**Russia Releasing Ukrainian Captives Key to Peace, Zelensky Says**
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on February 24 that releasing all Ukrainian captives would be a good step towards peace. He made the comments at the Support Ukraine summit.
Ukraine is ready for an “all-for-all” prisoner exchange, which means Russia and Ukraine would release each other’s prisoners at the same time. This proposal was first floated in 2024 but has not been agreed to by Russia yet.
Over 16,000 Ukrainian civilians are being held in Russia, according to Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets. Moscow has also deported or forcibly displaced over 19,500 Ukrainian children to Russia, Belarus, or other Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine.
**New Sanctions and Aid Announced**
The European Commission announced a new payment of €3.5 billion ($3.7 billion) for Ukraine in March. This aid comes as the EU strengthens its support for Ukraine during this critical moment.
Australia has introduced extensive sanctions on Russia since the start of the full-scale war, while New Zealand imposed restrictions on over 50 individuals and entities. These measures target Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, banks, aluminum imports, and other sectors.
**Russia Launches Massive Drone Attack**
On February 24, Russia launched a massive drone attack on Ukraine, deploying 185 Shahed-type attack drones and decoy drones. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 113 drones over 12 oblasts, while 71 decoy drones were lost without causing damage.
The United Kingdom will impose a travel ban on individuals with significant ties to the Russian state or who have built their wealth through Kremlin connections.
**Ukraine Receives Support from Allies**
Sweden has announced a transfer of air defense systems worth $113 million to Ukraine. Switzerland could contribute around 200 troops to a prospective peacekeeping mission in Ukraine if requested and agreed by the government.
The United States is reportedly nearing a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, according to Steve Witkoff, the U.S. envoy to the Middle East. Any potential deal would require both territorial and economic concessions from both sides.
**Zelensky Pushes Back Against Election Calls**
President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized ongoing calls to hold elections in Ukraine amid an unstable security situation across the country. He also pushed back against demands for a $500 billion deal for Ukraine’s natural resources, saying that U.S. aid grants are not debts.
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