US Vice President J. D. Vance stated that Ukrainians will independently determine the territorial borders of their state. This was said on the NBC program "Meet the Press."
Ukraine conducted its 68th prisoner exchange on Independence Day. Military personnel and civilians returned, including journalists and the former mayor of Kherson.
President Zelenskyy thanked the military for long-range strikes and announced "good surprises" for Russians in Donbas. Details will be announced by the Commander-in-Chief.
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.
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.
On August 22, 2025, an explosion in the Luhansk region eliminated Russian occupiers involved in crimes in Bucha. Two pickup trucks and a UAZ "Bukhanka" with ammunition were also destroyed.
In Lviv, border guards of the 7th Carpathian Border Detachment created a living flag of Ukraine on Mount Baba Rod. The wife of Hero of Ukraine Roman Hakh lit blue and yellow smoke bombs.
Russian servicemen in the Kherson direction are burning their equipment to avoid advancing to positions. This creates opportunities for the advancement of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reports the partisan movement "ATESH".
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin demands that Ukraine withdraw troops from Donbas and refuse to join NATO. In return, Moscow is ready to stop the war along the current front line in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.
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 SBU detained a Ukrainian Armed Forces officer who was leaking unit geolocations to the enemy and directing air attacks. He was also looking for candidates for recruitment to the FSB.
A resident of Kharkiv region, a former fighter of the Aidar battalion, has been charged in absentia. He participated in interviews for Russian propagandists, denying Russian aggression and promoting enemy narratives.
Russian troops advanced in the Serebryansky forest area and near the settlement of Olhivske in Luhansk region. This is confirmed by updated DeepState data.
121 combat engagements took place at the front, 40 of them in the Pokrovsk direction. The enemy launched missile and air strikes, used kamikaze drones and shelling.
Emergency rescue operations have been completed in a 5-story building in Kharkiv that was hit by a Russian strike on August 18. As a result of the attack, 7 people died, including 2 children, and 24 more residents were injured.
Alexander Milonov, brother of Russian MP Vitaly Milonov, died in the war against Ukraine. He fought as part of the intelligence unit of the "3rd Combined Arms Army of the LPR" since January 2025.
Donald Trump stated that Ukraine will receive "a lot of land" after the war with Russia ends. He did not specify details, but noted that this would "save lives" of Ukrainians.
At the National Children's Hospital "Okhmatdyt", the restoration of the treatment and diagnostic building, damaged by aggression, is underway. Over 2000 m² of facade have already been dismantled, new windows installed, and internal premises renovated, while the hospital continues to admit patients.
On the night of August 19, Ukrainian long-range SBU drones hit two Russian ammunition depots in Bilokurakyne, Luhansk region. This weakened the supply of ammunition to the front, particularly in the Pokrovsk direction.
Ukraine has returned 1,000 bodies of fallen soldiers as a result of repatriation efforts. Among them are 5 bodies of servicemen who died in captivity, and Defenders from various directions.
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. "
Ukraine will not accept any deal, including territorial concessions to Russia, and insists on a ceasefire. Kyiv also rejects Putin's proposal to freeze the front line and demands full compensation for damages.
The former CEO of FC "Zorya" Serhiy Rafailov has had his suspicion changed. He is accused of tax evasion of UAH 5 million and collaboration with the occupiers.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that the number of Ukraine's Defense Forces will not sharply decrease after the war. This will be a planned and calculated process that will not be quick.
A video has been published showing a Russian soldier with a white armband shooting a civilian in the Rodynske area. An investigation into a war crime has been launched following the death of the person.
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.
In the occupied Luhansk region, over 500 teenagers and young people are involved in "student labor detachments. " They are used as free labor, which is a violation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
US President Donald Trump will pressure Volodymyr Zelenskyy for Ukraine to cede the unoccupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. About 75% of Ukrainians oppose any official transfer of land to Russia.
Donald Trump stated that Volodymyr Zelenskyy could immediately end the war if Ukraine renounces Crimea and NATO membership. According to the US president, "some things never change."
American senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal are considering a bill to recognize Russia and Belarus as state sponsors of terrorism. This is due to the systematic abduction of Ukrainian children during the war, which threatens their Ukrainian identity.
