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Yaroslav Trofimov

@yarotrof • 166,113 subscribers

Chief Foreign-Affairs Correspondent of WSJ. Author of 📚No Country for Love 📚 and 📕Our Enemies Will Vanish📕 and 📘Siege of Mecca 📘Insta @yarotrof

Shorts

Russia in recent weeks focused on targeting the warehouses of Nova Poshta, Ukraine’s private logistics and postal service. Today Kyiv reciprocated with strikes on warehouses of Wildberries, the Russian equivalent of Amazon, in the Moscow region and Tambov.

Russia in recent weeks focused on targeting the warehouses of Nova Poshta, Ukraine’s private logistics and postal service. Today Kyiv reciprocated with strikes on warehouses of Wildberries, the Russian equivalent of Amazon, in the Moscow region and Tambov.

125,630 views

Second day of street protests in Ukraine after Zelensky suddenly fired reformist defense minister Fedorov. The crowds are much bigger and the chant is “Down with Syrsky.” It is very hard to motivate people to join the military when the commander in chief, Gen Syrsky, is perceived — rightly or wrongly, but widely — as a Soviet-school general who doesn’t care about casualties, and who has allowed the emergence of pet regiments that reproduce some of the worst Russian army habits, like torture and extrajudicial killings of recruits.

Second day of street protests in Ukraine after Zelensky suddenly fired reformist defense minister Fedorov. The crowds are much bigger and the chant is “Down with Syrsky.” It is very hard to motivate people to join the military when the commander in chief, Gen Syrsky, is perceived — rightly or wrongly, but widely — as a Soviet-school general who doesn’t care about casualties, and who has allowed the emergence of pet regiments that reproduce some of the worst Russian army habits, like torture and extrajudicial killings of recruits.

96,652 views

Ukrainian aircraft arrive to deliver a keynote address at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum that opens this morning. Special entertainment for Candace Owens, Andrew Tate and all the other distinguished guests.

Ukrainian aircraft arrive to deliver a keynote address at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum that opens this morning. Special entertainment for Candace Owens, Andrew Tate and all the other distinguished guests.

348,425 views

Increasing speculation in Russian media that the Baku-Grozny Azerbaijan Airlines flight was shot down by Russian air defenses that mistook it for a Ukrainian drone. Footage of the damage to the fuselage.

Increasing speculation in Russian media that the Baku-Grozny Azerbaijan Airlines flight was shot down by Russian air defenses that mistook it for a Ukrainian drone. Footage of the damage to the fuselage.

3,304,430 views

Ukraine allows Putin’s May 9 parade to go ahead after Trump’s intervention and a promise to exchange 1,000 Ukrainian POWs. No prisoners have been freed, and Putin after his parade unleashed one of the biggest missile and drone barrages of the war. Here is a Kyiv high-rise where dozens were killed and injured last night, including children, and many more still remain under the rubble.

Ukraine allows Putin’s May 9 parade to go ahead after Trump’s intervention and a promise to exchange 1,000 Ukrainian POWs. No prisoners have been freed, and Putin after his parade unleashed one of the biggest missile and drone barrages of the war. Here is a Kyiv high-rise where dozens were killed and injured last night, including children, and many more still remain under the rubble.

354,557 views

This week is the first time in 4.5 years that the “special military operation” is affecting the daily life of every resident of Russia. Once dubbed by McCain as a “gas station masquerading as a country,” Russia is experiencing a fuel crisis because of Ukrainian strikes on its refineries. To get gas, Russians now must spend hours — sometimes an entire night — waiting in line. Many gas stations just closed, including in Moscow. The more the Russian government says “don’t panic, there is no fuel shortage,” the more people panic.

This week is the first time in 4.5 years that the “special military operation” is affecting the daily life of every resident of Russia. Once dubbed by McCain as a “gas station masquerading as a country,” Russia is experiencing a fuel crisis because of Ukrainian strikes on its refineries. To get gas, Russians now must spend hours — sometimes an entire night — waiting in line. Many gas stations just closed, including in Moscow. The more the Russian government says “don’t panic, there is no fuel shortage,” the more people panic.

114,847 views

Massive Ukrainian bombing raid on three Russian chemicals plants in Togliatti on the Volga, some 600 miles away. It’s as far from Ukraine as Switzerland or Denmark.

Massive Ukrainian bombing raid on three Russian chemicals plants in Togliatti on the Volga, some 600 miles away. It’s as far from Ukraine as Switzerland or Denmark.

389,066 views

Seems like Ukraine found a way to defeat Moscow’s thick web of air defenses. Second Moscow refinery bombing in three days.

Seems like Ukraine found a way to defeat Moscow’s thick web of air defenses. Second Moscow refinery bombing in three days.

106,139 views

Ukraine hits Moscow’s main refinery. Zero cathedrals damaged.

Ukraine hits Moscow’s main refinery. Zero cathedrals damaged.

105,484 views

Like shooting fish in a barrel. For the third time in a week, Ukraine successfully attacks Russia’s major oil and gas export terminal in Ust Luga on the Baltic Sea. It’s as far from Ukraine as Sweden is from Italy. Special thanks to the Indian sailor for the BDA.

Like shooting fish in a barrel. For the third time in a week, Ukraine successfully attacks Russia’s major oil and gas export terminal in Ust Luga on the Baltic Sea. It’s as far from Ukraine as Sweden is from Italy. Special thanks to the Indian sailor for the BDA.

329,576 views

Not just drones anymore. Ukraine deployed Ukrainian-developed Flamingo cruise missiles and drones for a prolonged combined strike on VNIIR Progress, a critical military electronics plant in the Russian city of Cheboksary, some 600 miles away. Flamingos are clearly getting better at striking targets.

Not just drones anymore. Ukraine deployed Ukrainian-developed Flamingo cruise missiles and drones for a prolonged combined strike on VNIIR Progress, a critical military electronics plant in the Russian city of Cheboksary, some 600 miles away. Flamingos are clearly getting better at striking targets.

215,551 views

It looks like few if any of these workers at the Nizhnekamsk petrochemical complex are Russian. Guess somebody had to replace all these Russian men dying in Ukraine. Also, they seem to be rather enjoying the fireworks. Source:

It looks like few if any of these workers at the Nizhnekamsk petrochemical complex are Russian. Guess somebody had to replace all these Russian men dying in Ukraine. Also, they seem to be rather enjoying the fireworks. Source:

28,108 views

What do you do when you are short of Patriots? You do this to your enemy’s factory making electronics for ballistic missiles. Hit the arrow-maker, not the arrow. Voronezh, Russia, today.

What do you do when you are short of Patriots? You do this to your enemy’s factory making electronics for ballistic missiles. Hit the arrow-maker, not the arrow. Voronezh, Russia, today.

53,362 views

Orban’s peace mission to Moscow was a great success.

Orban’s peace mission to Moscow was a great success.

959,226 views

Stunning Ukrainian attack on Russian long-range bomber bases in Siberia and the Far North using drones launched from parked trucks. Many irreplaceable strategic bombers burning. Will be in history books.

Stunning Ukrainian attack on Russian long-range bomber bases in Siberia and the Far North using drones launched from parked trucks. Many irreplaceable strategic bombers burning. Will be in history books.

444,438 views

The main target of Russia’s overnight attack was one of the biggest American investments in Ukraine — an electronics plant or Flex in Mukacheve on the Hungarian border. Hundreds of workers managed to flee to shelters just before two Russian missiles struck, according to local officials.

The main target of Russia’s overnight attack was one of the biggest American investments in Ukraine — an electronics plant or Flex in Mukacheve on the Hungarian border. Hundreds of workers managed to flee to shelters just before two Russian missiles struck, according to local officials.

336,945 views

A night of presumed Ukrainian drone strikes across Russia. Russian media report that the Ust Luga oil and gas port near St Petersburg is on fire, and a hit on a plant making air-defense systems in Tula. Footage from Russian Telegram channels.

A night of presumed Ukrainian drone strikes across Russia. Russian media report that the Ust Luga oil and gas port near St Petersburg is on fire, and a hit on a plant making air-defense systems in Tula. Footage from Russian Telegram channels.

788,594 views

In the last two weeks, Ukraine repeatedly pounded two of Russia’s three main oil export ports, Ust Luga and Primorsk on the Baltic, causing massive damage. Last night, it attacked the third, the Sheskharis oil terminal of the Novorossiysk port on the Black Sea. Taken together, the three ports account for roughly three-quarters of Russia’s seaborne oil exports. Kyiv is making sure Russia’s war machine can’t cash in on surging oil prices.

In the last two weeks, Ukraine repeatedly pounded two of Russia’s three main oil export ports, Ust Luga and Primorsk on the Baltic, causing massive damage. Last night, it attacked the third, the Sheskharis oil terminal of the Novorossiysk port on the Black Sea. Taken together, the three ports account for roughly three-quarters of Russia’s seaborne oil exports. Kyiv is making sure Russia’s war machine can’t cash in on surging oil prices.

105,685 views

The handshake. Defense Secretary Austin walks over to Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu to say hello at the #SLD23 in Singapore. Li had turned down the U.S. proposal for a meeting.

The handshake. Defense Secretary Austin walks over to Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu to say hello at the #SLD23 in Singapore. Li had turned down the U.S. proposal for a meeting.

803,102 views

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Russia in recent weeks focused on targeting the warehouses of Nova Poshta, Ukraine’s private logistics and postal service. Today Kyiv reciprocated with strikes on warehouses of Wildberries, the Russian equivalent of Amazon, in the Moscow region and Tambov.

Russia in recent weeks focused on targeting the warehouses of Nova Poshta, Ukraine’s private logistics and postal service. Today Kyiv reciprocated with strikes on warehouses of Wildberries, the Russian equivalent of Amazon, in the Moscow region and Tambov.

Yaroslav Trofimov

125,630 views • 2 days ago

What happens when an ammunition warehouse blows up. Footage from Russia’s Belgorod region on the Ukrainian border this morning. All this stuff won’t kill Ukrainian civilians anymore.

What happens when an ammunition warehouse blows up. Footage from Russia’s Belgorod region on the Ukrainian border this morning. All this stuff won’t kill Ukrainian civilians anymore.

Yaroslav Trofimov

731,020 views • 1 month ago

Putin is back in his February 2022 mode: Ukrainian soldiers, do not follow the orders the thieving illegitimate junta, the situation of the Ukrainian army is turning from critical to catastrophic. 🤡

Putin is back in his February 2022 mode: Ukrainian soldiers, do not follow the orders the thieving illegitimate junta, the situation of the Ukrainian army is turning from critical to catastrophic. 🤡

Yaroslav Trofimov

990,341 views • 1 month ago

No war with Belarus, for now. Zelensky says that, after his ultimatum, Belarus disabled since June 22 the relay stations along the Ukrainian border that Russia was using for guided drone strikes in western Ukraine.

No war with Belarus, for now. Zelensky says that, after his ultimatum, Belarus disabled since June 22 the relay stations along the Ukrainian border that Russia was using for guided drone strikes in western Ukraine.

Yaroslav Trofimov

395,401 views • 26 days ago

Putin’s advisor Ushakov says Trump, in a conversation with Putin today, promised to put pressure on the Europeans and Ukraine during the G7 summit, and otherwise, to accept Russian peace conditions. (Uncommon in a readout to speak on behalf of the interlocutor, by the way.)

Putin’s advisor Ushakov says Trump, in a conversation with Putin today, promised to put pressure on the Europeans and Ukraine during the G7 summit, and otherwise, to accept Russian peace conditions. (Uncommon in a readout to speak on behalf of the interlocutor, by the way.)

Yaroslav Trofimov

507,208 views • 1 month ago

Rubio said he is unaware of the U.S. delegation at Putin’s conference in St Petersburg, led by Commission of Fine Arts chief Rodney Mims Cook Jr. Today, the 🇺🇸delegation definitely wasn’t talkative.

Rubio said he is unaware of the U.S. delegation at Putin’s conference in St Petersburg, led by Commission of Fine Arts chief Rodney Mims Cook Jr. Today, the 🇺🇸delegation definitely wasn’t talkative.

Yaroslav Trofimov

375,402 views • 1 month ago

Zelensky: We are facing one of the most dangerous periods in Ukrainian history, a choice between losing our dignity and freedom and losing US support. We choose dignity. My answer is my oath of office. I did not betray Ukraine in Feb 2022 and we won’t betray in now.

Zelensky: We are facing one of the most dangerous periods in Ukrainian history, a choice between losing our dignity and freedom and losing US support. We choose dignity. My answer is my oath of office. I did not betray Ukraine in Feb 2022 and we won’t betray in now.

Yaroslav Trofimov

1,992,680 views • 8 months ago

Quite a hot mic moment on CCTV in Beijing today as Putin and Xi, both 72 years old, are caught casually talking about living to 150 and maybe forever thanks to organ transplants. (As picked up by Bloomberg.)

Quite a hot mic moment on CCTV in Beijing today as Putin and Xi, both 72 years old, are caught casually talking about living to 150 and maybe forever thanks to organ transplants. (As picked up by Bloomberg.)

Yaroslav Trofimov

2,677,841 views • 10 months ago

Mobs break into the Makhachkala airport, in Russia’s north Caucasus, looking to lynch Jews after rumors spread about the arrival of Jewish refugees from Israel.

Mobs break into the Makhachkala airport, in Russia’s north Caucasus, looking to lynch Jews after rumors spread about the arrival of Jewish refugees from Israel.

Yaroslav Trofimov

7,294,988 views • 2 years ago

This week is the first time in 4.5 years that the “special military operation” is affecting the daily life of every resident of Russia. Once dubbed by McCain as a “gas station masquerading as a country,” Russia is experiencing a fuel crisis because of Ukrainian strikes on its refineries. To get gas, Russians now must spend hours — sometimes an entire night — waiting in line. Many gas stations just closed, including in Moscow. The more the Russian government says “don’t panic, there is no fuel shortage,” the more people panic.

This week is the first time in 4.5 years that the “special military operation” is affecting the daily life of every resident of Russia. Once dubbed by McCain as a “gas station masquerading as a country,” Russia is experiencing a fuel crisis because of Ukrainian strikes on its refineries. To get gas, Russians now must spend hours — sometimes an entire night — waiting in line. Many gas stations just closed, including in Moscow. The more the Russian government says “don’t panic, there is no fuel shortage,” the more people panic.

Yaroslav Trofimov

114,847 views • 24 days ago

Looks like Putin, Xi and Modi had a jolly good morning in Tianjin 🇨🇳

Looks like Putin, Xi and Modi had a jolly good morning in Tianjin 🇨🇳

Yaroslav Trofimov

1,528,130 views • 10 months ago

Putin: “It would be ridiculous for us to start negotiating with Ukraine just because it’s running out of ammunition.” Republican leadership of the House cutting off military supplies to Ukraine has made Putin drop his pretense about desiring peace talks. He wants it all.

Putin: “It would be ridiculous for us to start negotiating with Ukraine just because it’s running out of ammunition.” Republican leadership of the House cutting off military supplies to Ukraine has made Putin drop his pretense about desiring peace talks. He wants it all.

Yaroslav Trofimov

3,550,532 views • 2 years ago

Bonkers Russian Army recruitment commercial, in which soldiers under fire in a trench discuss Ukrainian real estate investments. (One wants to buy an apartment in Kyiv’s tony Pechersk neighborhood once it is conquered, the other says he prefers Odesa because of the sea…)

Bonkers Russian Army recruitment commercial, in which soldiers under fire in a trench discuss Ukrainian real estate investments. (One wants to buy an apartment in Kyiv’s tony Pechersk neighborhood once it is conquered, the other says he prefers Odesa because of the sea…)

Yaroslav Trofimov

4,172,489 views • 2 years ago

It’s clear from this that the only difference between Steve Witkoff’s and Vladmir Putin’s views on the war in Ukraine is that Putin actually knows the names of all the five Ukrainian regions he wants to keep.

It’s clear from this that the only difference between Steve Witkoff’s and Vladmir Putin’s views on the war in Ukraine is that Putin actually knows the names of all the five Ukrainian regions he wants to keep.

Yaroslav Trofimov

1,878,731 views • 1 year ago

Watched the German and German-led NATO troops march through Lithuania’s city of Kaunas yesterday, in a message of deterrence to Russia. (If push comes to shove, I’d run with the Norwegian unit here.)

Watched the German and German-led NATO troops march through Lithuania’s city of Kaunas yesterday, in a message of deterrence to Russia. (If push comes to shove, I’d run with the Norwegian unit here.)

Yaroslav Trofimov

589,259 views • 5 months ago

The Dovzhenko film studio in Kyiv is one of the oldest centers of world cinema. Established in 1927, it’s where Dziga Vertov, Sergey Paradzhanov and obviously Oleksandr Dovzhenko shot some of their masterpieces. It survived WWII because its collection was evacuated to Central Asia before the Nazi takeover. This morning, it was hit by Russian missiles. The entire collection of 100,000 costumes going back nearly a century burned down. Other priceless artifacts gone, too. Barbarians sacking Europe’s cultural heritage.

The Dovzhenko film studio in Kyiv is one of the oldest centers of world cinema. Established in 1927, it’s where Dziga Vertov, Sergey Paradzhanov and obviously Oleksandr Dovzhenko shot some of their masterpieces. It survived WWII because its collection was evacuated to Central Asia before the Nazi takeover. This morning, it was hit by Russian missiles. The entire collection of 100,000 costumes going back nearly a century burned down. Other priceless artifacts gone, too. Barbarians sacking Europe’s cultural heritage.

Yaroslav Trofimov

115,507 views • 1 month ago

Seems like Ukraine found a way to defeat Moscow’s thick web of air defenses. Second Moscow refinery bombing in three days.

Seems like Ukraine found a way to defeat Moscow’s thick web of air defenses. Second Moscow refinery bombing in three days.

Yaroslav Trofimov

106,139 views • 1 month ago

Russia targeted the dam of the Kyiv Sea north of the capital, with one missile striking it. If the dam breaks, millions of people downstream can die.

Russia targeted the dam of the Kyiv Sea north of the capital, with one missile striking it. If the dam breaks, millions of people downstream can die.

Yaroslav Trofimov

2,187,756 views • 1 year ago

Ukraine hits Moscow’s main refinery. Zero cathedrals damaged.

Ukraine hits Moscow’s main refinery. Zero cathedrals damaged.

Yaroslav Trofimov

105,484 views • 1 month ago

Ukrainians are stunned by the court reading transcripts of texts between Andriy Yermak, until recently the country’s second most powerful man, and his fortune-teller “Veronica Feng-Shui,” in which she advises him to get rid of his enemies in the media and parliament before it’s too late, and while he still enjoys Zelensky’s protection.

Ukrainians are stunned by the court reading transcripts of texts between Andriy Yermak, until recently the country’s second most powerful man, and his fortune-teller “Veronica Feng-Shui,” in which she advises him to get rid of his enemies in the media and parliament before it’s too late, and while he still enjoys Zelensky’s protection.

Yaroslav Trofimov

193,577 views • 2 months ago