Sun Aug 03 03:20:27 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewritten version as a news article, formatted from an Indian perspective:

**Summary:**

On August 3, 2025, a series of escalating attacks between Russia and Ukraine occurred. A Ukrainian drone strike ignited a major fire at an oil depot near Sochi, Russia, leading to temporary airport closures. Russia reported intercepting a large number of Ukrainian drones. Simultaneously, a Russian missile struck Mykolaiv, Ukraine, injuring several. Ukraine claimed to have intercepted most of the Russian drones and some missiles, but others hit targets. These attacks followed a particularly deadly week in Ukraine. Amidst this, negotiations continue. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced an agreement with Russia to exchange 1,200 prisoners. The US, through envoy Steve Witkoff, is pressuring Russia for a ceasefire, threatening further sanctions, with President Trump setting a new deadline of August 8.

**News Article:**

**The Hindu: Escalating Attacks Plague Russia-Ukraine Conflict; Prisoner Exchange Agreed**

**NEW DELHI, August 3, 2025 (The Hindu) –** The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to intensify, with both sides launching retaliatory strikes over the weekend. The escalation comes as international pressure mounts for a ceasefire, particularly from the United States.

Russian officials reported a significant fire at an oil depot near the Black Sea resort of Sochi on Sunday, triggered by a Ukrainian drone attack. The incident prompted temporary closure of Sochi’s airport. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have downed 93 Ukrainian drones.

Meanwhile, a Russian missile struck a residential area in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, injuring seven. Ukraine stated that it intercepted a majority of the 76 drones and 7 missiles launched by Russia, but some still managed to hit targets.

These attacks follow a week marked by heavy casualties, including a deadly strike on Thursday that claimed the lives of 31 people in Ukraine.

Amidst the ongoing violence, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a crucial agreement for a prisoner exchange with Russia, potentially involving 1,200 individuals. This development offers a glimmer of hope for de-escalation, reflecting a possible outcome of the latest round of negotiations in Istanbul in July.

The United States is taking a more assertive stance, with President Donald Trump issuing a shorter deadline of August 8 for Russia to demonstrate progress towards peace. Special envoy Steve Witkoff is en route to Moscow, armed with the threat of new economic sanctions should a ceasefire not be achieved. This US intervention underscores the growing international concern over the protracted conflict and its implications for global stability. The situation remains fluid, with analysts closely watching the progress of both the prisoner exchange and the US-led diplomatic efforts.

*This report was compiled with information from Associated Press and other sources.*

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