Ukraine conducted a prisoner exchange, bringing home servicemen of the Armed Forces, National Guard, State Border Guard Service, and civilians. Most of them had been in captivity since 2022, including journalist Dmytro Khyliuk.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated the need to strengthen the Armed Forces of Ukraine due to the lack of balance between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. He emphasized the cooperation of the "Coalition of the Willing" with the United States to deter Russia.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has always sought partnership with Hungary. Now, the further state of these relations depends exclusively on Hungary itself.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine uses its own long-range weapons to strike Russian territory. He refuted reports of restrictions from the US, emphasizing that this issue was never discussed.
Local authorities announced an artificial reduction in mobile internet speed with the aim of "protecting public order. "
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Putin cannot be trusted, and Russia must be deterred from threatening the freedom of Ukraine and Europe. He emphasized the need to strengthen the Armed Forces of Ukraine and support Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy celebrated the 34th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence, hosting delegations from Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, and Great Britain. He thanked international partners for their support in the war and emphasized the heroism of Ukrainian soldiers.
The SBU and SSO of the Armed Forces of Ukraine carried out a repeated drone attack on the gas processing complex in the Russian port of Ust-Luga. This is the second such operation this year, aimed at limiting Moscow's revenues from energy trade.
The Minister of Defense of Ukraine met with his Latvian counterpart, discussing further cooperation. Latvia allocated 2 million euros for arms procurement and participates in the Drone Coalition.
Canada will allocate over $1 billion for the supply of drones, ammunition, and armored vehicles to Ukraine. This aid will arrive next month.
Ukraine and Sweden have signed an agreement on joint production of armaments and military equipment on the territory of both countries. The document was signed by the defense ministers on August 23 in Kyiv, focusing on technology exchange and cooperation in military aviation.
President Zelenskyy congratulated Ukrainians on Independence Day, emphasizing that the strength of the state is formed by the daily work and courage of every citizen. He stressed that Ukraine resolutely responds to aggression, defending its sovereignty.
On August 24, unknown UAVs attacked an oil refinery in Syzran and the port of Ust-Luga. A fire was reported at the NOVATEK terminal, with no casualties.
Ukrainian Defense Forces are holding back the onslaught of the occupiers, inflicting significant losses on the enemy. Over the past day, 179 combat engagements were recorded, 910 occupiers and a large amount of equipment were destroyed.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi congratulated his fellow citizens on Independence Day, noting that Ukrainians are celebrating the 34th anniversary in battle. He emphasized that true Independence is impossible without a strong army.
Drone operators of "Prime" from the 5th border detachment destroyed a telecommunication tower and a fuel and lubricants depot belonging to the Russians. A mortar installation, a satellite communication terminal, and an enemy dugout were also eliminated.
Ukrainian military, together with RDK and the HUR MO's "Brotherhood," stopped the Russian offensive in Donetsk region, preventing their advance to the Dnipropetrovsk region. During the battles, 16 prisoners were captured, including "flag bearers" for staged videos.
Servicemen of the 37th Marine Brigade and the 214th Separate Assault Battalion OPFOR are holding Zelenyi Hai in Donetsk region. The enemy is trying to regain control, but Ukrainian military personnel are holding their positions.
The General Staff reports 71 combat engagements at the front as of 4:00 PM. The most active battles are ongoing in the Pokrovsk and Novopavlivka directions.
AFU officer Andriy Tkachuk does not consider a repeated invasion from Belarus during joint exercises with Russia. He believes that the exercises are aimed at pressuring the Baltic countries and Poland.
The "Yellow Ribbon" movement adorned the occupied cities of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson regions, and Crimea with Ukrainian flags. The action took place on August 23, Ukraine's National Flag Day, covering Yevpatoria, Sevastopol, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zhdanivka, Henichesk, Berdiansk, Mariupol, Simferopol, and Nova Kakhovka.
Major Serhiy Bondar, deputy squadron commander of the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade, died after completing a combat mission. He successfully destroyed enemy air targets and struck at the occupiers' positions.
A group that carried out an armed robbery on the 89-year-old mother of a Ukrainian soldier has been detained in Kharkiv. The attackers believed that the woman kept about 50 thousand US dollars in the apartment.
Russia attacked Ukraine with 49 Shahed drones and decoys. Air defense forces neutralized 36 enemy UAVs in the north, east, and center of the country.
General Oleksandr Syrskyi congratulated the defenders of Ukraine on State Flag Day. He emphasized that the blue and yellow flag is a symbol of freedom and the struggle for independence.
On the night of August 23, 2025, Major Serhiy Bondar, a MiG-29 fighter pilot, died. He crashed upon landing after completing a combat mission.
Fighters of the "Hart" brigade, using FPV drones, hit an enemy cannon, mortar, and machine gun near Vovchansk. Two vehicles and elements of the occupiers' communication and drone control system were also destroyed.
On August 22, 107 combat engagements took place. The enemy launched 1 missile and 52 air strikes, using 1419 kamikaze drones. The Armed Forces of Ukraine repelled numerous attacks, eliminating 53 occupiers in the Pokrovsk direction.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine warned Minsk against ill-conceived provocations. This is related to the planned military exercises on the territory of Belarus.
Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak announced that the first drafts of security guarantees for Ukraine will be ready next week. These guarantees include strengthening the Armed Forces of Ukraine, developing the military-industrial complex, and a clear action plan in case of aggression, similar to NATO's Article 5.
