Larissa B.
@lbuschmann.bsky.social
🇺🇦🇳🇱 📚 a realistic optimist, born in Donbas, based in Amsterdam. Opinions are my own (had to mention this for my employer).
Pinned
Larissa B.
@lbuschmann.bsky.social
· Feb 20
Banned Books List 2025 - PEN America
What books are banned in 2025? These are the 11 most banned books of the 2023-2024 school year. The banned books list for 2025 includes "Nineteen Minutes," by Jodi Picoult.
pen.org
Sounds like a great list to read in 2025!
pen.org/banned-books...
pen.org/banned-books...
Reposted by Larissa B.
Whatever comes out of them, today's talks in Moscow are a diplomatic all-time low for the US. Incompetent, mercurial envoys trying to reset relations w one of the worst regimes in the world at the expense of the victim of unprovoked aggression and the security of America's best allies in Europe.
December 2, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Whatever comes out of them, today's talks in Moscow are a diplomatic all-time low for the US. Incompetent, mercurial envoys trying to reset relations w one of the worst regimes in the world at the expense of the victim of unprovoked aggression and the security of America's best allies in Europe.
Reposted by Larissa B.
Witkoff is not buying the Russian narrative. He is selling it.
November 26, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Witkoff is not buying the Russian narrative. He is selling it.
Reposted by Larissa B.
On the territories of Donetsk region occupied by Russia,48 Ukrainian children have been placed under forced psychiatric treatment as punishment for "extremism," Mariia Krasnenko, the author of the report How Russia Erases Ukrainian Identity Under the Guise of Combating Extremism, reported.
October 10, 2025 at 7:32 PM
On the territories of Donetsk region occupied by Russia,48 Ukrainian children have been placed under forced psychiatric treatment as punishment for "extremism," Mariia Krasnenko, the author of the report How Russia Erases Ukrainian Identity Under the Guise of Combating Extremism, reported.
newrepublic.com/post/203517/...
Why are we even surprised?
Why are we even surprised?
Trump’s Ukraine Peace Deal Appears to Be Translated From Russian
Certain phrases in Trump’s proposed deal seem to be using Russian language.
newrepublic.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:29 AM
newrepublic.com/post/203517/...
Why are we even surprised?
Why are we even surprised?
Reposted by Larissa B.
💔🕯️These are the terrifying words of a woman rescued after the russian missile strike in Ternopil, Ukraine.
"Don't save me... please... I watched my child burn."
"Don't save me... please... I watched my child burn."
November 22, 2025 at 9:46 AM
💔🕯️These are the terrifying words of a woman rescued after the russian missile strike in Ternopil, Ukraine.
"Don't save me... please... I watched my child burn."
"Don't save me... please... I watched my child burn."
Reposted by Larissa B.
X has changed their policy and now you can see where the accounts are based.
Here’s an “influencer from Texas”
Here’s an “influencer from Texas”
November 21, 2025 at 6:36 PM
X has changed their policy and now you can see where the accounts are based.
Here’s an “influencer from Texas”
Here’s an “influencer from Texas”
Language “issue” explanation for those who still do not get how it works for Ukrainians and how it became a way to erase Ukrainian identity by ruzzia. Now, however, it’s also about consciously distancing ourselves from the language that the terrorist state uses #decolonisation #educateyourself
“Speaking russian in Ukraine doesn’t mean you are russian. It means you or your ancestors SURVIVED russia.”
Know the history!
youtube.com/shorts/5wyrD...
Know the history!
youtube.com/shorts/5wyrD...
How Russia used language to justify its war in Donbas
YouTube video by Kyiv Independent
youtube.com
October 24, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Language “issue” explanation for those who still do not get how it works for Ukrainians and how it became a way to erase Ukrainian identity by ruzzia. Now, however, it’s also about consciously distancing ourselves from the language that the terrorist state uses #decolonisation #educateyourself
Reposted by Larissa B.
The diplomatic debate about a cease fire, and potential peace, in Ukraine has reach such levels of nonsense that it's best to tune out altogether.
A lasting peace in Europe will only be achieved when Russia is properly defeated and all Ukrainian territory is liberated.
A lasting peace in Europe will only be achieved when Russia is properly defeated and all Ukrainian territory is liberated.
October 21, 2025 at 10:54 AM
The diplomatic debate about a cease fire, and potential peace, in Ukraine has reach such levels of nonsense that it's best to tune out altogether.
A lasting peace in Europe will only be achieved when Russia is properly defeated and all Ukrainian territory is liberated.
A lasting peace in Europe will only be achieved when Russia is properly defeated and all Ukrainian territory is liberated.
Reposted by Larissa B.
Good piece from @warinthefuture.bsky.social about what America’s other allies are learning from how the current admin deals with Ukraine:
www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
Last week was a disaster for Ukraine – and America’s allies
The mood in Kyiv is fatalistic, despondent about Western illusions yet resolved to learn and fight.
www.lowyinstitute.org
October 20, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Good piece from @warinthefuture.bsky.social about what America’s other allies are learning from how the current admin deals with Ukraine:
www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...
Reposted by Larissa B.
European leaders must be convinced that what Zelensky experiences with Trump, they won’t, once their NATO guarantees will be at stake.
Otherwise, their strategy of sucking up to Trump makes no sense, bc it withdraws public focus & momentum from the mammoth task of building European sovereignty.
Otherwise, their strategy of sucking up to Trump makes no sense, bc it withdraws public focus & momentum from the mammoth task of building European sovereignty.
We’re back where we were in February - despite all the painstaking diplomacy by Zelensky and European leaders. In the end, Trump always gravitates back to Putin’s nihilistic views on Ukraine.
on.ft.com/3WMSQSu
on.ft.com/3WMSQSu
October 20, 2025 at 4:42 AM
European leaders must be convinced that what Zelensky experiences with Trump, they won’t, once their NATO guarantees will be at stake.
Otherwise, their strategy of sucking up to Trump makes no sense, bc it withdraws public focus & momentum from the mammoth task of building European sovereignty.
Otherwise, their strategy of sucking up to Trump makes no sense, bc it withdraws public focus & momentum from the mammoth task of building European sovereignty.
Reposted by Larissa B.
Heartbreaking & distressing testimony from children kidnapped by Russia as part of their genocidal acts in Ukraine but we must not look away.
I was kidnapped by Russia at 16 — like so many Ukrainian kids
www.thetimes.com/article/f8e4...
I was kidnapped by Russia at 16 — like so many Ukrainian kids
www.thetimes.com/article/f8e4...
I was kidnapped by Russia at 16 — like so many Ukrainian kids
It’s estimated nearly 20,000 children in Ukraine have been abducted during the war and sent by Russia for ‘re-education’. A new documentary film reveals the horrors they face
www.thetimes.com
October 3, 2025 at 6:05 AM
Heartbreaking & distressing testimony from children kidnapped by Russia as part of their genocidal acts in Ukraine but we must not look away.
I was kidnapped by Russia at 16 — like so many Ukrainian kids
www.thetimes.com/article/f8e4...
I was kidnapped by Russia at 16 — like so many Ukrainian kids
www.thetimes.com/article/f8e4...
Reposted by Larissa B.
Journalist Alla Sadovnyk @alla_sadovnyk made an investigative documentary “Spider and Other Unpunished” about a russian war crime in Yahidne, Ukraine.
In it, I discuss accountability for war crimes and the limits of international law.
(turn on English subtitles)
youtu.be/bsM8CnBc2R8
In it, I discuss accountability for war crimes and the limits of international law.
(turn on English subtitles)
youtu.be/bsM8CnBc2R8
За злочини отримав нагороду від Путіна | Ми знайшли ще одного ката Ягідного | Розслідування
YouTube video by Суспільне Новини
youtu.be
September 16, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Journalist Alla Sadovnyk @alla_sadovnyk made an investigative documentary “Spider and Other Unpunished” about a russian war crime in Yahidne, Ukraine.
In it, I discuss accountability for war crimes and the limits of international law.
(turn on English subtitles)
youtu.be/bsM8CnBc2R8
In it, I discuss accountability for war crimes and the limits of international law.
(turn on English subtitles)
youtu.be/bsM8CnBc2R8
Reposted by Larissa B.
New, from me:
America is no longer a functioning democracy. It is a competitive authoritarian system, hurtling rapidly toward authoritarianism.
This was a hard piece to write but we can't move forward if we don’t acknowledge where we are.
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/the-author...
America is no longer a functioning democracy. It is a competitive authoritarian system, hurtling rapidly toward authoritarianism.
This was a hard piece to write but we can't move forward if we don’t acknowledge where we are.
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/the-author...
The authoritarian checklist
It is time to admit that America is no longer a functioning democracy
donmoynihan.substack.com
August 28, 2025 at 1:19 PM
New, from me:
America is no longer a functioning democracy. It is a competitive authoritarian system, hurtling rapidly toward authoritarianism.
This was a hard piece to write but we can't move forward if we don’t acknowledge where we are.
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/the-author...
America is no longer a functioning democracy. It is a competitive authoritarian system, hurtling rapidly toward authoritarianism.
This was a hard piece to write but we can't move forward if we don’t acknowledge where we are.
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/the-author...
Reposted by Larissa B.
"I had a blindfold over my face for a day and a half. My hands were bound with tape. They [Russians] treated us like cattle. Now it is a holiday with a new meaning since 2022. Because we have come to understand what independence really is - that it is won with blood..."
August 24, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Reposted by Larissa B.
Reposted by Larissa B.
Thank you for support, Alaska!
🇺🇦🇺🇸
📹- karilogue /Threads
🇺🇦🇺🇸
📹- karilogue /Threads
August 15, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Thank you for support, Alaska!
🇺🇦🇺🇸
📹- karilogue /Threads
🇺🇦🇺🇸
📹- karilogue /Threads
Reposted by Larissa B.
🚨 FPU slaat alarm! We maken ons grote zorgen over een nieuw #wetsvoorstel dat het ‘verheerlijken van terrorisme’ strafbaar stelt. Journalisten riskeren vervolging voor normale verslaggeving, zoals het tonen van beelden of het citeren van betrokkenen. Deze wet mag er niet doorheen!➡️ ow.ly/I6wU50WGE6V
August 15, 2025 at 3:10 PM
🚨 FPU slaat alarm! We maken ons grote zorgen over een nieuw #wetsvoorstel dat het ‘verheerlijken van terrorisme’ strafbaar stelt. Journalisten riskeren vervolging voor normale verslaggeving, zoals het tonen van beelden of het citeren van betrokkenen. Deze wet mag er niet doorheen!➡️ ow.ly/I6wU50WGE6V
Reposted by Larissa B.
Important to note that there are different types of US-Russia presidential meetings. This type is particularly significant and thus a very clear sign of the Trump administration's desire to align with the Kremlin. Long🧵
Since the end of the Cold War, summits have been used by US presidents as a mark of approval and withheld when they disapprove of Russian actions. Trump is, once again, signalling the value he places on Putin's friendship. It's a profound humiliation for the US.
August 9, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Important to note that there are different types of US-Russia presidential meetings. This type is particularly significant and thus a very clear sign of the Trump administration's desire to align with the Kremlin. Long🧵
If this “peace” deal goes through, there is no more international rule of law and no one is safe any more if their neighbors have idiotic geopolitical ambitions involving occupying territories of sovereign states. #thinkagain #russiaisaterroriststate #resist
Baltic leaders have condemned efforts to pressure Ukraine into giving up territory, warning that Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia could be next, the Financial Times reports. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said, “If borders can be changed by force, no one can feel safe.”
August 9, 2025 at 11:02 AM
If this “peace” deal goes through, there is no more international rule of law and no one is safe any more if their neighbors have idiotic geopolitical ambitions involving occupying territories of sovereign states. #thinkagain #russiaisaterroriststate #resist
Reposted by Larissa B.
President Zelenskyy:
"Ukrainians defend what's theirs. Even those who are with Russia know that Russia is doing evil. Of course, we will not reward Russia for what it has perpetrated. The #Ukrainian people deserve peace. But all partners must understand what a dignified peace is.
"Ukrainians defend what's theirs. Even those who are with Russia know that Russia is doing evil. Of course, we will not reward Russia for what it has perpetrated. The #Ukrainian people deserve peace. But all partners must understand what a dignified peace is.
August 9, 2025 at 8:21 AM
President Zelenskyy:
"Ukrainians defend what's theirs. Even those who are with Russia know that Russia is doing evil. Of course, we will not reward Russia for what it has perpetrated. The #Ukrainian people deserve peace. But all partners must understand what a dignified peace is.
"Ukrainians defend what's theirs. Even those who are with Russia know that Russia is doing evil. Of course, we will not reward Russia for what it has perpetrated. The #Ukrainian people deserve peace. But all partners must understand what a dignified peace is.
Reposted by Larissa B.
Russian soldiers tortured a 3-year-old boy and forced him to watch them sexually assault and kill his mother during the occupation of Kherson.
July 23, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Russian soldiers tortured a 3-year-old boy and forced him to watch them sexually assault and kill his mother during the occupation of Kherson.
Reposted by Larissa B.
Schoolkids in Russia are taught that Stalin didn't order the mass repressions of 1937-1938 in the USSR.
It wasn't Stalin, it was Yezhov, kids are told.
Will the same happen with Putin? Will Russians be told it wasn't him who started the war, who killed millions of people, it was someone else!
It wasn't Stalin, it was Yezhov, kids are told.
Will the same happen with Putin? Will Russians be told it wasn't him who started the war, who killed millions of people, it was someone else!
July 18, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Schoolkids in Russia are taught that Stalin didn't order the mass repressions of 1937-1938 in the USSR.
It wasn't Stalin, it was Yezhov, kids are told.
Will the same happen with Putin? Will Russians be told it wasn't him who started the war, who killed millions of people, it was someone else!
It wasn't Stalin, it was Yezhov, kids are told.
Will the same happen with Putin? Will Russians be told it wasn't him who started the war, who killed millions of people, it was someone else!
Reposted by Larissa B.
With so much happening in the world, thank you for keeping your eyes on Ukraine — especially now, when it matters most.
Russia is escalating its air attacks, sending hundreds of drones and missiles each night. There’s no sign they’ll let Ukrainians live in peace.
Russia is escalating its air attacks, sending hundreds of drones and missiles each night. There’s no sign they’ll let Ukrainians live in peace.
July 11, 2025 at 11:12 AM
With so much happening in the world, thank you for keeping your eyes on Ukraine — especially now, when it matters most.
Russia is escalating its air attacks, sending hundreds of drones and missiles each night. There’s no sign they’ll let Ukrainians live in peace.
Russia is escalating its air attacks, sending hundreds of drones and missiles each night. There’s no sign they’ll let Ukrainians live in peace.
Reposted by Larissa B.
🇳🇱 Dutch and German intelligence (MIVD, AIVD, and BND) say Russia is increasingly using chemical weapons in Ukraine, including deadly agents like chloropicrin, a serious violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The use of tear gas & choking agents has also become routine.
July 4, 2025 at 7:58 AM
🇳🇱 Dutch and German intelligence (MIVD, AIVD, and BND) say Russia is increasingly using chemical weapons in Ukraine, including deadly agents like chloropicrin, a serious violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The use of tear gas & choking agents has also become routine.