Ukraine war latest: Ukraine brings home 160 POWs in new exchange with Russia

Key Points:

• Ukraine and Russia completed a prisoner of war exchange on June 26, with 160 POWs released from each side, including Ukrainian soldiers who defended Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant, according to President Zelensky and the Russian Defense Ministry.
• The European Union announced it will extend temporary protection for Ukrainians in the bloc until March 2028 but will restrict military-age men from accessing these protections at Kyiv's request, a move criticized by human rights officials for raising concerns.
• Russian-installed authorities in occupied Crimea declared a regional state of emergency following intensified Ukrainian drone strikes targeting critical infrastructure, causing widespread power outages and disrupting Russian military logistics.
• Ukraine's Security Service reported successful long-range drone strikes on Russian military supply vessels and air defense systems in Crimea, part of a 40-day operation approved by President Zelensky aimed at pressuring Russia to end the war.
• The sustained Ukrainian drone campaign has significantly challenged Russian control and logistics in Crimea, leading to population displacement and highlighting vulnerabilities in Russia's military infrastructure on the peninsula.