Ukraine marks independence amid prisoner swap and attacks
Ukraine and Russia exchanged over 100 prisoners of war on Independence Day as Kyiv marked the 33rd anniversary of independence. Ukraine freed 115 servicemen including Azovstal veterans, while Russia claimed 115 soldiers held in Kursk. Zelenskyy credited UAE mediation and announced a new drone capability. Attacks across Donetsk, Kherson, Sumy, Belgorod, Kursk regions continued with drones and missiles. Polish President Duda visited Kyiv to reaffirm allied support during the war.