Real solidarity from the real left - trade unionists visiting Kharkiv in September - what a contrast to the armchair moralisers arguing for 'peace' (which would mean brutal Russian occupation for 40m people)

Three weeks until the Islay Book Festival! I'll be talking about Ukraine with the BBC's Glenn Campbell about Ukraine, Sunday 31st at 11.30am. Never been to Islay before, so excited about this trip. It might have to involve some whisky... ticketsource.co.uk/islay-book-fes…

Several centuries old oak is supported by straps in the Kharkiv Shevchenko garden. Across the road the economic faculty of my university stands, waiting, for its own carers.

All the colours of Fair Isle in August, a few years ago. Lukki Minni's buttons (Scabious), buttercup and ragged robin, and strange and pretty grasses that grow everywhere. And the huge cliffs at Hoini. I miss it so much

I finally watched Мstyslav Chernov's latest documentary film, 2000 Meters To Andriivka. It's an incredible, honest and brutal view of the Russo-Ukrainian war and the hell that is the battlefields of Ukraine's southeast. I've not seen a film get so close to the war as this one

Brilliant Ukrainian artist, anarchist, and fighter David Chichkan died in battle in the Zaporizhzhia direction. A person of crystal integrity, someone I deeply respected and admired. RIP. A huge loss for the global community of anti-authoritarian forces.

My comrade, Ukrainian artist, anarchist David Chichkan died in battle in the Zaporizhzhia direction. On 8 August, while repelling an enemy infantry assault, our brother-in-arms, David Chichkan, was gravely wounded. In the early morning of 9 August, his heart fell silent.

Such a poignant and powerful discussion earlier today at Edinburgh International Book Festival with Jen Stout and Olesya Khromeychuk (chaired by Roxani Krystalli) about the legacy of Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina and her work of bearing witness "Looking at Women, Looking at War" #EdBookFest

In response to the "land for land" peace talks in Alaska on Friday - likely to appease Putin & sell out the victims of his murderous invasion - we are asking all supporters of Ukraine to gather outside the Russian Consulate Edinburgh, 58 Melville St 1pm Saturday 16th August.

Life of a riverside Kharkiv homes, 2025.

My new essay for The Guardian. About the Russian missile strike of 31st of July on Kyiv and how the situation got worse since Trump inauguration. theguardian.com/commentisfree/…

Finally, our book is here! Share widely 🥳.

These are the defenses Ukraine is building in the Donbas. It’s definitely not preparing to give it up wsj.com/world/europe/u…

The library of Sumy State University was hit by Russian drones on August 18. 15,000 books burned. According to the library director, another 45,000 books — the newest acquisitions from the past 5–6 years — were lost in the April 2025 strike on the university’s Congress Center.

Famine confirmed in Gaza City, and surrounding areas - UN backed report. IPC says more than half a million people are facing " starvation, destitution and death." bbc.com/news/live/ckgj…

Arrived in Kherson and saw the iconic building turned to rubble, to the sounds of drone detectors sounding alarm. Since my arrival, Russians dropped four guided aerial bombs and I hear explosions now. Reports are forthcoming.

Watch this film!