So, like, the whole Russia-Ukraine thing is totally still happening, and there’s, like, sooo much drama. I mean, we just had this huge prisoner swap, but don’t get it twisted—it’s not like peace is around the corner or anything. Here’s everything you need to know.
Okay, so on December 30, 2024, Russia and Ukraine swapped prisoners again (this is like, the 59th time or something since 2022). Ukraine got 189 people back, including soldiers and some civilians. I mean, some of these folks have been through it, some being held captive since the war started. This swap brings the total number of Ukrainians brought home to 3,956 since the invasion started. Like, wow, right?
On the Russian side, 150 soldiers got sent back. The UAE played matchmaker here, mediating the whole deal. Ukraine was, like, super emotional about the reunion, with families waving flags and crying. Russia kinda did the same, but, you know, in their own way.
Don’t go thinking this prisoner swap means the fighting is over or anything. Russia is still out here bombing cities. Just yesterday, they hit Kyiv and some other places with missiles and drones. It’s so tragic—there was damage to schools and homes, and like, people died. Ukraine is obviously furious and is calling out Russia for being total aggressors.
Meanwhile, Ukraine isn’t sitting around either. They took out a Russian helicopter in Crimea with naval drones. I mean, they’re not playing around.
So, everyone’s, like, “When is this going to end? Can we talk it out?” But the vibes aren’t great, TBH. Russian President Vladimir Putin was all, “Yeah, maybe Slovakia could host peace talks,” but then he added, “if it comes to that,” which is super vague.
And then there’s Trump. His transition team suggested some ideas to calm things down, like putting off Ukraine’s NATO membership and sending in European peacekeepers. But Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was, like, “Nope, hard pass,” especially on anything that even smells like NATO.
Keir Giles, who is, like, a total brain on Russian military stuff, said, “While these exchanges are a positive step, they should not be misconstrued as a sign of de-escalation. Both nations continue to pursue their strategic objectives, and the conflict remains highly volatile.”
Translation: Don’t expect things to chill out anytime soon.
As we head into 2025, it’s giving “no end in sight” vibes. Ukraine is fighting for its freedom, Russia isn’t backing down, and the international community is like, “Can we please just stop this?” But, like, entrenched positions on both sides make peace talks a total long shot.
In the meantime, the world is watching, humanitarian efforts like prisoner swaps are helping some people, and everyone is hoping for an actual resolution someday. Fingers crossed, you know?
For real-time updates, check out this analysis by Reuters because, like, the tea is still brewing.
XOXO,
Valley Girl News
Image generated by AI.
