Kyrylo Budanov

The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, announced a successful prisoner exchange, within which young, seriously ill, and wounded defenders were returned. He announced new good news regarding exchanges in the near future.

Mi helicopters form the basis of Ukraine's army aviation, performing critical combat, logistics and rescue missions in wartime, including the evacuation of the wounded from Mariupol. The effectiveness of their use, despite their age and the complexity of modernization, depends on well-thought-out logistics, repair and crew training.

The SBU prevented an assassination attempt on sniper Denys Yermak, brother of the head of the President's Office. The assassination was planned to be carried out by detonating an explosive device weighing 2.5 kg, made by an executor from Kharkiv.

The SBU uncovered two assassination attempts on President Zelenskyy. One of them, organized by UDO and FSB colonels, was planned in the Office of the President; the other, with a Polish pensioner, at Rzeszów Airport.

During the day, 69 combat engagements took place on the front, of which 30 attacks were carried out in the Toretsk and Pokrovsk directions. Ukrainian soldiers are repelling enemy attacks, while Russian troops are trying to advance in Donetsk and Kharkiv regions.

Ukraine is planning targeted strikes in response to Russia's aggression, noting the "intellectual regression" of the occupiers' leadership. Sanctions are inflicting "tangible damage" on the Russian economy, confirming the correctness of the chosen course of pressure.

President Zelenskyy, HUR Chief Budanov, and other officials showed new footage of Ukrainian defenders released from Russian captivity. Minister of Defense Umerov noted that this is part of the agreements reached in Istanbul, and the work on their return continues.

Ukraine is preparing a new stage of prisoner exchange with Russia. Recently, a group of severely wounded and seriously ill soldiers, most of whom are defenders of Mariupol, returned from Russian captivity.

The first memorial to military intelligence officers in Ukraine has appeared in Kyiv. It honors the memory of GUR employees and foreigners who died for the independence of Ukraine.

Severely wounded and sick Ukrainian defenders, including the defenders of Mariupol, have been released from Russian captivity. They will receive medical assistance, rehabilitation, and payments.

Kyrylo Budanov announced the preparation of a new stage of the prisoner exchange. Today, soldiers returned home, including defenders of Mariupol.

Zelenskyy warned that the transfer of Russian-Iranian drone technologies to North Korea poses a serious threat to Europe and Asia. He called for an immediate response before Seoul and Tokyo come under attack.

According to Kyrylo Budanov, North Korea has transferred 120 long-range artillery systems to Russia, which have performed well in combat. Also, about 11,000 North Korean soldiers are located in the Kursk region.

According to Kyrylo Budanov, Russia is transferring technologies to North Korea for the production of Shahed-type drones and the modernization of KN-23 ballistic missiles. This will significantly increase the accuracy of the missiles.

Ukraine has returned its defenders from Russian captivity. Among those released are defenders of Mariupol, the wounded, and those who are not yet 25 years old.

As part of the agreements in Istanbul, a prisoner exchange took place, the first group of soldiers under 25 was returned, including the defenders of Mariupol. Work is underway to repatriate the bodies of the dead.

Russia is manipulating the topic of exchange in order to disrupt the process and discredit Ukraine. The Russian Federation seeks to justify aggression by accusing Ukraine of disrupting agreements.

Ukraine is facing information pressure and attempts by Russia to dictate the terms of the exchange. The start of repatriation measures is scheduled for next week.

Intelligence reported on the increase of personnel by Russia, strikes on cities and weapons production. Ukraine needs investments in the defense industry, air defense equipment and long-range weapons.

Polish President Andrzej Duda awarded Kyrylo Budanov the Gold Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit to Poland. Vadym Skibitsky was also awarded the Knight's Cross.

Dmytro Lubinets gave advice on how to support former prisoners of war. It is important to show respect, empathy and adhere to psychological boundaries.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Georgiy Tikhiy called for an end to Soviet nostalgia, emphasizing that the collapse of the USSR was a moment of hope. Earlier, Putin's advisor stated that the USSR allegedly still exists from a legal point of view.

The Ukrainian and Russian delegations agreed on a prisoner exchange in the "1000 for 1000" format at the talks in Istanbul. The exchange may take place as early as next week.

Former Deputy Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Illya Pavlenko spoke about innovations and modernization of intelligence. Budanov's team works around the clock, and the capabilities of Ukrainian intelligence are unique.

GUR presented the Magura series of naval drones for the first time, which are capable of destroying enemy ships and aircraft. With the help of drones, 15 targets were destroyed, including 2 Mi-8 helicopters and 2 Su-30 aircraft.

Russian occupiers use "Raptor", "Grachonok" type boats to patrol near Sevastopol and other locations in Crimea. They also involve helicopters, airplanes and drones for reconnaissance.

Commander of the 3rd Army Corps Biletskyi and head of the GUR Budanov may become important political figures after the war. Volunteer Prytula is already showing pre-election activity.

Representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Yevhen Yerin stated that the Black Sea is no longer safe for Russians. The Defence Forces continue to improve Magura drones, making them even more effective.

Ukrainian intelligence has for the first time destroyed two Su-30 fighters with AIM-9 missiles fired from Magura-7 unmanned boats in the Black Sea. This is the first time in history.

A representative of the GUR reported on the preparation of the next operations to return prisoners. Over 5 thousand have already been returned through exchanges and 500 outside of them, there are positive developments regarding the inclusion of the seriously wounded.