Alive with Clive

[alivewithclive]

You can read excerpts from the open letter in the carousel for this post at @kyivindependent_official, or read the letter in its entirety here on @instagram at zelenskyy_official. 🇺🇦💙💛🇺🇦

#Repost at @kyivindependent_official with @use.repost_ . . . President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a personal invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin in an open letter published June 4, offering to meet face-to-face to put an end to five years of full-scale war.

“Almost half of your 26 years of power in Russia you have spent in the war against Ukraine,” Zelensky wrote.

The letter was published a day after Ukraine launched a large-scale attack on St. Petersburg, striking a major oil terminal and military targets on the same morning Putin welcomed [certain visitors from other countries] to the city for his flagship economic forum.

Read more at the link in bio.

Photos: Nicolas Tucat/AFP/Getty Images; Ralf Hirschberger / AFP via Getty Images; Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War

11h

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“[The Ukrainian drone attack in Russia] coincided with the beginning of the 2026 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, an annual conference of business leaders and government officials hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin.” ~ @kyivindependent_official 🇺🇦👏💙💛🙏🇺🇦

#Repost @kyivindependent_official with @use.repost_ . . . The St. Petersburg Oil Terminal in Russia’s Leningrad Oblast came under fire in the early hours of June 3, with eyewitnesses reporting large-scale explosions and fires at the site.

The attack coincided with the beginning of the 2026 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, an annual conference of business leaders and government officials hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

St. Petersburg residents posted photos and video footage of loud explosions and a massive fire as the city came under attack by Ukrainian drones the morning of June 3. The images show black smoke rising over the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal.

An analysis by the Russian independent Telegram news channel Astra concluded that drones struck the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal, causing a fire.

The oil terminal, located on the Gulf of Finland at the city’s Great Port of St. Petersburg, is one of Russia’s largest fuel storage and export facilities. It receives and ships petroleum products river, rail, and motor transit, and boasts a reported throughput of 12.5 million tons per year.

Photo: Exilenova-Plus / Telegram.

Edited · 23h

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Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, reported that across the country 22 people were killed and 130 injured. 🇺🇦💔😢💙💛😢❤️‍🩹🇺🇦

#Repost @kyivindependent_official with @use.repost_ . . . Kyiv residents spent the night sheltering in metro stations as Russia launched one of the largest coordinated aerial assaults of the full-scale war overnight on June 2.

The massive attack targeted cities across Ukraine with a total of 73 missiles and 656 drones, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. While air defenses successfully intercepted 40 missiles and 602 drones, multiple regions suffered severe damage and heavy casualties.

Photo: Tetiana Dzhafarova / AFP via Getty Images.

15h

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“The interception marks one of the most significant actions taken by a Western navy against Russia’s sanctions-evasion network in international waters.” ~ @kyivindependent_official 🇺🇦👏💙💛🙏🇫🇷

#Repost @kyivindependent_official with @use.repost_ . . . The French Navy, with support from allied countries, intercepted a Russian shadow fleet tanker in the Atlantic Ocean on May 31, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on June 1.

The vessel, Tagor, has been transporting Russian crude oil and petroleum products and is sanctioned by the EU, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine, according to Ukraine’s military intelligence agency’s database of shadow fleet vessels.

The interception marks one of the most significant actions taken by a Western navy against Russia’s sanctions-evasion network in international waters.

“It is unacceptable for ships to circumvent international sanctions, violate the law of the sea, and fund the war that Russia has been waging against Ukraine for more than four years,” Macron said.

The French president noted that the tanker had departed from Russia.

Moscow has relied on a so-called shadow fleet since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 to sustain oil exports despite Western sanctions.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned France’s move as unlawful.

Photo: Emmanuel Macron / X.

16h

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“The IRIS-T is an integral part of Ukraine’s layered air defense system which consists of multiple different systems, most supplied by Western allies.” ~ @kyivindependent_official 🇺🇦👏💙💛🙏🇩🇪

#Repost @kyivindependent_official with @use.repost_ . . . President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 31 that Ukraine had received a new IRIS-T air defense system from Germany the previous day.

“We thank Germany for its constant contribution to protecting people; thousands upon thousands of lives have been saved thanks to such strong support,” Zelensky said on X.

“But we also need missiles for air defense systems so that we have sufficient capabilities to repel Russian attacks.”

The IRIS-T is an integral part of Ukraine’s layered air defense system which consists of multiple different systems, most supplied by Western allies

The short-range system can hit a target at a distance of 12 km (8 miles) and at an altitude of up to 8 km (4 miles), while the medium-range system can reach targets at 40 km (24 miles) and at an altitude of 20 km (13 miles).

The IRIS-T launchers, which can carry eight missiles, are portable and can be transported on tracked platforms or trucks made by its German manufacturer, Diehl Defense.

Photo: Gregor Fischer/Getty Images (photo for illustrative purposes).

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“Ukrainian drones have destroyed two Russian Tu-142 naval aircraft and an Iskander ballistic missile system, overnight on May 30, Unmanned Systems Forces commander Robert “Magyar” Brovdi reported.” ~ @kyivindependent_official 🇺🇦👏💙💛🙏🇺🇦

#Repost [screenshot from video at]  @kyivindependent_official . . . Ukrainian drones have destroyed two Russian Tu-142 naval aircraft and an Iskander ballistic missile system, overnight on May 30, Unmanned Systems Forces commander Robert “Magyar” Brovdi reported.

The Iskander and two Tu-142 aircraft were attacked at a military airfield in Taganrog, a port city on the Sea of Azov in Rostov Oblast, Brovdi said.

The strike was achieved by the 1st Center of the Unmanned Systems Forces, a unit that specializes in deep strikes on Russian military targets and oil and gas infrastructure.

The Tu-142 is a long-range marine reconnaissance anti-submarine aircraft operated by the Russian navy, based on Russia’s Tu-95 strategic bomber platform, which is often used for mass cruise missile attacks on Ukraine.

The Iskander operational-tactical missile system is a Russian system capable of launching ballistic missiles up to 500 kilometers.

The weapon, which can only be reliably shot down by the advanced U.S.-built Patriot system, has played a key role in attacks against Ukrainain cities and energy infrastructure.

Video: Robert “Magyar” Brovdi / Telegram

20h

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“Many [Ukrainian peacekeepers] who once served in peacekeeping missions abroad are now defending Ukraine against Russia’s full-scale invasion. Today, Ukrainian soldiers are fighting for the peace, freedom, and security of their own country and people.” ~ @ukraine.ua 🇺🇦👏💙💛🙏🇺🇳

#Repost @ukraine.ua with @use.repost_ . . . Today, on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, we honour everyone who has dedicated their lives to protecting peace around the world 🇺🇳

For more than three decades, Ukraine has been a reliable contributor to international peacekeeping missions. Since our first participation in 1992, nearly 45,000 Ukrainian servicemen and servicewomen have taken part in more than 27 UN and international operations across the Balkans, Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

Ukrainian peacekeepers helped protect civilians, clear mines, restore infrastructure, transport humanitarian aid, and save lives.

Many of those who once served in peacekeeping missions abroad are now defending Ukraine against Russia’s full-scale invasion. Today, Ukrainian soldiers are fighting for the peace, freedom, and security of their own country and people.

We are grateful to all Ukrainian peacekeepers and honour the memory of those who gave their lives in peacekeeping missions.

15h

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“Today, we have a new support package [worth $2.7 billion] from Sweden, and this support opens a new level for us in protecting the lives of our people – in defending our cities and communities.” ~ Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky 🇺🇦🛩️👏💙💛🙏🛩️🇸🇪

#Repost@mfa_ukraine with @use.repost . . . 🇺🇦🇸🇪 Thank you, Sweden, for your consistent support in strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities!

We deeply appreciate Sweden’s decision regarding Gripen fighter jets, which will significantly strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend our people from Russian attacks. The first step includes the possibility of purchasing up to 20 Gripen E/F aircraft, while Sweden will additionally provide 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets as part of bilateral assistance.

We also thank [Sweden] for supporting the development of integrated air defence capabilities, cooperation within the Drone Deal framework, defence industry partnership, and other crucial aid!

Your support contributes to the security of all of Europe!

12h

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“[Special Operations Forces] warriors operate deep behind enemy lines, conduct reconnaissance, destroy critical targets, and create advantages for Ukrainian forces.” ~ @mfa_ukraine 🇺🇦👏💙💛🙏🇺🇦

#Repost @mfa_ukraine with @use.repost_ . . . Today, we honour the warriors of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine – those who carry out the most difficult missions every day, where a cool head, maximum focus, and readiness to act in the most dangerous conditions are crucial.

SOF warriors operate deep behind enemy lines, conduct reconnaissance, destroy critical targets, and create advantages for Ukrainian forces.

Honour to the defenders who gave their lives defending the independence of our state. We thank each and every one who continues to protect the freedom of Ukraine and all of Europe.

Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦

21h

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“The 412th Brigade Nemesis said it had tested a new “secret” attack drone there, which it claimed proved effective deep behind Russian lines, destroying “dozens” of trucks and fuel tankers.” ~ @kyivindependent_official 🇺🇦👏💙💛🙏🇺🇦

#Repost @kyivindependent_official with @use.repost_ . . . Russia has blocked the key “Novorossiya” logistics route in occupied southern Ukraine due to strike drone attacks, the 412th Nemesis Brigade said on May 26 on Telegram.

The route serves as a key logistics corridor, linking mainland southern Ukraine with the occupied peninsula and is used for transporting military equipment and other supplies supporting Russian forces.

The 412th Brigade Nemesis said it had tested a new “secret” attack drone there, which it claimed proved effective deep behind Russian lines, destroying “dozens” of trucks and fuel tankers.

Read more at the link in bio.

Photo: 412th Nemesis Brigade/Telegram

11h

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“On this International Missing Children’s Day, it is important to remember every Ukrainian child unlawfully held by Russia.... Every Ukrainian child must return home. We are grateful to all partners helping us in this effort.” ~ @mfa_ukraine 🇺🇦💙💛🇺🇦

#Repost @mfa_ukraine with @use.repost_ . . . As of this May, 20,570 cases of the deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children have been officially confirmed. This is only the number of verified profiles.

On this International Missing Children’s Day, it is important to remember every Ukrainian child unlawfully held by Russia. Russia refuses to provide any official statistics, blocks international monitoring, and ignores requests from humanitarian organizations and UN bodies.

Illegally transferred Ukrainian children are subjected to systematic attempts to erase their identity, indoctrinate them with Russian propaganda, impose Russian citizenship, alter their personal data, and other genocidal practices carried out by Russia.

Every Ukrainian child must return home. We are grateful to all partners helping us in this effort.

#BringKidsBack

10h

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“Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported damage “in every district of the city,” as missile and drone strikes hit across the capital — including central areas that tend to see fewer strikes during Russian attacks.” ~ @kyivindependent_official 🇺🇦❤️‍🩹😢💙💛😢❤️‍🩹🇺🇦

#Repost @kyivindependent_official with @use.repost_ . . . Russian forces launched a large-scale combined missile and drone attack on Kyiv and the surrounding region overnight on May 24, killing two and injuring over 80 others.

Ukraine’s Air Force said that Russia launched 90 missiles and 600 drones, making the attack one of the largest in the last year.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported damage “in every district of the city,” as missile and drone strikes hit across the capital — including central areas that tend to see fewer strikes during Russian attacks.

The National Art Museum, one of the oldest and most important museums in Ukraine, was damaged by a blast wave, according to the Culture Ministry. The collection, which ranges from classic to contemporary art, was not damaged.

The windows to the entrance of the Ukrainian House, a major cultural institution on Kyiv’s central Khreshchatyk Street, were also damaged in the attack. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that for the first time since World War II, the Foreign Ministry building sustained damage from an attack, albeit not severely.

Civilian homes and infrastructure were also targeted in the attack.

Photo: Vladyslav Musienko; Danylo Antoniuk; Arif Murat Kayacan; Roman Pilipey / Getty Images.

20h

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“From the Snake Island campaign to riverine operations, [Ukrainian marines] defend [Ukraine’s] shoreline – changing the situation on the battlefield time and again.” ~ @ukraine.ua 🇺🇦👏💙💛🙏🇺🇦

#Repost @ukraine.ua with @use.repost_ . . . ⚓️🇺🇦 Water commanders, Ukrainian marines do their best to resist the enemy. From the Snake Island campaign to riverine operations, they defend our shoreline – changing the situation on the battlefield time and again.

Today we celebrate the daily service of our seals, congratulating the defenders with the Ukrainian Marine Corps Day.

Thank you for your service! Ukraine is proud of each marine – you really make a splash 🌊

22h

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Swipe left on this post at @mfa_ukraine or at @ukraine.ua to see why it’s increasingly insane for Russia to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine. 🇺🇦👏💙💛🙏🇺🇦

#Repost @mfa_ukraine and @ukraine.ua with @use.repost_ . . . Over the years of its war of aggression, Russia has suffered massive losses, failed to achieve any of its strategic objectives, and has been significantly weakened. It is time for the world to increase pressure on Moscow to compel Russia to make peace.

Ukraine never sought this war, and we continue working with our partners to bring it to an end. We remain open to diplomatic and political solutions and will use every opportunity to restore a just and lasting peace.

At the same time, as long as Russia continues its aggression and pursues the destruction of our state, Ukraine will keep strengthening its defence and increasing the cost of the war for the aggressor.

14h

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“President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 21 that Kyiv is prepared to take “preventive” measures against Russia and the Belarusian leadership over potential military threats to northern Ukraine.” ~ @kyivindependent_official 🇺🇦⚠️💙💛⛔️🇺🇦

#Repost @kyivindependent_official with @use.repost_ . . . President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 21 that Kyiv is prepared to take “preventive” measures against Russia and the Belarusian leadership over potential military threats to northern Ukraine.

Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko’s regime “must understand there will be consequences if there is aggression against Ukraine, against our people,” Zelensky said, reiterating warnings about Moscow attempting to draw Minsk deeper into the war.

The news comes amid growing concerns in Kyiv that Russia could seek to open a new front against Kyiv or Chernihiv Oblast while involving Belarus, Moscow’s close ally and Ukraine’s northern neighbor.

The warnings come as Belarus holds joint nuclear exercises with Russia.

Zelensky on May 21 visited the city of Slavutych near the Belarusian border, saying Ukraine would strengthen local defenses to face a potential threat from Belarus or Russia's Bryansk Oblast.

Lukashenko denied any plans to involve his country in the war — unless "aggression is committed against (Belarusian) territory" — and instead proposed a meeting with Zelensky.

"If (Zelensky) wants to discuss something, seek advice, or anything else, please do. We are open to it," Lukashenko said, according to the Belarusian state news agency Belta.

"I am ready to meet with him anywhere — in Ukraine, in Belarus — and discuss the problems of Belarusian-Ukrainian relations."

Kyiv has dismissed the proposal.

"Since 2022, it has been obvious to everyone that this man's words mean nothing, and we should pay attention to his actions," Zelensky's advisor Dmytro Lytvyn told journalists.

Photo: Ludovic Marin / AFP / Getty Images

11h

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“Year after year, Ukraine has expanded the range of its long-range capabilities, striking legitimate military and energy targets that directly support Russia’s war effort.” ~ @mfa_ukraine 🇺🇦👏💙💛🙏🇺🇦

#Repost @mfa_ukraine with @use.repost_ . . . As Russia’s full-scale war continues, its effects are increasingly being felt inside Russia itself – the very place from which it was launched. Year after year, Ukraine has expanded the range of its long-range capabilities, striking legitimate military and energy targets that directly support Russia’s war effort.

Russia must be deprived of the ability to sustain its aggression.

13h

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Swipe left on this post at @kyivindependent_official to discover, and be inspired by, how Ukraine has gained the upper hand in the drone war against Russia! 🇺🇦👏💙💛🙏🇺🇦

#Repost @kyivindependent_official with @use.repost_ . . . More than four years into a full-scale war Russia started but has no clear plan to win or even stop, the balance of power in the drone war has taken a significant shift in favor of Ukraine. Ukrainian drone programs at every level have begun to outperform Russia’s, and this shift has started to produce tangible results not only on the battlefield, but also now in the skies above Russia.

“Moscow from now on never sleeps,” Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, posted on Telegram on May 17.

The analysis reveals that the drone war is now delivering something Ukraine has never had before: the ability to strike even heavily defended targets around the Russian capital. From the Tuapse oil terminal to the Moscow Refinery, deep strikes are forcing Russians to confront a war their government told them they could ignore.

Read more at the link in bio.

Photos: Dmytro Smolienko / Ukrinform / NurPhoto / Getty Images; Efrem Lukatsky/AP Photo; Satellite image / 2026 Vantor / Getty Images; Alexander Nemenov / AFP / Getty Images

Edited · 17h