At least 12 people, including three children, were killed in Ukraine overnight as Russia launched another wave of intense air strikes, according to Ukrainian authorities.
The attacks came as Kyiv and Moscow continued their largest prisoner exchange since the full-scale war began in February 2022.
Ukraine’s emergency services described the barrage as a night of “terror,” with missiles and drones raining down on several regions. The capital, Kyiv, was under heavy fire for a second consecutive night, prompting urgent warnings from city officials.
“This night will not be easy,” warned Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed air defences were active as explosions echoed across the capital. Emergency services later confirmed four deaths in the Kyiv region and 16 injured, including children aged 8, 12, and 17.
In total, Ukraine reported downing 45 Russian missiles and 266 drones during the onslaught. Fatalities were also reported in Zhytomyr (3), Khmelnytskyi (4), and Mykolaiv (1).
Meanwhile, Russian authorities claimed they intercepted a dozen Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow, forcing temporary restrictions at key airports including Sheremetyevo.
The spike in violence coincides with a historic prisoner swap, which saw 307 Russian prisoners exchanged for the same number of Ukrainian soldiers on Saturday, following an earlier swap of 390 on each side. In total, both countries are aiming to exchange 1,000 prisoners each.
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia’s renewed attacks as efforts to “prolong the war” and reiterated his call for increased international sanctions. However, he remained optimistic about the ongoing exchange, which was facilitated through negotiations in Istanbul.
The emotional return of Ukrainian prisoners has touched many across the country. “It’s simply crazy. Crazy feelings,” said 31-year-old soldier Konstantin Steblev upon his return after three years in captivity. Another former POW, 58-year-old Viktor Syvak, who had been held for over three years after being captured in Mariupol, called his homecoming “impossible to describe.”
Despite diplomatic efforts by global actors, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s public congratulations on the swap, a breakthrough in ceasefire negotiations remains elusive. The Kremlin has hinted it will present Ukraine with peace terms after the exchange but has not disclosed details, while continuing to push for maximalist demands.
Russia is believed to hold the majority of POWs, with estimates suggesting between 8,000 and 10,000 Ukrainians remain in Russian captivity. The war, now in its third year, has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and left both nations deeply scarred.
What you should know
As Russia launched deadly overnight strikes that killed 12, including three children, Ukraine and Russia carried out their largest prisoner swap since the war began.
The exchange, which may involve up to 1,000 prisoners from each side, has raised hopes for progress, though Russia continues its military offensive with no clear commitment to peace.
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