The Russian Human Rights Commissioner and a representative of the Office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights met with the mediation of Belarus. The parties discussed family reunification, visits to prisoners, and exchange of letters.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko met with US President's Special Representative Keith Kellogg. Security guarantees, critical minerals, and cooperation in reconstruction were discussed.
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine records an increase in attempts of illegal border crossing. Since the beginning of 2025, over 13,000 people have been detained, some repeatedly.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Kyiv needs security guarantees similar to NATO membership. He believes this could convince Putin to make concessions without threatening Russia.
Ukraine and Canada have agreed to develop mental health programs for veterans, create mobile complexes for prosthetics, and veteran spaces. The parties also discussed strengthening sanctions pressure on Russia.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha responded to Hungarian Minister Szijjártó's criticism regarding Zelenskyy's statements. Sybiha called on Hungary to diversify energy resources and become independent from Russia.
European politicians explained what guarantees EU countries can offer Ukraine. At the moment, peace negotiations without a ceasefire are simply Putin's pipe dream.
French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Ukraine on Independence Day, noting the courage of its people. He assured of France's unwavering support in the fight for justice and peace.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris was illuminated in blue and yellow on August 24 in honor of Ukraine's Independence Day. This symbolizes France's solidarity with Ukraine; similar actions are taking place in various European countries.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that strikes on enterprises with foreign capital that could be used for military purposes are justified, and accused the West of disrupting negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. He also questioned the legitimacy of President Zelenskyy and rejected accusations of attacks on civilian targets.
MEP Rihards Kols stated that the prime ministers of Hungary and Slovakia, Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico, are destroying Europe from within. He expressed disappointment with Europe's stance and hope for changes in Hungary after the upcoming elections.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used a national holiday to threaten Budapest. Szijjártó called on Zelenskyy to stop threatening and attacking energy security.
US Vice President J. D. Vance expects peace to be achieved in Ukraine within six months. Earlier, Vance stated that Russia had abandoned attempts to create a puppet government in Kyiv.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney inspected the latest Ukrainian weapons and equipment developments. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of developing domestic production for the state's defense.
The released defenders of Ukraine were greeted along the roads with flags and sincere smiles. Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets shared a video where Ukrainians meet the liberated heroes.
The "Yellow Ribbon" movement, together with Ukrainians all over the world, reminds that Ukraine remembers its occupied cities. Hundreds of people from the temporarily occupied territories conveyed greetings to Ukrainians on Independence Day through the "Yellow Ribbon" platform.
Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár stated that attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline threaten fuel supplies to Ukraine. The Slovak plant Slovnaft provides 10% of Ukraine's diesel consumption.
Ukrainian troops regained control over Novomykhailivka in Donetsk region, expelling Russian occupiers. The operation was carried out by the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) and the 2nd Assault Battalion of the Third Assault Brigade.
US Vice President J. D. Vance stated that the Trump administration is considering new sanctions against Russia's oil industry. The goal is to force Moscow to agree to a peace deal with Ukraine using economic pressure.
In the first seven months of 2025, over 5,400 Ukrainians illegally crossed the border into Romania. This is fewer than last year, and a special legal regime of temporary protection applies to them.
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."
President Zelenskyy stated that the presence of a foreign contingent is an important part of security guarantees for Ukraine, but it is currently too early to discuss it. He noted that infrastructure must first be prepared, where the Ukrainian army will play a key role.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Russia has no right to choose security guarantees for Ukraine, as it seeks a long war. President Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine needs security guarantees that will protect it from Russian aggression.
US Vice President J. D. Vance stated that Russia has recognized the impossibility of establishing a puppet regime in Ukraine. This was Russia's main demand at the beginning of the war.
Ukraine deepens cooperation with Denmark in the defense industry. The next step will be the production of Ukrainian weapons on the territory of Denmark.
Ukraine conducted its 68th prisoner exchange on Independence Day. Military personnel and civilians returned, including journalists and the former mayor of Kherson.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney does not rule out the presence of Canadian military personnel in Ukraine as part of security guarantees. He emphasized that the basis of the guarantees is strong Armed Forces, as well as military equipment and training.
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.
UNIAN journalist Dmytro Khyliuk, who had been held as a civilian hostage since March 2022, has been released from Russian captivity. He was abducted by Russian military in Kozarovychi, Kyiv region, and held in a pre-trial detention center in Russia.
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.
