Ukraine
Three children and a young boy, taken by the occupiers from the Oleshky orphanage-boarding school, have been returned to Ukraine. The return took place with the mediation of the State of Qatar and the team of the Office of the Ombudsman of Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will not give its land to the occupiers.
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.
The occupation authorities in the temporarily occupied territories are canceling the celebration of Miner's Day. The reason is social tension and fears that mass events will turn into spontaneous protests.
ISW analysts indicate that the Kremlin is trying to justify the disruption of the Putin-Zelenskyy meeting by citing the alleged illegitimacy of the Ukrainian President. Russian officials, including Lavrov, question Zelenskyy's right to sign any peace agreements.
On August 22, Russian troops lost 840 soldiers, 5 tanks, and 23 artillery systems. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 23.08.25 amount to 1,075,160 personnel.
First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Serhiy Kyslytsia stated that there are no signs of Putin's readiness for negotiations. Russia is manipulating the US, while Zelenskyy is ready to discuss territorial issues, starting from the line of contact.
On August 23, rains and thunderstorms are expected in Ukraine, significant in places, with hail and squalls. There will be no precipitation in Kyiv and the region.
On August 23, Ukraine celebrates the Day of the State Flag and Kharkiv City Day. Also today is International Blind Dog Day, European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism, and International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.
Over 800,000 Ukrainians have issued a Diia. Card just over a week after its launch. The card allows receiving state payments and combining personal funds with targeted ones.
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.
The Kremlin considers a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy unlikely, fearing reputational consequences. Russian officials refuse the meeting, balancing between the domestic audience and sanctions.
Oleksiy Khabarov, international master of sports, died in the war. He was the founder of the shooting club "Phoenix" and a multiple record holder of Ukraine.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is doing everything to end the war, which, according to him, began in 2014 "against the population of Donbas. " He also noted that "Russia has no unfriendly countries, there are unfriendly elites" and expressed hope for the restoration of relations with the United States with Trump's arrival.
Oleksandr Lukashenka stated that he would not release political prisoners, despite his promise to Donald Trump. He refers to public opinion and the lack of support for the release of "bandits."
Keith Kellogg, Special Representative of US President Donald Trump, will arrive in Ukraine on August 23. He will participate in a prayer breakfast and Independence Day ceremonies, and will also discuss diplomatic issues.
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.
Donald Trump said he could invite Vladimir Putin to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the US. The decision depends on the development of events and future relations.
US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the Russian attack on the Flex plant in Mukachevo. As a result of the August 21 attack, 23 people were injured.
Russia estimated the minimum repair time for the damaged Druzhba oil pipeline at five days after the Ukrainian strike on August 21. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó discussed the situation with Russian Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin.
Donald Trump expressed his desire to meet with Putin and Zelenskyy. He noted that many consider such a meeting to be fruitless.
US President Donald Trump expressed concern about events in Ukraine, expecting the situation to be resolved within two weeks. Earlier, a high-ranking official of his administration suggested that Ukraine would have to accept a peace agreement on Moscow's terms.
On August 23, traffic in the center of Kyiv will be temporarily restricted. This is due to security measures involving foreign delegations.
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.
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.
Bill No. 13685, registered in the Verkhovna Rada, proposes to allow men who have not reached conscription age to travel abroad. The document also enshrines the state's right to restrict the departure of conscripts and those liable for military service.
Ukrainian swimmer Nikita Sheremet won "gold" in the 50m freestyle at the Junior World Championships in Romania. He set a new junior record for Ukraine and equaled the junior world record.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated its objective position on the "Ukrainian crisis", its readiness to promote a political settlement, and the "constructive role" of the PRC in the overall direction of resolving the issue of the war waged by Russia in Ukraine.
As of August 22, 2025, Ukrainian agrarians have harvested over 27. 25 million tons of grain and leguminous crops. In Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, and Kharkiv regions, the harvesting of sunflower and soybeans has begun.