Ukraine conducted its 68th prisoner exchange on Independence Day. Military personnel and civilians returned, including journalists and the former mayor of Kherson.
The "Yellow Ribbon" movement presented the 24independence. day platform for congratulating residents of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine on Independence Day. The website allows sending personal greetings and words of support, uniting Ukrainians.
President Zelenskyy emphasized that Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea are an integral part of Ukraine. He expressed confidence in the future unification of all regions.
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.
China has expressed readiness to participate in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, but only under a UN mandate. In Brussels, the plan met with a mixed reaction due to concerns about China's neutrality.
Kyrylo Vyshinsky, former head of "RIA Novosti Ukraine", died in Moscow. He was detained by the SBU in 2018, and in 2019 he was transferred to Russia during a prisoner exchange.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will not give its land to the occupiers.
Two young men, aged 21 and 22, have been returned from temporarily occupied Crimea thanks to the initiative of the President of Ukraine "Bring Kids Back UA". The young people grew up under occupation and experienced constant pressure.
Pro-government Russian political scientist Sergei Markov was recognized as a "foreign agent". The likely reason is his statement about Russia's responsibility for shooting down an Azerbaijani plane on December 25, 2024.
Units of the Ukrainian Navy successfully attacked a drone basing point at the "Chersonesos" airfield in Sevastopol. Up to three "Mohajer-6" UAVs and two "Forpost" UAVs, which were used for reconnaissance in the Black Sea, were destroyed.
On the night of August 22, the enemy attacked Ukraine with 55 attack UAVs and decoy drones. Defense forces neutralized 46 enemy drones in the north and east of the country.
Russian courts impose fines or arrests for administrative cases of "disrespect" for the authorities. Since 2019, almost 400 Russians and residents of Crimea have been prosecuted under this law.
The fuel crisis is deepening in the regions of the Russian Federation, leading to restrictions on gasoline sales in the regions. The Russian authorities are urgently purchasing fuel from Belarus to meet demand.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy detailed the situation at the front, emphasizing the effectiveness of Ukrainian troops and highlighting the need for international support. He also drew attention to the issue of countering drones, noting a change in the ratio in favor of Ukraine.
The Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the night of August 21 struck a Russian rolling stock with fuel and lubricants near the Dzhankoy railway station. This complicated the supply of the southern grouping of Russian troops.
Ukraine insists on a ceasefire before negotiations with Russia, considering it necessary for a real peace process. President Zelenskyy emphasizes the importance of bilateral agreements and US participation to end the conflict.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia's economy is degrading, and its problems will become noticeable within a year, and critical within two. This will force the Kremlin to seek options for ending the war.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will not compromise on its territories, including Donbas and Crimea. He emphasized that legally, Ukraine does not recognize any occupation.
In Sevastopol, at Cape Chersonesos, there was an arrival at a GRU military unit near the "Pivdenny" airfield. The governor appointed by Russia, Razvozhayev, announced "firefighting exercises."
Russia attacked Ukraine with 574 drones and 40 missiles, including 4 "Kinzhal" missiles. Ukrainian air defense neutralized 546 drones and 31 missiles, including one "Kinzhal" missile.
Donald Trump said he stopped the conflict between Azerbaijan and Albania, likely confusing the latter with Armenia. He also claims that Barack Obama gave Crimea to Russia - "a huge piece of land in the middle of the ocean."
Ukrainian state enterprises earned over UAH 16 billion in profit in 2024, almost twice as much as in 2023. The processing industry and transport sector brought the largest profits.
Naftogaz of Ukraine, despite constant attacks by the Russian Armed Forces, continues to inject gas into storage facilities according to plan. The company finances fuel imports both with its own funds and with the support of international partners.
On the night of August 20, the Russian Federation launched 2 Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 93 drones. The Armed Forces of Ukraine neutralized one missile and 62 drones.
In occupied Crimea, blue barrels with technical water are appearing, indicating a deepening water crisis. The occupation authorities explain this with "drought," but the real reason is mismanagement and infrastructure destruction.
In temporarily occupied Crimea, Russians have launched a new wave of filtration measures. Security forces are searching dormitories and residential areas, looking for "unreliable" individuals.
Donald Trump stated that Ukraine is unlikely to be able to regain Crimea and become a NATO member. He claims that Russia has always blocked Ukraine's accession to the Alliance.
The head of the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the Kremlin "never aimed to occupy the territories of Ukraine," but is trying to "protect Russians. "
Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine, firing four Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 140 drones. Air defense forces neutralized 88 drones, but missile and drone hits were recorded in 25 locations across six regions.
President Zelenskyy arrived in Washington to discuss possible peace agreement terms that were discussed between Trump and Putin in Alaska. Allies are concerned about potential territorial concessions and seek clear security guarantees for Ukraine.
