Nolan Peterson
@nolanwpeterson
Followers
509,546
Following
4,819
Media
668
Statuses
9,554
Writer, 10+ yrs living/reporting in Ukraine, senior fellow @AtlanticCouncil , expert @IrregularWarCtr , ex-USAF spec ops pilot.
Ukraine
Joined February 2009
Don't wanna be here?
Send us removal request.
Explore trending content on Musk Viewer
Maggie Smith
• 822021 Tweets
Netanyahu
• 656201 Tweets
Beirut
• 542770 Tweets
القادسية
• 427238 Tweets
Nasrallah
• 340390 Tweets
Zelensky
• 264519 Tweets
Harry Potter
• 220364 Tweets
بيروت
• 179033 Tweets
حسن نصر
• 143255 Tweets
الزمالك
• 132663 Tweets
Acapulco
• 98779 Tweets
#الضاحيه_الجنوبيه
• 90091 Tweets
マクゴナガル先生
• 60438 Tweets
Velez
• 60302 Tweets
حامد
• 36824 Tweets
Van Gogh
• 31299 Tweets
Willie
• 29483 Tweets
Asheville
• 29315 Tweets
FONDEN
• 27607 Tweets
Independiente
• 26738 Tweets
#حسن_نصر_الشيطان
• 22374 Tweets
Barcola
• 16503 Tweets
#السوبر_الافريقي
• 14895 Tweets
Bane
• 13329 Tweets
Pinned Tweet
My remarks for a panel last night, Jan. 18, about the Russian threat to Ukraine.
“I think it will be one of the great crimes of our time if the democracies of the world let this invasion happen…Have we learned nothing since World War II?”
1K
4K
16K
In the bomb shelter with my cat. She’s been very brave.
3K
32K
538K
Two US Army combat veterans, from Texas & Ohio, volunteers now on the front lines east of Kyiv, defending Ukraine.
2K
10K
88K
I’m getting updates from Ukrainian troops in combat right now on west side of Kyiv. Under relentless airstrikes.
One soldier texted: “No one hurt and I'm fine. Just pretty sure I'm going to die. Not worried or anything just an honest assessment.”
940
14K
71K
Something bad is in the air tonight. We're under a national emergency, airports are shutting down, military reserves have been called up. I lack the talent to express what it feels like to be in this European capital, home to millions...
1K
12K
66K
Just had a fascinating, in-depth, 2-hour interview with a Ukrainian MiG-29 pilot. Story coming soon, but bottom line up front: Ukrainian pilots have stayed in the fight due to creativity, guts, & talent. History books will be written about what they've done.
686
9K
64K
When I deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq as a USAF pilot, I never experienced the high morale that I currently observe among my Ukrainian friends on the front lines.
After 12 days -
The stakes are clear: their nation’s survival.
The objective is clear: expelling the invaders.
514
7K
56K
Anyone who equivocates for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, or who argues that this war was always about NATO membership, or who questions the utility of arming Ukraine should take a long look at the photos from Bucha, followed by a long look in the mirror.
1K
12K
52K
I can confirm that Alpha 1, a Ukrainian Foreign Legion team of multinational special operations soldiers, including American volunteers, took part in the liberation of Irpin.
507
6K
49K
It rips out my heart to get this message from my friend, a Ukrainian soldier currently in combat in Ukraine’s east:
‘Things are very bad. Desperately need air support. But we get none...’
703
9K
44K
First light now showing in Kyiv. Long night of missile strikes, civilians seeking safety in bomb shelters. Reports of Russian tanks advancing on the city as Ukrainian forces fiercely resist. A European capital under siege in 2022. Not sure what else to say.
419
8K
42K
Lots of patriotic art in Ukraine these days. I particularly liked this one.
254
5K
40K
Kyiv is not besieged.
I’ve traveled the southern road arteries in and out of the city over the past few days and the roads are open and safe and filled with cars and trucks (flowing in both directions). Gas station lines are relatively normal too — life has adapted to wartime.
313
5K
39K
Life carries on. Ukrainians have a practically superhuman ability to summon the ‘right stuff’ in a moment of crisis.
Books must be written about this nation’s resilience and grit. The rest of the world, and future generations, have a lot to learn from the Ukrainian people.
This couple, Lesya and Valeriy, just got married next to the frontline in Kyiv. They are with the territorial defense.
656
9K
52K
331
6K
38K
The mass murder of Ukrainian civilians in Kyiv’s suburbs underscores that Ukraine is fighting for its survival — it also shows the awful, obvious truth about Russia’s true intensions in Ukraine.
412
8K
36K
Just spent a couple hours with an American volunteer, a US Army veteran of Afghanistan, about to head to Kyiv's front lines.
"I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe this was worth dying for," he told me. "To be a good soldier, you have to be willing to say goodbye."
543
5K
36K
I’ve typed and deleted about six different messages, trying to explain my emotions when seeing this photo.
I truly have no words.
1K
9K
36K
Spent the afternoon with Manus McCaffery, a US volunteer in Ukraine’s armed forces who was wounded last week. His spirit is high — he’s cracking jokes and quickly healing. After his recovery, he’s committed to helping Ukraine however he can.
807
3K
34K
Ukraine is an information warfare superpower.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense just published a promotional video offering each Russian pilot a reward if they defect to
#Ukraine
with their aircraft.
USD 1 million per aircraft and USD 500,000 per helicopter.
858
10K
26K
430
7K
34K
Waiting in line at the grocery story today in Kyiv I met Daniel — a Ukrainian soldier balancing the responsibilities of new fatherhood with defending his country.
424
4K
34K
On the road south of Kyiv today — no details, but I can say that this country has become a fortress.
207
2K
27K
Forty today.
I’ll celebrate it when Ukraine wins the war.
844
1K
26K
They worked in IT and in construction, they have families...their lives have been interrupted to take up arms and defend Kyiv, their hometown.
355
3K
26K
And this is a grocery store today in Kyiv.
A friend in Russia was in the supermarket last night and sent me this photo.
3K
9K
40K
380
4K
25K
Mariupol mayor reports Russian forces have entered the Azovstal steelworks. Contact has been lost w/Ukrainian troops within, who are alongside civilians. Reports of heavy fighting — hard to imagine the hell those Ukrainian troops & civilians are enduring.
938
6K
25K
Only hours after a Russian missile attack against the city, Ukrainians have gathered on Sophia’s Square in central Kyiv to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
275
4K
25K
Oleksandr, the Territorial Defense chief of a city in Ukraine’s Poltava region, told me:
“Some people here used to be sympathetic toward Russia. But now 99.9% of the population is against Russia. Actually, they hate Russia and Putin with a passion.”
227
4K
24K
Got another message from an American volunteer who is fighting with Kyiv's territorial defense. He said: "Hey man, still alive. Almost died the first day, but still here."
142
2K
24K
‘Russian warship, go fuck yourself.’
New Ukrainian billboard…with some not-too-subtle symbolism.
238
4K
24K
A flower shop still open today in Kyiv.
Life goes on.
166
2K
24K
Update from American volunteer in Ukraine’s armed forces — today Ukrainian forces, including the Georgian National Legion, liberated a town called Rudnyts’ke, about 60 km east of Kyiv, pushing the line about 15 km farther to the east.
264
3K
23K
Just got a message from a Ukrainian Marine on the front lines near Mariupol.
Hadn't heard from him in a few days and was worrying, but he just wrote: "I'm alive they hit us with everything...Keep your eyes on Mariupol."
77
3K
22K
There is an incredible sense of kindness among the random people I encounter in Kyiv. Many smiles and helping hands. In my 8 years of living here, I’ve never had more strangers strike up a conversation with me. It’s a pretty remarkable reaction to the hardships of wartime.
124
2K
22K
Just had an encounter with the most savage weapon of war known to man.
287
2K
22K
I had an enlightening conversation w/a US volunteer in Ukraine's armed forces. He described Ukraine's dynamic tactics, which are frustrating Russia's offensive.
He said: "Whoever the Ukrainian generals or leadership who planned or figured this out is definitely a genius."
412
2K
21K
Imagine the reaction in America if in the span of 2 days ISIS bombed an apartment building & a shopping mall on US soil.
535
3K
21K
Horrifying reports that Mariupol’s drama theater was bombed today in a Russian airstrike. Hundreds of civilians were reportedly sheltering inside, according to Mariupol’s city council.
The building is located in a park in the city center. Impossible that this was an accident.
540
6K
21K
It’s incredible how the people of Kyiv are able to adapt to wartime.
In the bomb shelter last night & this morning, they sang happy birthday, children played, quite a few listened to the Ukrainian national anthem and watched Zelenskyy’s updates on their smartphones…
131
3K
21K
I’ve lived in Kyiv for 8 years…and its beauty still amazes me.
149
1K
21K
I hope no one out there in my homeland ever has go through what my Ukrainian family is enduring right now.
We’re together, thank God, but face some really tough choices.
171
2K
21K
Kyiv today. Can’t wait to look toward that beautiful horizon without hearing artillery in the background.
133
2K
21K
Ukrainian soldier on front lines in eastern Ukraine told me that a Russian Orlan-10 drone was orbiting over his position to “target howitzer artillery fire” — resulting in multiple Ukrainian fatalities and wounded. He stressed the need for more anti-aircraft systems.
161
5K
20K
A moment of beauty today on the outskirts of Kyiv.
156
1K
20K
Then go to Ukraine and see.
894
2K
20K
From a Ukrainian soldier on the front lines in the Donbas:
‘We're doing comparatively good on the ground. But unless we get direct air support immediately, we're f...ed.
The Russians are too many...
Especially in Air force and cruise missiles.’
260
4K
19K
A soldier in this trench today told me: “There is no other choice, this is our motherland, this is our duty — we have to fight. And even if Kyiv is destroyed, the rest of the country will never stop fighting.”
130
3K
19K
Gunfire in central Kyiv. Very tense moments. Russians are in the city.
192
4K
19K
I think it’s high time to call on North Korea to stop arming the Russian military and to urge Moscow to immediately sue for peace on Kyiv’s terms. Those war profiteers in Pyonyang just want to prolong the war and fight it to the last Russian, after all.
324
2K
19K
Today: volunteers making camouflage netting for soldiers. Apart from the brave service of Ukraine’s soldiers, civilians across the country are doing whatever they can to help in their nation’s defense.
188
3K
19K
I just received news that my friend Denys Antipov, whom I wrote about in the tweet below, was killed on the front lines.
A Korean language professor and an entrepreneur, Denys was “a dream of a man,” as one one of his colleagues put it.
814
3K
19K
A couple days ago I met Naseem. He supported Ukrainian troops after Russian forces attacked his village east of Kyiv. Naseem also buried dead Russian soldiers in bomb craters & worked out a deal to trade the Russians 4 of their bodies for 2 living Ukrainian POWs.
235
2K
18K
For 8 years, Ukraine's military has transformed, allowing front-line personnel to operate creatively & as autonomously as possible. There's a "start-up" mentality among many troops.
That's a big change from the strict, top-down Soviet chain of command—which Russia still employs.
256
2K
18K
From an American volunteer on the front lines outside of Kyiv:
"Sitting close to the frontline, the last safe mode of transportation leaves for greener pastures. A core group of about 30 foreign fighters remains out of around 200 people who were here just minutes ago..." 1/
604
4K
17K
Russia has no path to victory. A barbaric reversion to indiscriminate warfare will not work. Ukrainians will resist for years if necessary, countless lives will be destroyed & Russia will be doomed for generations
An escalation of this conflict will be a ‘Nero Decree’ for Russia
178
2K
17K
I recently met Oleksandr.
When Russian troops entered his village east of Kyiv & parked a BMP-2 in his yard, he went right up to them and said, "Get the fuck out of here!"
He urged the Russians to surrender. They refused. Today a blasted, burnt-out BMP-2 sits in his yard.
293
2K
17K
I was on hand to watch workers dismantling the Ukraine-Russia friendship statue today in Kyiv — it stood since 1982, now 2 months into the war, this probably isn’t what Moscow had in mind…
335
2K
16K
I'm sitting here, waiting for the lights to go off and my links to the outside world to go dead. I'm sitting here, thinking about all my friends across this country, and on the front lines. I'm sitting here, wondering what a parent tells a child on a night like this.
189
2K
16K
With my wife in the bomb shelter. This is the daily routine in Kyiv these days.
368
1K
16K
If America goes down the road of abandoning Ukraine, future generations will condemn us for our shortsighted stupidity. If we unleash our country’s material might, we have the chance to save Ukraine and reverse Russia’s mad grasp at empire without American troops firing a shot —
1K
3K
16K
The momentum of everyday life is extraordinary — here in Kyiv, traffic still flowing as normal, busses operating, people on sidewalks. All with the irregular drumbeat of explosions every few minutes in the background.
125
2K
16K
Watch this. And every time Russia says it’s not deliberately killing civilians, watch it again.
Missile attack on the Kharkiv regional administration, Sumska 64. Grad shelling at residential areas. Putin now in total war with Ukraine.
1K
15K
28K
270
6K
16K
Series of massive explosions in Kyiv. Woke my wife and I up and we ran from bed to the bomb shelter. Nothing this intense in Kyiv for months.
298
2K
15K
It’s dark, my wife and I have moved our mattress to a windowless hallway. Now we discuss — should we go ahead and sleep in the bomb shelter? Or wait until the next air raid alert? This is the twilight zone reality we share with all other Ukrainians tonight.
389
2K
14K
and to feel a chill that has nothing to do with the cold as we brace for a distant madman's wrath. It's just unreal, and unbelievably tragic. I'm sitting here, waiting to hear the booms of the missiles and bombs.
83
1K
14K
I haven’t seen my wife since the war started, so I came to visit her in a little town in southern France, where she’s been living since before the Feb. 24 invasion (I suspected the full-scale war would happen, so she left Ukraine ahead of time)… 1/
146
1K
14K
President Zelenskyy announces International Legion for the Territorial Defense of Ukraine, declaring ‘all citizens of the world, friends of Ukraine, peace & democracy’ can come & ‘fight side by side with the Ukrainians against the Russian war criminals.’
190
3K
14K
Typical attire in Kyiv these days for the morning commute.
210
1K
14K
Each day I’m moved by all the reunions w/people I encountered every day in Kyiv before the full-scale war. At my gym, which just re-opened, people give hugs & handshakes & act as if we’re family. Today at a grocery store, the cashier had tears in his eyes when he saw me
131
1K
14K
This is the most dangerous moment I've seen in Ukraine in years.
Tonight, a war that many people in America can only imagine thanks to Hollywood movies, teeters on the razor thin edge of becoming real.
Tonight in Ukraine we go to sleep not knowing what tomorrow will bring.
587
7K
13K
A friend of mine in the Ukrainian army, currently deployed near Izyum, sent me this picture of his section of the front.
“The Russians are trying to break through our defenses,” he said.
480
2K
13K
One thing that stood out for me when I interviewed a Ukrainian MiG-29 pilot was how the Ukrainian Air Force was smartly choosing the time and place of its engagements to stay in the fight and inflict maximum damage. /1
96
1K
13K
In Kyiv, schools have resumed online learning, the nightly curfew is 2 hours shorter, some cafes & restaurants are open, children are in playgrounds & joggers are on the sidewalks. Bit by bit, some of life’s normal rhythms resume - even w/the habitual background din of shelling.
90
2K
13K
What an inspiring moment — despite the blackouts, Kyiv has illuminated St. Sophia’s Cathedral tonight for Christmas Eve.
83
2K
13K
Quick public service announcement— when driving up to a military checkpoint at night in wartime, turn off your headlights and turn on the overhead lamp inside your car.
It’s a little tough to see, that’s true, but significantly helps out the soldiers who are on guard and on edge
106
1K
13K
Damn it, another air raid alert.
At the beginning people ran to the shelter with tears in their eyes. Now they crack jokes about getting a workout from repeatedly running up and down the stairs.
85
1K
13K
For my🇺🇸friends: I wish you could visit Ukraine, somehow teleport over here for a moment, & experience the gratitude that I get each day from civilians & soldiers for what the US has done to help them fight to save their country & their nation from annihilation. You’d be proud.
341
2K
13K
and we wake up tomorrow and laugh off our unnecessary anxieties and go on living like any other day.
Until the sun goes down, and the unthinkable looms possible once again.
254
844
12K
Reported footage of the moment of the explosion. Lots of speculation circulating about the cause — from a squad of Ukrainian sappers or a missile, or a truck bomb. Whatever the case, a blow to Russia - psychologically and logistically.
381
2K
12K
An important note: this American is a special ops veteran who completed combat deployments to Afghanistan. He came to Ukraine before Russia's full-scale war on Feb. 24. He is an experienced, well-trained soldier who gave up his lucrative career in the US in order to help Ukraine
460
1K
12K
Today was the funeral of Oleksandr Makhov, a Ukrainian journalist and soldier who died in combat. A solemn reminder of the war’s ongoing toll, and the price Ukrainians continue to pay for their nation’s freedom and survival.
214
2K
12K
A couple weeks ago I wrote a story about Oleksandr Makhov, a Ukrainian journalist & war veteran who had a ‘veteran’s suitcase’ ready to go w/all his gear in case he was mobilized.
Today he sent me this photo and said: “I am in the Army.”
Story:
89
1K
12K
After more than a month of living like a cave man, finally got a hair cut today. Taras, my barber, has stayed in Kyiv since the full-scale war began. He’s been back at work for more than a week.
173
611
12K
I'm sitting here, wondering what our world is going to look like when the sun comes up a few hours from now. There's been a lot of false alarms, and I hope, hope beyond hope, that tonight is one too...
64
998
12K
Today I interviewed Archimandrite Makariy, the governor of St. Theodosius monastery in Kyiv. He's decided to take up arms and defend his monastery, should Russian forces enter Kyiv.
190
2K
12K
“We are all right. We are motivated. We will fight. We will resist,” Sergey, a member of Kyiv’s territorial defense force, which has been armed and deployed to defend the city.
141
1K
12K
Eight years ago today, a Russian mortar killed my friend, Daniel Kasyanenko, a 19-year-old Ukrainian solider who volunteered to fight for his country after Russia first invaded in 2014.
He was only 19, but Daniel had an uncanny ability to put the war in perspective. He
814
2K
12K
The explosions are ongoing in Kyiv — an impromptu New Year’s party in the bomb shelter.
283
1K
12K
Starting tomorrow, we can buy booze again in Kyiv.
223
495
11K
Today I visited a church in Horenka, a village near Kyiv that was devastated by fighting, to observe Easter celebrations. The priest, Ivan, insisted that I join them for a meal. In an instant, I went from stranger to friend.
115
1K
11K
NEW: My interview with a Ukrainian MiG-29 pilot.
“It’s our land, it’s our families, it’s our cities. We are defending them. That’s the main motivation for us. And we succeed in this, because the Russians are surprised. They are fucking surprised.”
224
2K
11K
This one hits hard.
Oleksandr Makhov, a friend, was killed in combat. A Ukrainian journalist who became a soldier after Russia invaded his hometown in 2014, he went back to war after Russia’s full-scale invasion.
I wrote this about him on Feb. 4:
322
2K
11K
Russia has already suffered a strategic defeat in Ukraine. That happened when Ukrainians held their ground and saved Kyiv.
1.5 years later, Ukrainians are fighting for far more than lines on a map.
They fight to liberate their fellow citizens living under Russia's brutal
1K
2K
11K