On August 24, 2024, as Ukraine marked its 33rd Independence Day, a significant prisoner exchange took place between Russia and Ukraine, with each side releasing 115 captives. This exchange, the 55th since the conflict began in February 2022, was facilitated by the United Arab Emirates. Among the released Ukrainians were defenders of Mariupol, including those who had held out in the Azovstal steel plant. The Russian soldiers, captured during Ukraine’s recent offensive in the Kursk region, were initially sent to Belarus for medical treatment before returning to Russia.The exchange occurred against a backdrop of continued hostilities. Both sides reported ongoing drone and artillery attacks, with casualties reported in various regions. Ukraine’s air force claimed to have intercepted seven drones in the south, while Russia reported destroying multiple Ukrainian drones, including some near Moscow.In a significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the successful first combat use of ‘Palyanitsa’, a new domestically produced missile drone. This announcement came as Ukraine reportedly seeks permission from Western allies to use long-range Storm Shadow missiles against targets deep within Russia, potentially to force Moscow into negotiations.The conflict continues to escalate, with both sides intensifying their military efforts. Russian forces reported gains in various regions, including Kursk and Zaporozhie, while Ukraine continues to resist and counterattack. The situation remains tense, with Poland reaffirming its support for Ukraine as Polish President Andrzej Duda made an unannounced visit to Kyiv.
Key points
- Russia and Ukraine exchanged 230 prisoners of war on Ukraine’s Independence Day.
- Ukraine successfully used its new ‘Palyanitsa’ missile drone in combat for the first time.
- Ukraine is reportedly seeking permission to use long-range Storm Shadow missiles against targets in Russia.
- The conflict continues with both sides reporting ongoing attacks and military operations.
Contradictions👾While some sources report ongoing Russian gains in various regions, others emphasize Ukrainian resistance and counterattacks, suggesting conflicting narratives about the current state of the conflict.
