Ukraine's military has made significant advances into Russian territory, with Ukrainian troops taking down a Russian flag in the Kursk region, marking the largest foreign attack on Russia since World War Two. In response, Russia is evacuating thousands of residents from border regions as the conflict escalates, with nearly 200,000 people having been relocated so far. Meanwhile, military analysts suggest that President Putin is hesitant to initiate another mobilization due to the potential for mass surrender among conscripted soldiers, coupled with existing equipment shortages in the Russian army. In a separate development, a notable prisoner exchange occurred between Russia and the West, involving 24 captives, which highlights a rare moment of engagement amidst deteriorating relations. Additionally, reports have emerged of systemic police torture in Russia, exemplified by the case of Artem Ponomarchuk, raising serious human rights concerns. Overall, these events underscore the ongoing turmoil in the region and the complexities of the geopolitical landscape.