Alive with Clive

“Protesters gathered in central Kyiv on Aug. 14 for another rally demanding that President Volodymyr Zelensky reinstate former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, as the president’s silence on the issue fuels frustration among demonstrators.” ~ @kyivindependent_official 🇺🇦📢💙💛🪧🇺🇦

#Repost @kyivindependent_official with @use.repost_ . . . Protesters gathered in central Kyiv on Aug. 14 for another rally demanding that President Volodymyr Zelensky reinstate former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, as the president’s silence on the issue fuels frustration among demonstrators.

Several hundreds took to the streets of the capital, a notably lower number than when the protests first started in mid-July after Fedorov was removed from his post during a chaotic government reshuffle.

Although Zelensky later dismissed then-Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, fulfilling one of the protesters’ main demands, he has refused to restore Fedorov as defense minister.

“The president has maximally disappointed me with his silence, especially considering that the lack of communication has effectively become the trigger for these protests,” Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a war veteran and one of the protest organizers, said on social media.

The new gathering comes as the Ukrainian parliament is set to return from its summer recess on Aug. 18, with protesters waiting to see whether Zelensky will officially nominate acting Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara to the position.

Some people close to the situation believe Zelensky could avoid putting Khmara’s candidacy to a vote in an effort not to further inflame public anger.

Koziatynskyi also urges people to join a march in central Kyiv on Aug. 16.

Photo: Tim Zadorozhnyy/The Kyiv Independent

“Russia must understand that every attempt to test our collective resolve will make Ukraine and NATO stronger, more prepared, and more united – not less.” ~ @mfa_ukraine 🇺🇦🇺🇸💙💛🇪🇺🇺🇦

#Repost @mfa_ukraine with @use.repost_ . . . Acting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed solidarity with NATO member states and stressed that Ukraine condemns Russia’s recent violations of the airspace of Poland and Romania.

💬 “Russia is testing NATO. Each new violation probes Allied readiness, seeks to push the boundaries of what Moscow can get away with, and raises the stakes for the next provocation. Ukraine has seen this pattern before: when Russia meets hesitation, it escalates. When it meets strength, it recalculates,” Andrii Sybiha noted.

He emphasized that this is why strengthening Ukraine’s air defense matters for the security of the entire region. Russia must understand that every attempt to test our collective resolve will make Ukraine and NATO stronger, more prepared, and more united – not less.

No word yet on whether or not Mykhailo Fedorov is to be reinstated as Ukraine’s Defense Minister. 🇺🇦🤔💙💛❓🇺🇦

#Repost @kyivindependent_official with @use.repost_ . . . After weeks of protests over the dismissal of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, the movement is losing momentum as organizers struggle to decide what comes next and President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to ignore their central demand.

Zelensky’s lack of a public response has caught organizers off guard. While they say the protests have achieved some of their initial goals, they are now uncertain how to pressure the president into reinstating Fedorov.

“I’ve been feeling some total frustration and despair,” said Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a war veteran and one of the protest organizers.

“It’s unclear why the president continues to ignore the protests and doesn’t find even one sentence in his evening addresses for an appropriate response.”

For now, the President’s Office appears to have the upper hand.

After weathering street pressure to reinstate the popular minister while conceding to demands to remove an unpopular army chief, the protests have largely faded, moving from daily to biweekly gatherings.

Read the full article at the link in bio.

Photo: Genya Savilov; Oksana Parafeniuk; Roman Pilipey / Getty Images; Roman Pashkovskiy / Mykhailo Fedorov’s team.

“There will be more Ukrainian deep strikes. Their purpose is clear: to make Russia understand that continuing its war comes at a growing cost – and that peace is the only option.” ~ @ukraine.ua 🇺🇦👏💙💛🙏🇺🇦

#Repost @ukraine.ua with @use.repost_ . . . Ukraine’s long-range capabilities have reached a new milestone. Ukraine’s Defence Forces have struck another facility in Russia’s oil refining industry, this time in Tobolsk, Siberia, over 2,500 kilometres away.

For the first time in its history, Russia no longer has a secure strategic rear. Ukraine’s growing long-range capabilities are bringing more of the aggressor state’s war-supporting infrastructure within reach.

There will be more Ukrainian deep strikes. Their purpose is clear: to make Russia understand that continuing its war comes at a growing cost – and that peace is the only option.

Here’s part of a screenshot from the page on @instagram of Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, with one of the important updates on the war in Ukraine for August 10, 2026. 🇺🇦👏💙💛🙏🇺🇦

Based on these recent reports, Russia is likely to be on the receiving end of Ukrainian missiles developed by Fire Point soon. 🇺🇦👏💙💛🙏🇺🇦

#Repost @kyivindependent_official with @use.repost_ . . . President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed earlier reports that ballistic missiles being developed by Ukrainian company Fire Point could be combat-ready in the space of 2-3 months, in an interview with Ukraine’s state-run telethon on the evening of Aug. 8.

Fire Point told Reuters on Aug. 4 that its FP7 ballistic missile is being certified by Ukraine’s defense ministry, a process expected to be complete within the month. They also said they expect their larger FP9 missile, ostensibly capable of reaching Moscow, to be ready by late fall.

“As for their large-scale use, I can’t say, because some things do not depend on Ukraine. It is the same with Russian ballistic missiles: they contain components from other countries. The same applies to our ballistic missiles — there are few such components, but some do come from other countries,” Zelensky said.

Despite sanctions, EU materials and equipment continue to find their way into the production of Russian military hardware.

A variant of Fire Point’s FP7 ballistic missile is being fashioned into an anti-ballistic missile akin to the U.S. Patriot system, in collaboration with nine European partner countries under the Freya program.

The company aims to carry out its first successful ballistic missile interception by mid-2027, its CEO Iryna Terekh told Reuters.

Photo: Danylo Antoniuk/Anadolu via Getty Images

@ukraine.ua describes Ukrainian Communications and Cybersecurity Forces as “📡 Nerves of the Ukrainian army. Virtuosos of coordinates and ciphers. Masters of modern war, where infosecurity plays a key role.” 🇺🇦👏💙💛🙏🇺🇦

#Repost @mfa_ukraine with @use.repost_ . . . 🇺🇦 Today, on the Day of the Communications and Cybersecurity Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, we honour the service men and women who ensure reliable communications across our Armed Forces and protect our country in cyberspace.

Reliable communications are the backbone of coordinated and effective action in today’s war. Signals specialists ensure that combat orders are transmitted, information is protected, and Ukraine’s Defence Forces can act swiftly and accurately under constant enemy attacks. In cyberspace, these forces counter cyberattacks, protect critical infrastructure, and safeguard the communications on which the entire defence system depends.

Thank you for your professionalism and resilience. We honour the memory of the service members who gave their lives defending Ukraine.

Slava Ukraini!

The intention of the current version of this proposed legislation is to “impose tariffs of up to 100% on the world’s five largest buyers of Russian energy [and on] the five countries most involved in helping Russia evade oil sanctions.” ~ @kyivindependent_official 🇺🇦🛢️💙💛💯🇺🇸

#Repost @mfa_ukraine with @use.repost_ . . . Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha welcomed the U.S. Senate’s adoption of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 and expressed gratitude to American partners for this important step to further strengthen the sanctions regime against the Russian aggressor.

💬 “This landmark legislation is a powerful demonstration of America’s global leadership.

I extend my sincere gratitude to the members of the U.S. Senate for their leadership, their principled bipartisan support, and their enduring solidarity with Ukraine.

Together, we are bringing a lasting peace closer”, – stressed Andrii Sybiha.

Screenshot from a video posted by Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, with the caption below. #weakeningrussia 🇺🇦👏💙💛🙏🇺🇦

#Repost #zelenskyy_official . . . Today, our long-range sanctions once again worked to limit Russia’s oil revenues, which it uses to finance the war and the killing of Ukrainians.

Ukraine’s Defense Forces struck the aggressor’s facilities more than 1,300 kilometers from the front line. The Bashneft-Novoil refinery was hit in Bashkortostan. In the Yaroslavl region, nearly 700 kilometers from our border, the Slavneft-YANOS refinery was hit.

Our responses to Russian aggression in the Black Sea were also successful. In particular, two military patrol boats and shadow fleet vessels were struck.

I thank all the warriors of the Defense Forces who are systematically expanding our long-range capabilities and thereby increasing the chances for diplomacy. Russia must choose peace.

A heartwarming outcome of the Harry Potter series of books its imaginative creator, J.K. Rowling, could never have imagined! 🇺🇦📚💙💛👏🇺🇦

#Repost @ukraine.ua with @use.repost_ . . . For 1,494 days, Oleksandr Ivanov carried an entire world in his memory.

As a defender of Mariupol held in Russian captivity, he retold all seven Harry Potter books to fellow Ukrainian prisoners from memory. Years later, that story reached J. K. Rowling, who responded with a personal letter and a signed copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Thousands of Ukrainian defenders and civilians are still being held prisoner.

Every person in Russian captivity has a story, close ones waiting, and a life that cannot be put on hold forever. They all deserve to come home.

“In the aftermath of a Russian strike, every second counts. Modern ambulances are more than a means of transport—they function as mobile emergency rooms, delivering lifesaving care before patients even reach a hospital.” ~ @u24.gov.ua 🇺🇦👏🚑💙💛🚑🙏🇺🇦

#Repost @u24.gov.ua with @use.repost_ . . . The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has joined a UNITED24 fundraising campaign launched with former astronaut, EMT and UNITED24 ambassador Scott Kelly @stationcdrkelly, to purchase 10 Type-C ambulances. Ukrainian embassies and consulates around the world are partnering with local Ukrainian communities to help raise $1.2 million for 10 ambulances.

In the aftermath of a Russian strike, every second counts. Modern ambulances are more than a means of transport—they function as mobile emergency rooms, delivering lifesaving care before patients even reach a hospital.

Every donation is one step closer to saving lives! Join the fundraiser today. Link in bio.

Based on one possibly-inaccurate perspective gained from recent posts on social media, it would appear that Russians are much more upset about the loss of merchandise at several warehouses owned by Wildberries — Amazon for Russians — than they are about the staggering senseless monthly losses of so many thousands of their people. 🇺🇦👏💙💛🙏🇺🇦

#Repost @kyivindependent_official with @use.repost_ . . . Russia’s Armed Forces suffered 42,860 personnel losses in July, amounting for the highest monthly total of 2026, Ukraine’s General Staff reported on Aug. 1.

The estimates, includes soldiers killed, wounded, missing, and captured, marked the first time this year that the totals surpassed 40,000 Russian losses — with the previous annual high recorded at 39,290 personnel losses in June.

On average, Russian losses have averaged about 34,000 personnel per month throughout 2026, according to statistics provided by the General Staff.

While Russia’s increasing casualty rates have partially contributed to Moscow’s stalling progress along the front line, the figures have also concerned Ukrainian officials amid the threat of a new wave of Russian mobilization.

Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense; Natalia Kolesnikova / Getty Images.

“✈️ 🇺🇦 On this Ukrainian Air Force Day, we thank the pilots, air defence crews, engineers, technicians, and every Ukrainian warrior who protects Ukraine’s skies day and night.” ~ @mfa_ukraine 🇺🇦👏✈️💙💛✈️🙏🇺🇦

#Repost @mfa_ukraine with @use.repost_ . . . ✈️ 🇺🇦 On this Ukrainian Air Force Day, we thank the pilots, air defence crews, engineers, technicians, and every Ukrainian warrior who protects Ukraine’s skies day and night.

Over the years of Russia’s full-scale aggression, Ukraine’s Air Force has flown thousands of combat missions, destroyed thousands of Russian aerial targets, and mastered advanced Western air defence systems and fighter aircraft with remarkable speed and effectiveness. These achievements are a testament to the skill, dedication, and tireless work of Ukraine’s defenders.

We thank them for every life they have saved and for protecting every Ukrainian city and village with unwavering courage.

We honour the memory of the Air Force personnel who gave their lives defending Ukraine and all of Europe.

Glory to the Ukrainian Air Force. Glory to Ukraine!

“[O]vernight, Security Service of Ukraine units struck the infrastructure of three Russian oil refineries in Bashkortostan. The targets were nearly 1,600 kilometers away. These refineries process millions of tons of oil each year. Thank you for your precision!” ~ Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky 🇺🇦👏💙💛🙏🇺🇦

#Repost @kyivindependent_official with @use.repost_ . . . A fire broke out at the Bashneft-Ufaneftekhim oil refinery in Ufa, the capital of Russia’s Bashkortostan Republic, following a drone attack on Aug. 1, according to local officials and residents.

Geolocated footage published by the independent Russian outlet ASTRA showed two columns of black smoke rising from the refinery. Local residents reported hearing explosions and seeing drones over the city.

Bashkortostan Governor Radiy Khabirov confirmed that drones had targeted Ufa, but claimed the attack had been repelled.

According to Khabirov, debris from a downed drone fell in an industrial area, causing smoke. No casualties were reported.

Bashneft-Ufaneftekhim is part of the Bashneft oil company, which is controlled by the Russian state-owned energy giant Rosneft. The refinery produces motor fuel, liquefied gas, petroleum coke, sulfur, and other petroleum products.

The facility is located more than 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) from the front line.

Photo: Exilenova+ / Telegram.

“The rally marked the 16th day of protests over [the recent dismissal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov], with organizers vowing to continue demonstrating despite no indication that Zelensky intends to reverse his decision.” ~ @kyivindependent_official 🇺🇦🪧💙💛📢🇺🇦

#Repost @kyivindependent_official with @use.repost_ . . . Ukrainians gathered in Kyiv on July 31 for what organizers described as a “march for dialogue and reforms in defense.”

Marking 16 days of demonstrations, the march gathered a considerable crowd, well into its thousands. Organizers and veterans called on President Volodymyr Zelensky to listen to his people, continue the dialogue, and carry out reforms in defense.

Photo: Olga Rudenko; Oleg Sukhov; Tim Zadorozhnyy / The Kyiv Independent.

Senseless. Heinous. Barbaric. #russiaisaterroriststate #warcrimes 🇺🇦💔😢💙💛😢❤️‍🩹🇺🇦

#Repost @ukraine.ua with @use.repost_ . . . A Russian ballistic missile hit a family home in Radushne in the Dnipro region. Inside were three generations of the Voronov family: parents Olena and Artem; seven of their children; and their one-and-a-half-year-old grandson, whose father is defending Ukraine.

As of now, it has been confirmed that Olena, Artem, and three of their children were killed by Russia’s attack. The force of the explosion left almost nothing of the house. The other family members are still unaccounted for.

This was yet another Russian attack on an ordinary home. Yet another Russian attack on an ordinary family. Yet another Russian attack on life itself.

Every delay in providing Ukraine with the means to intercept ballistic missiles has a human cost. Air defence saves lives.

Eternal memory to all the lives lost 🕯️

Earlier this week: “Congressman Brad Schneider @repschneider and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick @repbrianfitz introduced a bill that would prevent US firms and individuals from claiming foreign tax credits for taxes paid to the Russian government.” ~ @b4ukraine 🇺🇦👏💙💛🙏🇺🇸

#Repost @b4ukraine with @use.repost_

🇺🇸 US Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Bill to End Foreign Tax Credits for Companies Paying Taxes to Russia

Congressman Brad Schneider @repschneider and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick @repbrianfitz introduced a bill that would prevent US firms and individuals from claiming foreign tax credits for taxes paid to the Russian government.

“For more than twelve years, Russia has carried out an unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine,” said Schneider. “All of Europe and the US must stand with the Ukrainian people. We cannot allow companies that finance Russia’s regime and continue Putin’s illegal war to get a tax break. I’m glad to work with my colleague Rep. Fitzpatrick to hold Russia accountable, stand with our ally Ukraine, and protect our nation’s security.”

“America’s tax code should never reward those who help bankroll the enemies of freedom. Every dollar paid to the Kremlin strengthens Vladimir Putin’s war machine and prolongs his brutal assault on Ukraine. The HONOR Act sends a clear message: companies that choose to finance tyranny will not be subsidized by the American taxpayer. We will stand with the Ukrainian people, defend the free world, and confront Russian aggression with the strength and resolve it demands,” said Fitzpatrick.

Thank you, Congressmen, for your consistent leadership in support of Ukraine! 💙 💛

@mondelez_international, @pepsico, @proctergamble, @marsglobal, @cargill, @weatherfordcorp

#ExitRussia #StopFundingTheWar