On August 25, Ukraine was visited by the German Vice Chancellor and the Dutch Prime Minister. Their main agenda was further support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war. Meanwhile, diplomatic tensions have escalated between Ukraine and Hungary, with Budapest claiming that Ukraine’s actions threaten its energy security via the Druzhba oil pipeline.
In Minsk, Ukrainian and Russian delegations met to discuss prisoner exchanges, family reunification, visits to prisoners, and the delivery of parcels. This negotiation is part of ongoing meetings aimed at coordinating exchange lists and communication between the families of detainees.
Overnight, Ukraine experienced heavy drone and missile attacks. The Ukrainian Air Force reported shooting down 76 out of 104 enemy drones, but 28 drones hit 15 locations. In the Sumy region, one civilian died and two were injured in a Russian drone strike on a private vehicle.
German Foreign Minister Johan Wadewol said that Ukraine needs security guarantees similar to those for NATO members, but no specific international commitments have been announced yet. The dispute between Ukraine and Hungary over EU accession remains unresolved, with both sides holding firm positions.
The international situation is further complicated by China’s upcoming parade marking the anniversary of World War II victory, expected to be attended by leaders from several countries, including Russia’s president. At the same time, the US has limited Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles, but Ukraine is increasing its production of such weapons.
Meanwhile, more than 13,000 citizens have been detained this year while attempting illegal border crossings. The State Border Guard Service emphasizes the need for systematic solutions to this problem.
