Jana Zikmundova
@jzk55.bsky.social
Former ambassador of Belgium (ret.) to Ukraine (2011-2014) and Colombia (2017-2021). Memories of Soviet tanks are part of my Czech roots (remember 21.8.1968 ?) Here mainly to denounce Putin's 🇷🇺 war on 🇺🇦. Building resistance with team @DefendDemocracy 🇪🇺
Pinned
Jana Zikmundova
@jzk55.bsky.social
· Sep 3
Ukraine Will Not Accept the Peace of the Graveyard
Cemeteries are tranquil places for a reason. The Kyiv government simply cannot swallow proposals from Kremlin allies and Western appeasers.
cepa.org
No change since this article has been published by @cepa.org ten months ago, except for the worse for 🇺🇦 civilians.
"No war is noble, but some wars are necessary." (Hašek, The Good Soldier Švejk).
"No war is noble, but some wars are necessary." (Hašek, The Good Soldier Švejk).
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
It is extraordinary that Witkoff is still the envoy. (What can still go wrong?) www.nytimes.com/2025/12/02/w...
Putin to Meet With Trump’s Envoy as U.S. Pushes for Ukraine Deal
www.nytimes.com
December 2, 2025 at 10:32 AM
It is extraordinary that Witkoff is still the envoy. (What can still go wrong?) www.nytimes.com/2025/12/02/w...
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
No matter how often it is repeated, what Moscow thinks "peace talks" and "ceasefire agreements" are for still confuses some Western counterparts.
Russia repeatedly gets what it wants because the other side focuses on ending the war, but Russia instead wants to win it.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cw...
Russia repeatedly gets what it wants because the other side focuses on ending the war, but Russia instead wants to win it.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cw...
December 2, 2025 at 12:06 PM
No matter how often it is repeated, what Moscow thinks "peace talks" and "ceasefire agreements" are for still confuses some Western counterparts.
Russia repeatedly gets what it wants because the other side focuses on ending the war, but Russia instead wants to win it.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cw...
Russia repeatedly gets what it wants because the other side focuses on ending the war, but Russia instead wants to win it.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cw...
👀"The dinner guest who seized on the squalid moral equivalence between Magnitsky and Bout and kept pressing for details about the latter was Sir Tom Stoppard, who died on Saturday, Nov. 29, at the age of 88."
One of the righteous.
#FreeRussia
One of the righteous.
#FreeRussia
December 2, 2025 at 7:27 AM
👀"The dinner guest who seized on the squalid moral equivalence between Magnitsky and Bout and kept pressing for details about the latter was Sir Tom Stoppard, who died on Saturday, Nov. 29, at the age of 88."
One of the righteous.
#FreeRussia
One of the righteous.
#FreeRussia
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
⚡️Putin claims Russian capture of Pokrovsk, Vovchansk as Kyiv warns of Kremlin propaganda blitz amid peace talks.
"All of this is done exclusively for Western audiences and to raise the stakes in diplomacy," said Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation.
"All of this is done exclusively for Western audiences and to raise the stakes in diplomacy," said Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation.
Putin claims Russian capture of Pokrovsk, Vovchansk as Kyiv warns of Kremlin propaganda blitz amid peace talks
"All of this is done exclusively for Western audiences and to raise the stakes in diplomacy," said Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation.
kyivindependent.com
December 2, 2025 at 5:25 AM
⚡️Putin claims Russian capture of Pokrovsk, Vovchansk as Kyiv warns of Kremlin propaganda blitz amid peace talks.
"All of this is done exclusively for Western audiences and to raise the stakes in diplomacy," said Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation.
"All of this is done exclusively for Western audiences and to raise the stakes in diplomacy," said Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation.
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
It is again particularly blatant as Russia claims to have 'liberated' (= occupied) cities where fighting is still ongoing.
News agencies, on which outlets heavily rely, often stick to conveying russian disinformation as is, without adding the necessary context that would show Moscow's propaganda.
News agencies, on which outlets heavily rely, often stick to conveying russian disinformation as is, without adding the necessary context that would show Moscow's propaganda.
In the name of balanced reporting, news outlets often cite Russian media sources verbatim, thereby helping to spread misinformation. The Barents Observer contextualizes Russian propaganda by adding the sentence, "That statement is not true," which prevents Russian lies from being perpetuated.
Bombers newly deployed to Kola flew near Sweden’s Gotland
Three Tu-22M3 long-range bombers performed a more than five-hour mission from the Kola Peninsula, entering the Baltic Sea air space through the narrow corridor between Finland and Estonia, before turn...
www.thebarentsobserver.com
December 2, 2025 at 6:37 AM
It is again particularly blatant as Russia claims to have 'liberated' (= occupied) cities where fighting is still ongoing.
News agencies, on which outlets heavily rely, often stick to conveying russian disinformation as is, without adding the necessary context that would show Moscow's propaganda.
News agencies, on which outlets heavily rely, often stick to conveying russian disinformation as is, without adding the necessary context that would show Moscow's propaganda.
"I do wish that Stoppard had lived to write one more work, about Vladimir Putin’s sudden downfall. Miracles do happen when people like him inspire us."
#нетвойне
#нетвойне
Stoppardian Genius: RIP | "The Czechoslovak-born playwright Tom Stoppard immortalised resistance to Communist censorship." @edwardlucas.bsky.social
Stoppardian Genius: RIP
The Czechoslovak-born playwright Tom Stoppard immortalised resistance to Communist censorship. Miracles do happen when people like him inspire
cepa.org
December 1, 2025 at 8:45 PM
"I do wish that Stoppard had lived to write one more work, about Vladimir Putin’s sudden downfall. Miracles do happen when people like him inspire us."
#нетвойне
#нетвойне
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
1/ Dec 1, 1991: Ukraine held a nationwide referendum.
The question was simple: Do you support the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine?
The answer: 90.32% YES.
Every region, every oblast, including Crimea and Donbas, said Ukraine is sovereign.
The question was simple: Do you support the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine?
The answer: 90.32% YES.
Every region, every oblast, including Crimea and Donbas, said Ukraine is sovereign.
December 1, 2025 at 7:38 PM
1/ Dec 1, 1991: Ukraine held a nationwide referendum.
The question was simple: Do you support the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine?
The answer: 90.32% YES.
Every region, every oblast, including Crimea and Donbas, said Ukraine is sovereign.
The question was simple: Do you support the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine?
The answer: 90.32% YES.
Every region, every oblast, including Crimea and Donbas, said Ukraine is sovereign.
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
Important discussion with Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, on 🇺🇦’s peace process, EU financial support, and the strengthening of anti-corruption reforms.
The 🇪🇺 is advancing work on financing options, including the reparations loan.
Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security.
The 🇪🇺 is advancing work on financing options, including the reparations loan.
Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security.
December 1, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Important discussion with Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, on 🇺🇦’s peace process, EU financial support, and the strengthening of anti-corruption reforms.
The 🇪🇺 is advancing work on financing options, including the reparations loan.
Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security.
The 🇪🇺 is advancing work on financing options, including the reparations loan.
Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security.
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
Majority of the 🇪🇺 Member States will put the projects under 4 flagship domains, proposed by the 🇪🇺: Drone Defence Initiative, Eastern Flank Watch, Air Shield and Space Shield.
#EUDefence
More info on #SAFE 🔗 ⬇️ defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-defence-i...
#EUDefence
More info on #SAFE 🔗 ⬇️ defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-defence-i...
SAFE | Security Action for Europe
Adopted by the Council of the European Union on the 27th of May 2025, Security Action for Europe (SAFE) is the EU’s new financial instrument designed to support Member States in joint investments in d...
defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu
December 1, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Majority of the 🇪🇺 Member States will put the projects under 4 flagship domains, proposed by the 🇪🇺: Drone Defence Initiative, Eastern Flank Watch, Air Shield and Space Shield.
#EUDefence
More info on #SAFE 🔗 ⬇️ defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-defence-i...
#EUDefence
More info on #SAFE 🔗 ⬇️ defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-defence-i...
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
This week could be pivotal for diplomacy.
It is clear that Russia does not want peace, and therefore we need to make Ukraine as strong as possible.
My doorstep ahead of today’s Foreign Affairs Council on Defence ↓
It is clear that Russia does not want peace, and therefore we need to make Ukraine as strong as possible.
My doorstep ahead of today’s Foreign Affairs Council on Defence ↓
December 1, 2025 at 9:20 AM
This week could be pivotal for diplomacy.
It is clear that Russia does not want peace, and therefore we need to make Ukraine as strong as possible.
My doorstep ahead of today’s Foreign Affairs Council on Defence ↓
It is clear that Russia does not want peace, and therefore we need to make Ukraine as strong as possible.
My doorstep ahead of today’s Foreign Affairs Council on Defence ↓
🖤
57-year-old midwife sentenced to 11 years in ongoing Russian terror against residents of occupied Enerhodar
khpg.org/en/1608815313
khpg.org/en/1608815313
57-year-old midwife sentenced to 11 years in ongoing Russian terror against residents of occupied Enerhodar
Larysa Malovychko has already been in Russian captivity for over two years, with it likely that she was seized because of her pro-Ukrainian position
khpg.org
December 1, 2025 at 9:30 AM
🖤
"At the end of the day, Western promises of support for Ukraine cannot replace a strong Ukrainian military as an effective deterrent to Russia."
Too late to do now what was not done before onset of the full scale 🇷🇺 war.
#StopRussiaArmUkraine 🇺🇦
Too late to do now what was not done before onset of the full scale 🇷🇺 war.
#StopRussiaArmUkraine 🇺🇦
Many of the instruments that can today contribute to ending the war will also be crucial to maintaining peace in the future.
The National Interest nationalinterest.org/feature/what...
The National Interest nationalinterest.org/feature/what...
What Do Security Guarantees for Ukraine Mean?
At the end of the day, Western promises to Ukraine cannot replace a strong Ukrainian military as an effective deterrent to Russia.
nationalinterest.org
December 1, 2025 at 9:24 AM
"At the end of the day, Western promises of support for Ukraine cannot replace a strong Ukrainian military as an effective deterrent to Russia."
Too late to do now what was not done before onset of the full scale 🇷🇺 war.
#StopRussiaArmUkraine 🇺🇦
Too late to do now what was not done before onset of the full scale 🇷🇺 war.
#StopRussiaArmUkraine 🇺🇦
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
Still getting to grips with #Russian influence on #Brexit and beyond? Then don't miss this...
A beginner's guide to how #Putin launched hybrid war on the UK with @peterjukes.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social @goldbergradio.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
A beginner's guide to how #Putin launched hybrid war on the UK with @peterjukes.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social @goldbergradio.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
A Beginners Guide to Russian Influence: Brexit and Beyond
Podcast Episode · Byline Podcast · 29/11/2025 · 31m
podcasts.apple.com
December 1, 2025 at 7:05 AM
Still getting to grips with #Russian influence on #Brexit and beyond? Then don't miss this...
A beginner's guide to how #Putin launched hybrid war on the UK with @peterjukes.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social @goldbergradio.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
A beginner's guide to how #Putin launched hybrid war on the UK with @peterjukes.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social @goldbergradio.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
All 19 Member States submitted their National Defence Investment plans for SAFE 🇪🇺
15 Member States have included support for Ukraine🇺🇦. More than expected! And we talk about billions, not millions.
SAFE is vital for EU defence readiness and our industrial base.
#SAFE
15 Member States have included support for Ukraine🇺🇦. More than expected! And we talk about billions, not millions.
SAFE is vital for EU defence readiness and our industrial base.
#SAFE
December 1, 2025 at 8:57 AM
All 19 Member States submitted their National Defence Investment plans for SAFE 🇪🇺
15 Member States have included support for Ukraine🇺🇦. More than expected! And we talk about billions, not millions.
SAFE is vital for EU defence readiness and our industrial base.
#SAFE
15 Member States have included support for Ukraine🇺🇦. More than expected! And we talk about billions, not millions.
SAFE is vital for EU defence readiness and our industrial base.
#SAFE
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
The idea that cable-cutting in the Baltic has stopped because of Baltic Sentry and not for any other reason, and thus that “deterrence is working”, is a logical leap that I sincerely hope is supported by some evidence.
www.ft.com/content/dbd9...
www.ft.com/content/dbd9...
November 30, 2025 at 10:00 PM
The idea that cable-cutting in the Baltic has stopped because of Baltic Sentry and not for any other reason, and thus that “deterrence is working”, is a logical leap that I sincerely hope is supported by some evidence.
www.ft.com/content/dbd9...
www.ft.com/content/dbd9...
BBC: Georgische autoriteiten gebruikten chemisch middel uit WO I tegen demonstranten : ongelooflijke wreedheid met groen licht van het #Kremlin. Toch manifesteren de mensen verder 🇬🇪
BBC: Georgische autoriteiten gebruikten chemisch middel uit WO I tegen demonstranten
Volgens de Britse omroep zorgde het middel voor langdurige klachten, zoals kortademigheid, hoesten en overgeven.
nos.nl
December 1, 2025 at 7:25 AM
BBC: Georgische autoriteiten gebruikten chemisch middel uit WO I tegen demonstranten : ongelooflijke wreedheid met groen licht van het #Kremlin. Toch manifesteren de mensen verder 🇬🇪
"Everyone should read this." 📖
As the full-scale war enters into its fourth year, novelist and poet Myroslav Laiuk has found himself drawn to front-line reporting. He has traveled everywhere, from Bakhmut to Pokrovsk and Kherson, documenting the war and those living through it.
‘Compared to Bakhmut, this is already a different war’ — novelist Myroslav Laiuk on his wartime reporting
As the full-scale war enters into its fourth year, novelist and poet Myroslav Laiuk has found himself drawn to front-line reporting. He has traveled everywhere, from Bakhmut to Pokrovsk and Kherson, d...
kyivindependent.com
November 30, 2025 at 8:44 AM
"Everyone should read this." 📖
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
I write for the Financial Times about Ukraine’s Catch-22, all too common in war: Kyiv’s choices could boil down to “bad now, or possibly worse later”. on.ft.com/4pHWvOa
Ukraine’s Catch-22 moment
Kyiv’s choices are between bad now and worse later
on.ft.com
November 29, 2025 at 6:29 AM
I write for the Financial Times about Ukraine’s Catch-22, all too common in war: Kyiv’s choices could boil down to “bad now, or possibly worse later”. on.ft.com/4pHWvOa
Do not get confused!
✅ ECHR: Council of Europe treaty, enforced by the @echr.coe.int.
✅ EU Charter of Fundamental Rights: ensures EU law compliance within its 27 member states.
✅ Universal Declaration of Human Rights: promote and protect rights globally.
go.coe.int/ZF9Jd
✅ ECHR: Council of Europe treaty, enforced by the @echr.coe.int.
✅ EU Charter of Fundamental Rights: ensures EU law compliance within its 27 member states.
✅ Universal Declaration of Human Rights: promote and protect rights globally.
go.coe.int/ZF9Jd
November 30, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Always read Françoise Thom ⤵️ 💫
Putin has compromised the United States in his efforts to demolish international law. This is the primary objective of the Witkoff/Dmitriev peace plan.
Françoise Thom decodes the points that have not received sufficient attention from Western observers ⤵️
desk-russie.info/2025/11/27/t...
Françoise Thom decodes the points that have not received sufficient attention from Western observers ⤵️
desk-russie.info/2025/11/27/t...
The Witkoff/Dmitriev Peace Plan: Stupidity or Betrayal? • russian desk
Putin has just made one of his most cherished dreams come true: he has compromised the United States in his efforts to demolish international law. This is the
desk-russie.info
November 29, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Always read Françoise Thom ⤵️ 💫
Today, Russia continues its systematic destruction of Kramatorsk by burning down the city's covered market, where were ordinary citizens bought clothes, shoes, kitchen tools...
Such attacks show that Moscow tries to render Kramatorsk unlivable for its 89 000 remaining residents.
📸 Real Donbas
Such attacks show that Moscow tries to render Kramatorsk unlivable for its 89 000 remaining residents.
📸 Real Donbas
November 29, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
Russian drone violations of Moldova’s airspace are unacceptable and put civilian air traffic at risk.
The EU is investing 20 million EUR this year in Moldova’s air-defences to help strengthen the country’s security.
Moldova’s skies cannot become a casualty of Russia’s war.
The EU is investing 20 million EUR this year in Moldova’s air-defences to help strengthen the country’s security.
Moldova’s skies cannot become a casualty of Russia’s war.
November 29, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Russian drone violations of Moldova’s airspace are unacceptable and put civilian air traffic at risk.
The EU is investing 20 million EUR this year in Moldova’s air-defences to help strengthen the country’s security.
Moldova’s skies cannot become a casualty of Russia’s war.
The EU is investing 20 million EUR this year in Moldova’s air-defences to help strengthen the country’s security.
Moldova’s skies cannot become a casualty of Russia’s war.
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
November 29, 2025 at 5:07 AM
Reposted by Jana Zikmundova
"The 'Winter War' in which Stalin’s Soviet army advanced on Finland, expecting, like Putin in Ukraine, a quick victory. Three months later, it was over, but not as Stalin had hoped"
www.the-independent.com/arts-enterta...
www.the-independent.com/arts-enterta...
The forgotten winter war, which is a timely reminder of Russia’s threat today
As a Ukraine-Russia peace proposal is debated, forces in Finland rehearse guerrilla warfare against a potential Russian offensive that many expect to happen in the near future. ‘The Winter Warriors’ i...
www.the-independent.com
November 29, 2025 at 2:03 AM
"The 'Winter War' in which Stalin’s Soviet army advanced on Finland, expecting, like Putin in Ukraine, a quick victory. Three months later, it was over, but not as Stalin had hoped"
www.the-independent.com/arts-enterta...
www.the-independent.com/arts-enterta...