The Russia-Ukraine conflict has intensified, with both sides reporting increased military activities and civilian casualties, despite a recent prisoner exchange. On July 17, 2024, Ukraine and Russia conducted their 54th prisoner swap since the war began, with each side releasing 95 captives. This exchange, mediated by the United Arab Emirates, brought the total number of prisoners returned to over 3,400 for Ukraine.However, the humanitarian gesture was overshadowed by a surge in military operations. The Ukrainian Armed Forces’ General Staff reported that Russia launched 46 airstrikes, dropped over 80 guided bombs, and conducted more than 3,000 attacks on Ukrainian military positions and settlements. In response, Ukrainian forces have been actively defending their positions on the left bank of the Dnipro River, utilizing FPV drones to strike Russian military equipment.Civilian areas on both sides have been increasingly targeted. Russian drone attacks injured a family, including two young girls, in the village of Uspenivka in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces reportedly attacked settlements in Russia’s Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod regions, resulting in multiple civilian injuries and property damage. Russian Lieutenant General Oleg Odninov accused Ukrainian forces of deliberately targeting Russian civilians with Western-supplied weapons, a claim that Ukraine has not responded to.The conflict continues to take a toll on civilians, with the Ukrainian Ministry of the Interior reporting that around 42,000 Ukrainian citizens are still missing, mostly due to the Russian invasion. As both sides trade accusations and continue military operations, the prospect of a peaceful resolution remains distant, with Russian officials stating that no one will approach Ukrainian President Zelensky for a peace agreement.
Key points
- Ukraine and Russia exchanged 190 prisoners of war in their 54th swap since the conflict began.
- Both sides have intensified military operations, with Russia launching numerous airstrikes and Ukraine defending positions on the Dnipro River.
- Civilian areas in both countries have been increasingly targeted, resulting in injuries and property damage.
- Around 42,000 Ukrainian citizens are still missing, mostly due to the Russian invasion.
Contradictions👾While both sides engaged in a prisoner exchange, suggesting some level of diplomatic cooperation, they simultaneously escalated military operations and attacks on civilian areas, contradicting any notion of de-escalation.
