Zelenskyy promotes Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi to the rank of general

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has promoted Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, to the rank of General. This promotion was formalized through a presidential decree, No. 580, dated August 23, 2024. Before this promotion, Syrskyi held the rank of Colonel General.

Whatever enemy was bringing to our land has now returned to their home – Zelenskyy on Ukraine's Independence Day

On the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine's Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a powerful message to the nation, emphasizing Ukraine's resilience and determination in the face of Russian aggression. In his address, which he recorded from Sumy Oblast near the Russian border, Zelenskyy reflected on the significance of Ukraine's independence, drawing a stark contrast between Ukraine's sovereignty and Russia's oppressive actions.

He noted that while Russia sought to destabilize and occupy Ukrainian territory, the strength and resolve of the Ukrainian people had turned the tide. Zelenskyy highlighted the recent successful military operation in Russia's Kursk Oblast as evidence of Ukraine's ability to surprise and inspire the world. He also criticized the Russian authorities for their disregard for their own citizens, contrasting this with the unity and courage shown by Ukrainians.

Zelenskyy expressed deep gratitude to all who defend Ukraine, both domestically and internationally, and vowed that Russia would face consequences for its actions. He framed Ukraine's struggle as not just a fight for its own survival, but as a moral stand against tyranny, with global significance.

The President closed his address by affirming that Ukraine's spirit of independence fuels its ongoing fight and inspires the world, promising that justice would prevail and that those who brought suffering to Ukraine would eventually face the consequences of their actions.

Russians target Toretsk and drop bomb on Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast

On Friday, 23 August, Russian forces launched another attack on Donetsk Oblast, resulting in injuries to three civilians. According to Anastasiia Miedviedieva, the spokesperson for the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office, the city of Toretsk was struck by artillery, injuring a 63-year-old local resident who sustained shrapnel wounds to his leg.

Additionally, the settlement of Kurakhove was bombed by Russian forces. The attack injured two women, aged 22 and 61, in the central part of the settlement. The women suffered abrasions and cut wounds and received medical assistance.

Pre-trial investigations have been initiated under Article 438.1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which addresses violations of the laws and customs of war.

115 Ukrainian soldiers returned from Russian captivity

On August 24, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the successful return of 115 Ukrainian soldiers from Russian captivity. The soldiers, who were from the National Guard, army, navy, and State Border Guard Service, included notable defenders from Azovstal in Mariupol and National Guardsmen who had been stationed at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Others had defended various regions across Ukraine, including Kyiv, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kherson oblasts.

Zelensky expressed his gratitude for the efforts made to secure the release of these soldiers, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to bringing all Ukrainian POWs back home. Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets highlighted that many of those returned were in serious health conditions.

Zelensky also thanked the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other partners for their role in facilitating the exchange. The UAE, along with Saudi Arabia, has played a significant mediating role in prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia. The UAE Foreign Ministry acknowledged the cooperation of both Ukrainian and Russian governments and noted that a total of 1,788 POWs have been exchanged through their mediation.

This exchange marked the 55th such swap since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, bringing the total number of returned Ukrainian POWs to 3,520. The Russian Defense Ministry also confirmed the return of 115 Russian soldiers who had been captured during Ukraine's ongoing offensive in Kursk Oblast as part of this latest exchange.