No Filter: Ukraine

Valeriy Markus, former chief sergeant of the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade "Magura," writer, and soldier, has become a father for the first time. Markus, once dubbed the "sex symbol" of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, announced the birth of his child on social media. The baby boy was born on July 14, which coincides with Markus’s own birthday. The 33-year-old proudly shared: "I have a son."

On March 13th, singer Olya Polyakova attended a session of the Temporary Investigative Commission of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, dedicated to discussing human rights violations during martial law. During the meeting, the artist delivered an impassioned speech to the members of parliament. Polyakova openly criticized the decision made by "Suspilne" to bar her from participating in the national selection for Eurovision. She argued that this action infringed upon her rights, as well as the rights of fellow artists who have long contributed to the Ukrainian music scene. The singer also highlighted that such policies are enforced in a highly selective manner, calling into question the fairness and transparency of the process.

Currently, the Russian army has not yet lost the war in Ukraine, but it has significantly lost the battlefield initiative. For a prolonged period, the occupiers have been unable to advance quickly along the front line and have sacrificed 150,000 soldiers for progress of only several dozen kilometers. President Volodymyr Zelensky made this statement in an interview with BFMTV. He also noted that the failures of his army are being compensated by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin through massive bombardments of Ukrainian cities and civilian communities.

During the operation, the occupiers suffered heavy losses in manpower and equipment, forcing them to retreat. Among those involved in the mission to reclaim Ukrainian territory were soldiers of the 425th Assault Regiment, who liberated six villages in the Dnipropetrovsk region: Ternove, Zaporizke, Novohryhorivka, Vorone, Sichneve, and Maliivka.

Ukraine Secures Licenses to Produce SCALP Missiles, AASM Bombs, and Aster 30 Missiles in Collaboration with Italy – Zelensky According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine and France have reached an important agreement following negotiations between the two nations and their teams. This marks a significant and leading move by France to deepen defense cooperation with Ukraine for the benefit of all Europe. Main highlights: Ukraine will receive licenses to manufacture advanced weaponry, including SCALP missiles, AASM bombs, and, together with Italy, Aster 30 missiles. Additionally, France will cooperate with Ukraine and other partners within the FREYJA anti-ballistic program, enhancing Ukraine’s future defense capabilities. Ukraine is set to be the first country to receive the new, enhanced French-Italian SAMP/T NG systems, which are highly effective against ballistic threats. France will also deliver two SAMP/T complexes later this year to reinforce Ukrainian defenses. Deliveries of Aster 30 missiles from France and Italy will be accelerated, expected by October of this year. Ukraine will also procure its first batch of 16 Rafale fighter jets along with their weaponry for the Ukrainian Air Force. Pilot and mechanic training in France will begin this year, after which the first four Rafale jets will be handed over to Ukraine’s armed forces. These steps are part of a systematic effort to expand Ukraine’s military capabilities.

The Russian-appointed administration of temporarily occupied Sevastopol is unable to protect the city's energy infrastructure. Following a nighttime strike carried out by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, rolling blackouts have been imposed throughout the city. This information was confirmed by Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Russian-installed head of Sevastopol.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the delivery of 16 Rafale multirole fighter jets, produced by Dassault, to Ukraine. At this stage, the specific conditions of the transfer have not been disclosed, but preparation and training of Ukrainian pilots is expected to begin in the near future. Analysis of delivery timelines and France's previous practices suggest that Ukraine is likely to receive used fighter aircraft as part of this package.

Attention! An air raid alert has been declared in Kyiv and surrounding regions due to the threat of ballistic missile attacks. We urge everyone to immediately proceed to designated civil defense shelters for your safety.

Main Focus on Strengthening Border Defense: Poland Allocates Significant Funding The Polish Ministry of National Defence has emphasized the urgent preparation of materials to rapidly reinforce the country’s border defenses. The ministry has detailed financial allocations, construction progress, and future plans for developing the nation’s defense infrastructure. According to data provided by the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, which has been referenced by Business Insider, results for the implementation of this program in 2025 have been released, along with projections for the following year. For 2026, over 652 million zloty have been earmarked for the program. Of this sum, more than 160 million zloty will be directed toward current expenditures, while more than 491 million zloty will serve as capital investment in defense infrastructure. The Ministry of Defence also noted that this amount could increase by the end of the budget year, reflecting potential adjustments based on emerging needs and project developments.

A U.S. federal court has ruled invalid an agreement between former President Donald Trump and federal agencies. The arrangement had previously exempted Trump from tax audits and included the creation of a $1.8 billion fund, which was later abandoned. This decision overturns the earlier deal and may have significant implications for Trump’s financial and legal situation, as well as for the oversight of presidential finances in the future.

The enemy struck two commercial vessels in the Odesa region—captain killed, crew members injured Two commercial ships, sailing through the maritime corridor under the flags of Tanzania and Liberia, became targets in the latest hostile attack. As a result of the strike, the captain of one vessel lost his life. The 11-member crew was evacuated to shore, and three people sustained injuries. Sincere condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased.

The enemy launched nearly 50 attacks on five districts of the Dnipropetrovsk region using drones, artillery, and aerial bombs, according to regional authorities. Eight people have been injured as a result of these assaults. In the Nikopol area, the city of Nikopol itself, as well as the Marhanetska, Pokrovska, Chervonohryhorivska, and Myrivska communities, came under attack. Businesses, a lyceum, a private home, and several vehicles sustained damage. Six people were injured in this district; a 63-year-old man was hospitalized in moderate condition, while the others will receive outpatient treatment. In the Kamianske district, the Bozhedarivska community was targeted, causing infrastructure damage. In the Kryvyi Rih area, Russian forces struck the Hrushevka, Sofiivska, Apostolivska, and Zelenodolsk communities. A store was heavily damaged. Two men, aged 20 and 50, were hospitalized in moderate condition.