Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin would be “the most effective way forward” amid stalled diplomatic efforts to end the war, coinciding with Ukraine’s Independence Day.


Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Pushes for Talks with Putin Amid Stalled Peace Efforts

Russian air defense systems intercepted a Ukrainian drone near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant on SUnday (Aug 24), according to a report by Interfax. Despite being shot down, the drone exploded on impact, causing damage to an auxiliary transformer, the plant's press service stated on Telegram. Earlier in the day, Russia’s REN TV, a national broadcaster, reported that a fire had broken out at the plant. The fire reportedly started in a transformer unit located outside the plant’s nuclear area. According to the plant’s press service, there was no danger posed to either the facility or the public

Russia-Ukraine war: Fire breaks out at Kursk nuclear plant, oil refinery

Russia and Ukraine each sent back more prisoners of war on Sunday in the latest in a series of exchanges that have seen hundreds of POWs released this year, the two sides said.Large-scale prisoner exchanges were the only tangible result of three rounds of talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul between May and July.They remain one of the few areas of cooperation between the two countries since Russia's offensive began in 2022."On August 24, 146 Russian servicemen were returned from the territory controlled" by Kyiv, the Russian defence ministry said on Telegram.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-for-today-s-war-and-tomorrow-s-security-ukraine-s-new-flamingo-missile-is-the-gift-that-will-keep-on-giving-1756035953915">‘For today’s war and tomorrow’s security’: Ukraine’s new Flamingo missile is the gift that will keep on giving</a>"In exchange, 146 prisoners of war of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were transferred" to Ukraine, it added. Ukraine did not confirm any figures for the release.Russia also said that "eight citizens of the Russian Federation -- residents of the Kursk region, illegally detained" by Kyiv were also returned.Ukrainian forces launched a surprise incursion into Russia's Kursk region in August last year, seizing hundreds of square kilometres of territory in a setback for the Kremlin.Russia deployed thousands of troops from its ally North Korea as part of a counterattack, but did not fully reclaim the region until April.Among the Ukrainians released on Sunday were "two Ukrainian journalists, Dmytro Khyliuk and Mark Kaliush," Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said in a statement on Telegram."They were illegally detained by the occupiers in 2022 and 2023," the statement added.Press freedom group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) welcomed their release, saying they had been "targeted for their journalistic work"."RSF calls for all those responsible for their abductions and the abuse they suffered in detention to be identified and brought to justice," RSF told AFP, adding: "The 26 Ukrainian media workers still held by the Kremlin must be released".Also freed was former Kherson mayor Volodymyr Mykolayenko, "who spent more than three years in captivity," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's aide, Andriy Yermak, wrote on X."In 2022, he was on the list for return, but Volodymyr voluntarily refused to be exchanged in favour of a seriously ill prisoner with whom he was sharing a cell in a Russian prison," Yermak said.

Russia and Ukraine exchanged 146 prisoners each on August 24, continuing a series of POW swaps amid war. Russia also reported the return of eight civilians detained by Ukrainian forces.

Russia and Ukraine each sent back more prisoners of war on Sunday in the latest in a series of exchanges that have seen hundreds of POWs released this year, the two sides said. Large-scale prisoner exchanges were the only tangible result of three rounds of talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul between May and July. They remain one of the few areas of cooperation between the two countries since Russia's offensive began in 2022. "On August 24, 146 Russian servicemen were returned from the territory controlled" by Kyiv, the Russian defence ministry said on Telegram. Also read: ‘For today’s war and tomorrow’s security’: Ukraine’s new Flamingo missile is the gift that will keep on giving "In exchange, 146 prisoners of war of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were transferred" to Ukraine, it added. Ukraine did not confirm any figures for the release. Russia also said that "eight citizens of the Russian Federation -- residents of the Kursk region, illegally detained" by Kyiv were also returned. Ukrainian forces launched a surprise incursion into Russia's Kursk region in August last year, seizing hundreds of square kilometres of territory in a setback for the Kremlin. Russia deployed thousands of troops from its ally North Korea as part of a counterattack, but did not fully reclaim the region until April. Among the Ukrainians released on Sunday were "two Ukrainian journalists, Dmytro Khyliuk and Mark Kaliush," Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said in a statement on Telegram. "They were illegally detained by the occupiers in 2022 and 2023," the statement added. Press freedom group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) welcomed their release, saying they had been "targeted for their journalistic work". "RSF calls for all those responsible for their abductions and the abuse they suffered in detention to be identified and brought to justice," RSF told AFP, adding: "The 26 Ukrainian media workers still held by the Kremlin must be released". Also freed was former Kherson mayor Volodymyr Mykolayenko, "who spent more than three years in captivity," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's aide, Andriy Yermak, wrote on X. "In 2022, he was on the list for return, but Volodymyr voluntarily refused to be exchanged in favour of a seriously ill prisoner with whom he was sharing a cell in a Russian prison," Yermak said.

Russia and Ukraine exchanged 146 prisoners each on August 24, continuing a series of POW swaps amid war. Russia also reported the return of eight civilians detained by Ukrainian forces.

POW swap brings rare relief in Russia-Ukraine war as journalists, mayor freed

Russia has accused Ukraine of launching overnight drone attacks that caused a fire at a nuclear power plant in the western Kursk region. The incident occurred as Ukraine marked 34 years of independence, further escalating tensions between the two nations.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Accuses Ukraine of Nuclear Plant Attack, Fire Erupts | WION 

Russia claims to have intercepted 95 Ukrainian drones overnight in one of the largest reported aerial attacks of the conflict. 

Russia-Ukraine War: 95 Ukrainian Drones Intercepted Overnight, Says Russia 

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report revealed the list of countries with the largest arms importers from 2020 to 2024. Let's have a look at the top 7 nations with the most arms importers and their top suppliers.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report revealed the list of countries with the largest arms importers from 2020 to 2024. Let's have a look at the top 7 nations with the most arms importers and their top suppliers.

Who buys the most weapons? Meet 7 largest arms importing countries in the world – Check India’s position

Russian President Vladimir Putin doubled down on his claim that Russia did not start the war in Ukraine.

He referred to the ongoing invasion as a "special military operation" aimed at halting the conflict, not initiating it.
Putin also stated that Russia, being the largest country by landmass, had "no need to take territory" from Ukraine — despite the ongoing occupation of Ukrainian regions like Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia.

‘Russia did not start the war’: Putin’s surprising claim | Lambasts European countries

U.S. President Donald Trump is making bold claims about resolving the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, but fact-checkers are calling out inconsistencies and political posturing.

In this video, we dive into Trump’s recent statements, his proposed strategies for ending the war, and how they hold up against on-ground realities. With tensions still escalating in eastern Ukraine and no meeting planned between Putin and Zelensky, Trump’s rhetoric is raising eyebrows globally.

Trump's big-talks on war resolution: Defies fact-check | Ukraine-Russia war rages on 

Tensions between Washington and Moscow are escalating again as Donald Trump threatens massive sanctions or tariffs on Russia due to stalled peace efforts in Ukraine. This comes after Trump’s recent Alaska meeting with Vladimir Putin and amid growing frustration over Russia’s strike on a U.S.-linked factory in Ukraine.

Trump threatens sanctions on Russia as Putin-Zelensky meeting stalls

Ukraine has escalated attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure, striking the Unecha oil pumping station on the Druzhba pipeline. The move has cut oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia for several days, raising fears of a wider European energy crisis. As Kyiv targets Russia’s war chest and Moscow retaliates against Ukraine’s grids, Europe finds itself trapped in the middle of an intensifying energy war even as U.S. President Donald Trump pushes for peace.


Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine strikes Russia’s oil lifelines, Europe caught in crossfire

Ukraine has reportedly struck the Druzhba oil pipeline for the third time, disrupting Russian oil flows to Hungary, according to Hungary’s foreign minister. A new attack on the Druzhba pipeline has halted oil supplies to Hungary, with officials calling it a serious threat to the country's energy security.


Ukraine Strikes Russia’s Oil Druzhba Oil Pipelines, Sparks Massive Fire at Fuel Depot | WION

U.S. President Donald Trump stuns observers by suggesting Ukraine should strike inside Russia.
The remark marks a major shift from his earlier calls for peace talks.
Is this a sign that diplomatic efforts to end the war are collapsing?

Trump says Ukraine must hit Russia to win war, questions peace efforts

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has alleged that Russian forces deliberately targeted an American-owned facility in Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Claims Russian Forces Hit American-Owned Plant on Purpose | WION Originals

Ukraine has reportedly struck the Druzhba oil pipeline for the third time, disrupting Russian oil flows to Hungary, according to Hungary’s foreign minister. A new attack on the Druzhba pipeline has halted oil supplies to Hungary, with officials calling it a serious threat to the country's energy security.

Ukraine Attacks Russia: Kyiv Strikes Russia's Druzhba Oil Pipeline | Russia Ukraine War | WION

Vladimir Putin is demanding that Ukraine give up all of the eastern Donbas region, renounce ambitions to join NATO, remain neutral and keep Western troops out of the country. 


Russia-Ukraine war: Putin demands NATO exit for Ukraine peace agreement talks

A Russian airstrike has struck a U.S.-owned factory in Ukraine, escalating tensions amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Amid the fallout, Russia’s Defense Minister is seen inspecting troops at the frontlines—a signaling of heightened military readiness. The attack raises serious concerns over foreign assets and prompts urgent questions about how NATO and Washington will respond to this new escalation.


Russian airstrike hits a U.S. factory: Defence minister inspects troops | Russia-Ukraine war

As the war with Russia continues, Ukrainian startups are stepping up by developing homegrown missiles and drones. These innovations are reshaping the battlefield and boosting Ukraine's defense industry.


Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv ramps up domestic missiles and drones production

Ukraine is rapidly boosting its missile and drone production with secret facilities aimed at striking deep into Russian territory. As the war intensifies, Kyiv’s military-industrial push signals a new phase of escalation.


Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine ramps up drone & missile arsenal, eyes strikes deep inside Russia

A Russian attack on an American civilian enterprise in Ukraine's Zakarpattia region injured 15 people, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said it was an American electronics manufacturer. Russia used hundreds of drones, hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missiles in the countrywide attack, he added.


Russia-Ukraine war: Russian attack hits US electronics plant in western Ukraine 

Russia-Ukraine War: A direct meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appears increasingly unlikely. Despite speculation and signals from Washington, the Kremlin has shown no real intent to prepare for a leader-level summit. Experts say Putin refuses to legitimize Zelensky or acknowledge Ukraine’s full sovereignty, fearing domestic backlash and political contradictions. With Russia escalating attacks and demanding major concessions, any talks remain stalled making a face-to-face meeting all but impossible for now.


Putin-Zelensky meeting might never happen! Here’s why

A Russian attack on an American civilian enterprise in Ukraine's Zakarpattia region injured 15 people, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said it was an American electronics manufacturer. Russia used hundreds of drones, hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missiles in the countrywide attack, he added.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia launches 614 missiles, hits US enterprise in Ukraine strikes 

As ground fighting grinds on, Russia has launched a new wave of aerial strikes across Ukraine, marking a shift in strategy aimed at exhausting air defenses and crippling infrastructure. The intensified bombardment signals the start of a more aggressive phase in the war, with Kyiv bracing for extended attacks and Western allies watching closely.

Russia-Ukraine war: New phase begins as Putin intensifies aerial assault

#GRAVITAS | On Tuesday, Trump said that a Ukraine peace deal is likely to boost his chances of getting to heaven. To drive this point home, Trump presented himself as 'peacemaker-in-chief' in front of European leaders he hosted at the White House, projecting his portrait of putting up a fight. But while on one hand, Trump seems to be chasing afterlife plans by looking to stop one war, in another part of the world, he is poised to wage another one..
in Venezuela. Watch this video to find out more. 


'Peace Broker' Trump Wages War on Venezuela | GRAVITAS

Russia warned the West that trying to address Ukraine's security concerns without Moscow's involvement is futile, saying it's a "road to nowhere".


Russia-Ukraine War | Moscow: Make China Part of Security Talks | WION

Fighting in Ukraine shows no sign of slowing, even as peace talks gain momentum.
Russia claims it downed 117 Ukrainian drones in a single day, while Ukraine says it intercepted 230 Russian drones and missiles.
Strikes in Ukraine’s Sumy region injured 14 people, including children.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump pushes new peace efforts with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, but scepticism runs deep in Kyiv and across Europe.


War Rages as Peace Remains Elusive | Russia, Ukraine Report Mass Drone Shootdowns | GRAVITAS

Russian forces launched fresh attacks on Ukraine, leaving at least 14 people injured in Sumy. Emergency crews are racing to save lives as NATO’s chief holds key meetings on Ukraine’s security guarantees. Meanwhile, Moscow’s massive drone assault on Odesa damaged port infrastructure, escalating tensions further in the ongoing war.


Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow claims new territorial gains, Ukraine strikes deep inside Russia

Russia Ukraine War: Lavrov Says Ukraine Security Talks Without Moscow 'Road to Nowhere'

Moscow claims major battlefield gains; Ukraine strikes deep into Russia, knocks out power

BREAKING | Lavrov: Security Guarantees Can't Be Discussed Sans Moscow | Russia Ukraine War | WION

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia pounds Ukraine’s Sumy, Odesa under heavy drone strikes

Kremlin plays down Zelensky talks as Trump warns Putin may not want 'to make deal'


Earlier bilateral meeting between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky seemed broadly unanimous

However, Russian Foreign Minister cautioned about contacts involving ‘top officials’

Putin started the Ukraine war by recognizing a chunk of Ukrainian land as independent


Russia-Ukraine War: Why Putin Is Not Ready To Meet With Zelensky, And May Never Be

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