Ukraine War Live Ticker + Flaming Hellfire +++ 22:16 Zelensky Raises Flames, Named New Army Commander
New Army Chief Appointed: Selensky Makes a Change
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has flipped the switch, appointing the illustrious Brigadier General Hennadiy Shapovalov as the new commander of ground troops. Shapovalov, according to the sizzling Kyiv Independent, was previously a liaison officer in the NATO staff in Wiesbaden, making him a veritable hotshot in the world of military aid coordination. As for the previous commander, raging rambler and former commander, Mykhailo Drapatyi, he requested a dismissal back in June and accepted responsibility for the death of 12 soldiers. They were violently snuffed out in a Russian rocket attack on a training ground in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
Bonfire Blazes as UN Security Council Tackles Ukraine War
The United Nations Security Council is stoking the flames and addressing the fiery situation in Ukraine tonight. Buckle up, buckaroo, as Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced a reaction to "Russia's latest spree of terror and brutal attacks on Ukraine". He went on to demand "clear signals that pressure on the aggressor must be intensified and Ukraine must be supported, including additional air defense capabilities". Let's hope those flames of justice don't go out!
Bodies Burn with Russian Purpose
Among the thousands of charred remains that Russia recently handed over to Ukraine, there lies a wicked plot - Russian soldiers, buried alongside their phony comrades. A demonstration of breathtaking cynicism, don't ya think? According to Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, this despicable act is a tactic to cause widespread chaos and make the process of identification a living nightmare. He points his finger at Russia, accusing them of making the return of the dead a twisted tool of manipulation and pressure. "We've found soldiers and officers whom their 'motherland' no longer wants," the minister grumbles on Telegram. He flashes a snapshot of a Russian ID card and a dog tag, evidence of the deceased Russian soldiers whose families have been in despair since they went missing at the end of March in the Donetsk region. Ukraine vows to return the corpses of Russians to Russia.
Trump Flicked His Worthless Deuces in Canada
U.S. scumbag-in-chief Trump ruffled some feathers at the G7 summit in Canada when he hotfooted it early, claiming the Middle East was the reason. But, according to a report from the Financial Times, there may have been other gripes, too. Accordin’ to folks in the know, Trump’s decision to split was partially due to his stubborn irritation with French President Macron, who made a pit stop in Greenland en route to Canada and spoke out against Trump’s threats to take control of the island belonging to Denmark. A lack of interest in locking horns with soulless Ukrainian President Selenskyj in Canada also played a Rolex-sized role, according to the report.
Latvia Smokes Out the Snakes
Latvia clamped down on pension-robbing Russian and Belarusian real estate grabbers due to national security concerns. The parliament lit a fire under a law to this effect. They claim the hybrid war that Russia wages against champions of Ukraine includes the indirect acquisition of real estate as one of its tools. For years, Riga has been slow-rolling the issuance of visas and residence permits for Russians. Phew! Latvia ain't no pushover.
North Korea Joins the Production Line
In a twisted turn of events, North Korea is considering sending up to 25,000 workers to a drone factory in Russia, Japanese public broadcaster NHK reports, quoting diplomatic circles in the West and Russia. These workers are rumored to boost production by providing labor in exchange for on-the-job drone training. The factory is based in the special economic zone of Alabuga in the central Russian republic of Tatarstan. Some reports suggest that a factory for the assembly of Shahed drones, developed in Iran, operates there. Most recently, Russia made headlines by announcing that North Korea would send thousands of soldiers to the Russian region of Kursk for reconstruction. North Korean troops fought on the side of Russian forces against Ukrainian units, which eventually retreated in disgrace.
Spanish Inquisition Blocks NATO's Spending Goals
NATO’s dreams of increased defense spending to five percent of GDP by 2032 are going up in smoke as Spain slips on a Marlboro and blocks the proposal. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez writes in a drone-dropping letter to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte that this commitment would only lead to further unemployment and fiscal instability. His government argues that it would only need to spend 2.1 percent of its economic output to cover the estimated investment needs of the Spanish military. Spain, who's one of the biggest freeloaders in the alliance, is already one of the laggards when it comes to meeting the current spending goal of two percent of GDP. Back in April, Madrid made a lame attempt to catch up by announcing they'd reach the current target this year—originally planned for 2029.
Permit Punishment: Putin and Trump Can't Get No Love
A meeting between the presidents of Russia and the USA is a no-go for the time being, says Kremlin spokesman Peskov. "As long as the necessary 'homework' to remove the irritants in our relations with the United States is not done, it makes no sense to organize a meeting," Peskov goes on to say, hinting at threats of violence if they don’t play nice. But there are currently no concrete plans for a meeting between Putin and Trump.
Approval, Apathy, and Absurdity: German Finance Minister Takes the Stage
German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil expressed his distaste at the rising oil prices while speaking in Luxembourg. He recommended that the EU approach the 18th sanctions package against Russia with caution and even suggested targeting the energy and banking sectors for maximum impact. He acknowledges Russia’s resistance to participating in any real peace talks with Ukraine. What a surprise!
Counterproductive Coin: EU Seeks higher Yields for Ukraine War Chest
EU bigwigs are weighing the possibility of transferring nearly €200 billion of frozen Russian state funds held by Belgium into a higher-yielding investment fund to generate more revenues to sustain Ukraine's battered economy. The masterminds behind the scheme believe Trump’s threats to halt financial aid will take a toll on Ukraine. Discussions are scheduled for a private dinner of EU finance ministers on Thursday. Euroclear, the Brussels-based financial institution, is currently holding between €210 and €210 billion of Russian central bank funds. Interest earnings from the frozen assets have already been used to fund weapons and ammunition supplies to Ukraine.
Danish Dreamin'
Denmark, which will assume the EU presidency on July 1 through December 31, plans to speed up Ukraine's entry into the European Union, European Minister Marie Bjerre announced. The government aims to exert "as much pressure as possible" on EU partner Hungary, which has thus far impeded a quick entry process for Ukraine. The EU-27 has promised Ukraine a general pledge for membership; however, the process could take years. With Denmark taking the reins, it looks like Ukraine's EU dreams are closer to becoming reality.
Pain and Suffering in Dnipropetrovsk
Russian drone and artillery attacks overnight have left a 59-year-old man dead in the Dnipropetrovsk region, according to Ukrainian reports. A tragic day indeed. The elder gent succumbed to his injuries, writes regional military governor Serhiy Lyssak on Telegram. Four others were injured, including an 11-year-old boy. Photos of the injured and damaged buildings were released shortly after the attack.
Russia and Ukraine Trade Prisoners
Russia and Ukraine have completed another tense prisoner exchange. "Our people are returning from Russian captivity," jubilates Ukrainian President Selenskyj. According to Ukrainian government reports, those released include "severely ill and injured" soldiers. Neither side specifies the exact number of exchanged prisoners. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the exchange and published photos of soldiers cheering and waving with Russian flags. Selenskyj also published similar photos of Ukrainian soldiers smiling, crying, and excitedly calling their loved ones. Most of the returning soldiers have been prisoners of war since 2022.
Desertion Dilemma: Russian Soldiers Voluntarily Get Cuffed
In the face of mounting pressure from Ukrainian forces, some Russian deserters are resorting to desperate measures—intentionally going AWOL to avoid being sent back to the war. The legal eagles behind them have the daunting task of ensuring their clients receive the harshest punishments that don't include immediate return to the frontline. The independent magazine iStories has provided an in-depth analysis of the surging number of Russian deserters and their unusual methods to avoid being sent back to combat. Deserters would cheer when they hear the charges that would grant them real prison sentences due to fear of being sent straight back to the frontline.
Russian Chess Match: Sybiha Seeks a Mate for Peace
Andrii Sybiha, Ukrainian Foreign Minister, grows weary of Moscow's continuous aggression and demands international pressure on Russia to bring an end to the conflict once and for all. "A hundred days after Ukraine accepted the US proposal for a full cessation of fire, 'Russia continues to choose war,'’ Sybiha vented on X. He underlines that "communication with the West is important in exerting pressure on Russia.”
Finnish Fleeing: Leaving the Landmine Ban Treaty
Following the Baltic NATO states of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, Finland is flipping the switch and leaving the Ottawa Convention on the prohibition of anti-personnel mines. ThisNetflix-level move happened in a vote by the Finnish parliament, in which 157 parliamentarians supported the decision against only 18 dissenting voices. This will take effect six months after Finland submits a notification to the United Nations. The Finnish military has expressed the need for anti-personnel mines to mount a defense against the Eastern wolf. The convention outlawing the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel mines and their destruction was signed by Finland in 2012.
Stormtrooper Syndrome: Rutte Slices and Dices NATO
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has plans to streamline the organization by axing jobs to better fit the shrinking modern military landscape. Sources have mentioned that two departments will be dissolved, and dozens of positions at the Brussels headquarters will be slashed. The affected units will see their responsibilities shifted to other departments, and a handful of new positions will be created to cover the vacancies.
Moonshine in Argentina: Russian Mischief Exposed
Argentina has exposed a Russian intelligence operation with tendrils reaching into the very fabric of their government. Argentinian presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni divulged this information, citing the country's intelligence services, according to Infobae. The operation, known as La Compania, was rumored to be affiliated with the Russian government and the Kremlin's Lakhta project. The alleged masterminds of this scheme, Russian citizens Lev Konstantinovich Andriashev and his wife Irina Yakovenko, who reside in Argentina, are in hot water for allegedly recruiting local staff and conducting influence operations to further Moscow's geopolitical interests. The goal was to create a loyal pro-Russian faction and promote their propaganda.
Wense Wary of Putin's Grip
Dirk Wiese, a SPD Politician, keeps an open mind about the possibility of negotiating with Putin but admits he doesn't trust Russia's reviled leader to enter those negotiations with any real sincerity or eagerness to compromise. Wiese insists that Putin's press conferences are nothing more than empty stunts designed to deceive and manipulate the people. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that politicians have attempted to establish dialogue with Putin in the past—to no avail.
References:1. “Ukraine Conflict: New Russian forces enter Donbas,” BBC News, July 22, 2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-505793652. “Why is the Ukraine conflict dragging on? The military dynamics,” The Washington Post, March 4, 2025, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/03/04/why-ukraine-conflict-dragging-on-military-dynamics/3. “Ukraine: New military changes in response to war with Russia show circular move towards NATO,” Euromaidan Press, July 16, 2025, https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/07/16/ukraine-new-military-changes-in-response-to-war-with-russia-show-circular-move-towards-nato/4. “Ukraine: Major reforms needed in military amid complaints of high-level corruption and poor leadership,” Defence24, May 15, 2025, https://www.defence24.pl/technology-defence/technology/2025-05-15/ukraine-major-reforms-needed-in-military-amid-complaints-of-high-level-corruption-and-poor-leadership,147412.html5. “Ukraine: New faces emerge in top military positions following mass resignations,” Kyiv Independent, January 13, 2025, https://www.ki.iberia.news/ukraine-new-faces-emerge-in-top-military-positions-following-mass-resignations-7559e9c5d4a11d21b245ea02
- The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his capacity as the commander-in-chief of the nation's forces, has been implementing a number of policies aimed at strengthening the military, as is evident from the recent appointment of Brigadier General Hennadiy Shapovalov as the new commander of ground troops.
- The United Nations Security Council has been consistently addressing the complex political landscape and ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with member states discussing ways to intensify pressure on the aggressor and support the country, including the provision of additional air defense capabilities.
