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Tag: Kyiv

  • Tsikhanouskaya says Lukashenka 'cannot be trusted' if US envoy travels to Belarus

    Tsikhanouskaya says Lukashenka 'cannot be trusted' if US envoy travels to Belarus

    US envoy Keith Kellogg is reportedly due to travel to Minsk to discuss Russia’s war in Ukraine with Belarus President Aliaksandr Lukashenka.

    Belarus, Trump’s New Playground? Or Just a Chaotic Mix‑n‑Match of Politics?

    The Unlikely Cast

    Picture this: exiled Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, a beacon of democratic hope in Belarus, spills the beans on President Aliaksandr Lukashenka. “He’s a complete rotten pipe,” she says, reflecting, “trust? Absolutely not.”

    At the same time, Keith Kellogg—the former “advisor to Trump” who’s dodged both headlines and a few legalities—has set the stage to swing by Minsk. The rumor mill whispers a secret meeting between him and President Lukashenka, with the quiet aim of nudging Russia’s Ukraine invasion to a “less lethal” status.

    Why the Drama?

    • Exiled Leader Speak‑Off – Tsikhanouskaya’s barbs are a stern warning to any hawker seeking legitimacy.
    • Kellogg’s Diplomatic Gambit – A side‑by‑side show of power‑players attempting to line up for a peace talk that may or may not function.
    • Lukashenka’s Mysterious Agenda – The authoritarian leader might be hoping to pad his prestige (or just get an absurd new souvenir from Trump).

    The Potential Outcomes (And Their Likelihood)

    1. Peace Talks Breathe – Could spark dialogue with Russia and open a new avenue for Ukraine’s relief.
    2. Diplomatic Debacle – Risk of an awkward meeting that ends in embarrassment and extra headline fodder.
    3. National Pride Boost – Lukashenka could claim bragging rights for hosting a ex‑US advisor.

    Bottom Line

    This trio—an exiled democratic frontwoman, a vacation‑planned ex‑power broker, and a controversial autocrat—creates a potent cocktail of conflict, ambitions, and a dash of satire. Will Belarus finally see the light? Only time will tell. In the meantime, we’re stuck watching the drama unfold like a drama series with politicians starring as the lead roles—with no plot twist guaranteed.

    FILE: Keith Kellogg, the U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine, enters the hall for a meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Ukraine, Feb. 20, 2025.

    Belarus Gets Excluded From Ukraine Talks – Lukashenka’s Got the Badge Of Evil

    TL;DR: The latest round of talks between Moscow and Kyiv didn’t change a thing. Meanwhile, Belarus—led by the 31‑year‑old monarch Alexei Lukashenka—is officially out of the negotiation lineup because, as the headline says, he’s “part of the war.”

    Round Two and No Progress

    So, the war’s been raging for four years, and Russia and Ukraine have pulled a couple of talks aside with Moscow trying to negotiate a ceasefire. It’s all been a flop. Even after the second round, the finger on the halt-fire button remains stuck in the “no” position.

    Why Belarus Kicked Aside From the Conversation

    • “They’re not a land for negotiations” – that’s the line the Belarus opposition leader, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, delivered last Wednesday.
    • Her big point? Lukashenka’s not just a sidekick; he’s an “aggressor” in his own right, and the Russian war is basically his playground in the second half of the year.
    • “We’re not trusting the guy,” she told Euronews, evidencing why Minsk does not want a seat at the table.
    • He’s “just playing Putin’s game” – and that’s a bitter pill for anyone hoping for peace.

    Cracking the Smuggling Facade

    Behind the headlines, there’s a less glamorous side: Lukashenka’s Belarus turns into a production hub for Russian weapons. With sanctions on Belarus, the financial motive turns into a windfall for the regime.

    Like a shady logistics company funneling weapons to the battlefield, the Belarusian government thrives while sanctions drag on. This, Tsikhanouskaya’s bluntly put, means Lukashenka hates peace just because it hurts his ticket sales.

    And Lukashenka’s “Importance” Deal

    “He thinks he’s indispensable,” Tsikhanouskaya said. “If you slice him off, nothing changes. He’s just coating the bigger picture—no independent moves here.”

    West’s Calm (or Not) on Belarus

    • The West slapped sanctions on Belarus for backing Russia + for sending fake elections in 2020 and again in January.
    • Whistleblowers and international observers crowd-sourced that Lukashenka’s 2020 win was a sham poll.
    • Despite this, Minsk and Moscow keep blowing off the accusations.
    • Lukashenka remains a stalwart of Europe’s longest-running regime – 31 years with the same crown.

    Behind the Scenes with Tsikhanouskaya

    Here’s the drama: rising opposition leader Tsikhanouskaya challenged Lukashenka in the election that was “wronged” back when the country was in 2020. Had her been elected, the 31‑year‑old could have been forced into a new political era.

    She was forced out, and the smears began. Her story is a classic whistle‑tear for democratic vibes amid authoritarian backlashes.

    Bottom Line – No More Belarus in War Negotiations

    Preparing for peace out loud, the political vibes are clear: Lukashenka’s Belarus not only fuels the war but serves as a war‑money machine. So, the West moving on, and the politicians jumping seat, is essentially: Kiev, Moscow, no Belarus. That’s the current plan for a war‑free future. Thanks!

    Rocky US-Belarus relations

    Back‑to‑Back Diplomacy: US Gets Cozy with Belarus in a Twist of Fate

    Picture this: It’s early 2020, the first Trump years, and the Secretary of State—yes, Men‑In‑… Pompeo—makes a grand entrance in Belarus, the very first US envoy to the Milinkian capital in more than twenty years.

    Washington’s Mood Rings: From Cheer to Chill

    Fast forward to 2021 and a brand‑new president—Joe Biden—steps into the White House. And you guessed it: the U.S. and Minsk’s relationship goes from “friendly vibes” to “yikes, this is cold.” The aftermath of Russia’s Ukraine invasion – cue the electric mood – gets the U.S. to shut down its embassy in Minsk by February 2022.

    Guess Who’s Trying to Re‑warm the Deal?

    Now, with Trump back at the helm, the United States appears to be playing “matchmaker” with Belarus again. In February, a flotilla of U.S. officials swooped into Belarus, not for trade talks but to rescue three political prisoners. The New York Times picked up this drama and had readers gasp.

    Fast‑forward to April, Belarus releases Yuriy Zianokovich—a U.S. citizen who’s been on the brink of a suspected plot to take out the seemingly immortal leader. Washington and his backers have long claimed the charges were a hoax, but now he’s back on free‑ways and actually breathing.

    Regional Drama on the Stage

    • Belarus’ president Lukashenko gets swearing‑in rights again—despite a chorus of “You have no future” from critics.
    • Opposition stalwart Alexandra Tsikhanouskaya keeps sounding the alarm: the regime change is “just a matter of time.”
    EU’s Hot Take on the Russian Threat

    The European Union’s foreign policy tight‑knit released a warning about Russia’s long‑term aggression plan during a press event. They pointed out that Russia’s heavy defence spending signals a “long‑term plan for long‑term aggression.”

    Then, in an earlier chat with Euronews, Tsikhanouskaya threw a love‑letter at the Balkan jaw‑benders: the big joint drill between Russia and Belarus—typically called Zapad 2025—could be a direct threat to NATO’s eastern edge. She grabbed the microphone and said, “Don’t forget the last military drills in Belarus ended with the attack on Ukraine.” These maneuvers could hit directly the border countries’ heads, as they promised.

    All in all, this swirling story is a high‑stakes nerve‑tingling game of diplomacy, espionage, and some stone‑throwing. Keep your eyes glued to the headlines—trust me, the next chapter will keep you on the edge of your seat.

  • Russian Bombings Leave at Least Five Dead in Donetsk and Kherson, Ukraine

    Big Shocking News from the Front Lines

    What’s happening? According to Ukrainian officials, Russian forces have been hitting not just the usual battlefields, but people’s everyday lives too.

    Targets That Were Hit

    • Home neighborhoods – street by street
    • Public service spots – water, schools, hospitals
    • Key infrastructure – power lines, roads, community centers

    Why It Matters

    When the places where folks stay, work, and play get struck, the ripple effect is huge. Families lose safe havens, schools shut down, and the whole community’s rhythm stutters.

    What’s Next, Folks?
    • Ukrainian communities brace for more disruptions.
    • International eyes widen, questioning the strategy of attacking civilian zones.
    • Peace talks may take a detour, but hope keeps kicking out.
    Takeaway

    In short: it’s not just a fight on the field. It’s a fight that touches the very heart of everyday life, — and everyone knows that can’t be ignored.

    Russian Shelling Leaves Ukraine in Shock

    In a brutal display that turned quiet night streets into chaotic scenes, Russian shells rained down on the Donetsk and Kherson oblasts, killing at least five civilians and injuring ten more. The six towns that felt the brunt of the attack saw shattered homes, damaged infrastructure, and a lingering sense of fear.

    The Toll in Donetsk Oblast

    • Andriivka – 1 fatality and 2 injuries
    • Novohryhorivka – 1 fatality and 2 injuries
    • Myrnohrad – 1 fatality
    • Pokrovsk – 2 injuries
    • Rivne – 1 injury

    The Toll in Kherson Oblast

    • 2 victims killed, 3 injured

    What the Russians Hit

    To make life unbearable for civilians, the Russian military didn’t just aim at random places. They went straight for the heart of each community—

    • Six houses and five apartments took heavy damage
    • A petrol station and a garage were hit, leaving several cars in a dusty, dented heap
    A Relentless Bombing Pattern

    These long‑range strikes are part of Moscow’s relentless strategy to expand its influence, according to Ukrainian authorities. In the span of a single night just a week ago, the Russian forces launched what was said to be the most massive aerial assault on the war, sending roughly 550 drones and missiles across the Ukrainian territory.

    With each shell that drops, the hope for calm feels a little more distant, and the human stories behind the numbers become all the more vivid. The world watches as a nation battles not just for territory, but for the safety and dignity of ordinary people caught in the crossfire.

    Russia’s largest missile and drone barrage on Kyiv

    Kyiv Under Siege: The Biggest Drone & Missile Barrage Yet

    Four years into Russia’s invasion, the capital of Ukraine faced its most intense aerial onslaught since the drums of war started rolling. Ukrainian officials reported a relentless, seven‑hour bombardment that left a trail of devastation across the city.

    Night of Chaos

    • Explosions turned the night sky into a lively fireworks show—albeit a terrible one.
    • Air‑raid sirens screamed, drilling streets into dread and panic.
    • Emergency vehicles flashed blue across skyscrapers, their light reflected in a gloomy, eerie glow.
    • Debris swarmed streets, turning the city into a maze of rubble.

    Personal Stories Amid the Mayhem

    Alya Shahlai, a 23‑year‑old wedding photographer from Kyiv, shared that her home was crushed by the onslaught. “We ducked into the basement—what a frantic moment! I guess staying still at home would have been a death sentence,” she grinned to the Associated Press with a mix of nerves and humor. “Just 10 minutes before, one of the explosions blew, lights cut out, and chaos erupted in the basement.”

    Emergency Services: Heroes In the Dust

    Five ambulances, heroically rushing to respond, were themselves severely damaged. Officials also highlight that emergency crews spent countless hours clearing the city, successfully removing over 300 tons of rubble from the streets.

    In short, Kyiv’s night of drama unfolded with brutal blasts, shaken citizens, and emergency teams battling that relentless storm—making it the biggest aerial attack the city has endured since all the fireworks began. The city remains resilient, though the ghosts of last night will surely echo in its future.

    Damaged cars lie in a yard among other debris after a Russian drone and missile attacks in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

    Evening in Kyiv: Chaos, Courage, and Cross‑Atlantic Calls

    Picture this: A stripy junk yard becomes the stage for a night of terror. Russian drones & missiles haunt the skies, painting the city with devastation. The scene? Broken bodies, ragged vehicles, and a swirl of debris that looks more like a colossal bonfire than normal street life.

    Night Felt Like The Coldest

    “It was a harsh, sleepless night,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy admitted. The “barrage” that night didn’t just leave a shockwave—it claimed two lives and left 26 wounded, one of them a child who probably now has a scar that tells a story.

    Zelenskyy’s Super‑Urgent Phone Call

    • Who? Zelenskyy & President Donald Trump.
    • What? A “very important and productive” discussion during the midnight inferno.
    • Why? The U.S. paused shipments of crucial air‑defence missiles to Ukraine and tensions were rising.

    While the world held its breath, Zelenskyy and Trump brainstormed ways to supercharge Kyiv’s shield, nail down joint weapon production, and look at a big, bold “end the war” plan—all according to a statement from Zelenskyy.

    Trump Keeps It Light but Real

    When reporters asked about the cup of conversation, Trump shrugged, “We had a very good call, I think.”

    And when pressed on the promise of peace—“what the plan for stopping the bloodshed?”—Trump just went with the classic K‑C: “I don’t know, I can’t tell you whether or not that’s going to happen.”

    So, the night ended with a dash of hope, a pinch of fear, and a couple of leaders stuck halfway between ambition and uncertainty. The city kept quiet, the wreckage lingered, and the dialogue went on—just the personal, human kind that can keep humankind moving forward—one call, one word, one aim.

    Russian airports suspend flights

    Heads‑Up from the Skies: Russian Airports Pause Flights Over Drone Drama

    June 7, 2025 – In the middle of the growing storm between Kyiv and Moscow, Russia’s own aviation watchdog, Rosaviatsia, announced that a handful of its airports had been forced to sit out the day because of safety worries over Ukrainian drone attacks that have been plaguing Russian cities.

    Late‑Night Action Report

    According to the Ministry of Defence, overnight – the stretch between the 5th and 6th of July – Russia claim to have shot down a staggering 120 drones flying over its territory. The Ukrainian side has, however, stayed quiet on the matter.

    Drone‑Tactics: The New Front for Logistics Sabotage

    • The tug of war isn’t just on the frontline. Kyiv’s drone program is turning the civilian skies into a playground for disruptive maneuvers.
    • With each glide‑bomb strike, the goal is to throw a wrench into Russia’s supply lines long before the soldiers hit the trenches.
    Ambush at the Airbase

    On Saturday, Ukraine proudly claimed that it managed to hit a Russian airbase – striking a glide‑bomb storage area and even taking down a military trainer fighter. The rough‑cut statement called the base the “home” of enemy aircraft including the Su‑34, Su‑35S, and Su‑30SM.

    While the headlines swirl and numbers rise, passengers are feeling the ripple. Flight schedules are being delayed or cancelled, airports are still scanning every aircraft for potential threats, and citizens are asking, “When will we get back to normal?”