This Wednesday, the Russian attack on Ukraine lasts exactly six months. But August 24 has another meaning for the people of Ukraine. They have been celebrating their independence on this day since 1991. At that time, the parliament almost unanimously declared its exit from the USSR.
Many in Ukraine therefore fear that there could be more attacks on that day – because Russia wants to demonstrate its power in this way.
Fighting is currently taking place mainly in the Donbass in the east and south of Ukraine. The Zaporizhia nuclear power plant is also located there. But rocket attacks on cities away from the front lines are also expected this week. The Ukrainian President Zelensky warned of this in a video message.
**SZ editor Christoph Koopmann** says that the war has come to a standstill after half a year. But he also doesn’t expect the situation to resolve anytime soon: “Both sides show no willingness to negotiate a ceasefire or an end to the war.” He believes that the risk of more attacks during this symbolic week is real. Therefore, there are exit restrictions in many large Ukrainian cities.
**Further news:** Attack on Putin supporter, Bundesbank expects recession.
**Moderation, Editor:** Tami Holderried
**Editorial:** Laura Terberl
**Production:** Jakob Arnu
_Additional audio about The presidential office of Ukraine_
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