Explaining complex things in simple words: Prisoner of war exchange, Enemy’s military potential, Maritime Security strategy of Ukraine

1. PRISONER OF WAR EXCHANGE

On July 17, 95 defenders of Ukraine were released during another prisoners of war exchange.

Work on the liberation of prisoners of war and hostages continues constantly. According to exchanges, 3,405 Ukrainians returned home from Russian captivity in 2022–2024. This is the 54th exchange since the beginning of the Russian full-scale invasion and the 6th in 2024. Among the defenders, released on July 17, are the defenders of Mariup, in particular, vunteers of the “air bridge” to Azovstal. Many Ukrainian sdiers returning from captivity need intensive treatment and rehabilitation due to the unsatisfactory conditions of detention and torture in Russian captivity. Ukraine continues to insist on exchange according to the formula “all for all”. We are fighting for the freedom of every sdier who is in Russian captivity. We express gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for its mediation in the liberation of our peles.

2. ENEMY’S MILITARY POTENTIAL

Russian praganda tries to maintain the image of the total military superiority of the Russian Federation and the invincibility of its army, but this is a bluff. The slow advance of the occupiers is accompanied by considerable losses and the depletion of reserves. The Kremlin's blitzkrieg plans failed again. The enemy army experiences special problems with armoured vehicles and the wear and tear of artillery barrels. Moscow is rushing and feverishly trying to persuade Kyiv to negotiate because it is unable to maintain a constant offensive without interruption and recovery. Understanding the front-line realities and the real reasons for the enemy's rhetoric regarding the negotiation process, Ukraine urges not to succumb to the Kremlin's hypocritical appeals.

3. MARITIME SECURITY STRATEGY OF UKRAINE

On July 17, the President of Ukraine signed a decree putting into effect the decision of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine on the new Strategy of Ukraine's Maritime Security.

Ukraine is a maritime state with access to the Black Sea and Sea of Azov and has its own naval forces to ensure the national interests. One of the theatres of military actions in the Russian-Ukrainian war is the marine water area. The enemy temporarily occupied the entire Azov coast but was defeated in the Black Sea. The Russian fleet is forced to shamefully flee from Crimea to the Caucasus ports. Ukraine was able to lay and ensure the safety of a temporary sea corridor for food exports after the Russian demarche and the withdrawal from the Grain Agreements. Ukraine secures its interests, considering new technogical portunities and new relations with partners. We can protect our interests at sea as well as the interests of our allies and partners. The full-scale war changed the balance of power in the entire Black Sea region. The Russian fleet will never dominate this water area again.

Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security