian LNG and oil. The amount they have been buying is larger than ever, and would cut the legs out from any sanctions regime. I know stopping the purchases would be a huge sacrifice for Europe, but in the long run, not as big as sacrifice as fighting a well-financed Russia will be.

[KD8ZM-Brady]

I am disappointed but not surprised. How can the EU justify continuing to enable Russian aggression against a neighbor? Rhetorical question.

"The European Union will hold off on introducing another round of sanctions against Russia planned for this week, after U.S. President Donald Trump demanded that Europe stop buying Russian oil before agreeing to tougher U.S. sanctions on Moscow."

[US7IGN]

First of all, we probably still cannot talk about Europe as a single entity. It is a bunch of different countries with different, and sometimes directly opposing, interests. Even the attitude of Poland, as a country that provided maximum humanitarian aid to Ukraine and was and still remains the main logistical hub, is rapidly changing and, after the election of the new president, Karol Nawrocki, is becoming anti-Ukrainian.

The BBC has already written about the growth of anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Polish society. However, now we are talking about something else - the exploitation of anti-Ukrainian rhetoric and the promotion of solutions directed against Ukrainians have become an organic part of the Polish political mainstream, and it is possible that this trend will increase at least until the parliamentary elections, which are critically important for the country's future, scheduled for 2027. https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/articles/cn95y5vj0d4o

The first reason why this is happening is obvious. Anti-Ukrainian sentiments have been growing in Polish society for a long time, and politicians cannot help but pay tribute to this and take it into account in their rhetoric and actions. Poles are also tired of the war, goods and services are becoming more expensive, the media remind us that Poland could become the next victim of russian aggression - Poles are taking out their frustration on Ukrainians in this regard. This is very sad, and most importantly - it only benefits the russians.

Of course, any sane person cannot help but understand that if Ukraine falls, the war may continue on the territory of Poland, that the contribution of Ukrainians to the Polish economy and demography far exceeds the costs of supporting them, but marginals and populists willingly listen to russian propaganda. After all, propaganda does not make idiots out of people, it is designed for them.

And those who say that Poland is for Poles and call for Ukrainians to return to Ukraine may one day hear a proposal that all Poles who currently live and work in, for example, the UK and Germany should also return to Poland.

[US7IGN]

I still went to the doctor and had some tests done. It's good that there are still doctors and money for them. On the one hand, my heart isn't that bad, but my blood pressure has gotten worse and I've been prescribed new medications. The doctor said I should spend more time outside and walk. We laughed about it together. Seriously, I need to figure out how to do it without putting myself in danger.

Staying healthy in these conditions is not so easy. This year two more of my friends died in their fifties, and even my friend Sergiy UT3UFD once told me that his main goal is to live to forty. Well, then I will set myself the goal of living to fifty.

Although now the main task will be to find a source of income. Since some foreign companies are still operating in Ukraine, and others are exploring the possibilities for this, on Andreas' DO1AWD advice I watched several webinars organized by the German-Ukrainian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Ukraine) and plan to make a commercial offer for their members. I was introduced to Andreas by Colin G3ZAF and this is another example of excellent radio networking.

A representative of the Ministry of Economy was present at one of the webinars and was asked about the situation with workers. She replied that this issue is being resolved by training and retraining existing people and gave an example of how several people ended up in their ministry in this way. Well, maybe among women you can find people who want to work in the ministry, but what about the real sector of the economy and production? What about mechanics, locksmiths, builders, loaders? What is the logic of first removing existing specialists, and instead spending money and time on training others with unpredictable results? Perhaps it is because all state programs are implemented at the expense of foreign donors or Ukrainian taxpayers, and civil servants do not care about the efficiency of using this money.

A great example of the effectiveness of state policy is the recent regulation of the pharmaceutical market. Under the populist slogan of preventing price increases, manufacturers were prohibited from making marketing payments to pharmacies. I don’t know exactly how it worked before, but as a result, pharmacies refused to buy cheap drugs from one of the largest Ukrainian manufacturers, which was forced to stop production and is now under threat of bankruptcy, and consumers were left without cheap drugs at all. https://komersant.ua/sklady-zapovneni-linii-stoiat-shcho-oznachaie-zupynka-darnytsi-dlia-farmatsevtychnoho-rynku-ukrainy/

On September 16, a warehouse in the Kyiv region caught fire in a logistics center due to a drone attack. Recently, attacks have also been directed at energy and logistics infrastructure. Due to the destruction of the railway, many trains are delayed, and the supply of weapons to Ukraine and exports are under threat due to the limited availability of other means of cargo transportation.  https://sud.ua/uk/news/ukraine/341217-masshtabnyy-pozhar-v-kievskoy-oblasti-iz-za-vrazheskoy-ataki-goryat-sklady-logisticheskogo-tsentra-ova

The father of a Ukrainian woman who died in the United States, Stanislav Zarutsky, arrived in the United States to say goodbye to his daughter; the information that the man was not released from Ukraine is not true, said the spokesman for the State Border Service, Colonel Andriy Demchenko. He also said that he was provided with the necessary assistance in obtaining documents for entry into the country of destination, and other necessary assistance. https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2025/09/17/7531270/

Well, it seems that the only thing the Ukrainian authorities are afraid of is publicity outside Ukraine. And this is the only thing Ukrainians who suffer from its arbitrariness can hope for.