Russia Launches Heavy Drones:In the early hours of Saturday, Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile assault on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Explosions were heard throughout the night, with residents waking up between 4 and 5 a.m. to the sound of booms echoing across the city. These were caused by Russian missiles and drone attacks, met with a strong response from Ukrainian anti-aircraft systems.
Russia Launches Heavy Drone: Massive Overnight Attack on Kyiv
In the early hours of Saturday, Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile assault on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Explosions were heard throughout the night, with residents waking up between 4 and 5 a.m. to the sound of booms echoing across the city. These were caused by Russian missiles and drone attacks, met with a strong response from Ukrainian anti-aircraft systems.
Ukraine says 15 people hurt in ‘massive’ Russian attack on capital Russia launched dozens of attack drones and ballistic missiles at Kyiv overnight in one of the biggest combined aerial attacks on the Ukrainian capital of the three-year war, damaging several apartment buildings.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a social media post it had been a “tough night” for Ukraine, and called for new international sanctions to pressure Moscow into agreeing to a ceasefire
Ukraine’s Defensive Efforts
According to Ukrainian officials, the attack involved 250 drones, out of which 128 were intercepted and destroyed. Additionally, Ukraine’s defenses managed to shoot down six of the 14 missiles launched by Russia. Despite these defensive efforts, at least 15 civilians were injured, and several buildings—including apartment blocks—were damaged or set ablaze. The mayor of Kyiv described the assault as a “massive enemy attack on the capital.”
President Zelensky Said: “It was a difficult night for all of Ukraine — 250 strike drones, the absolute majority of them Iranian ‘Shaheds, ‘ and 14 ballistic missiles. The Odesa, Vinnytsia, Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Kyiv, and Dnipro regions suffered damage. All strikes targeted civilians. There are fatalities. My condolences to the families and loved ones.”
Escalation Across the Frontlines
The attack on Kyiv is part of an increasing pattern of Russian offensives, with escalations also reported on the eastern front and in other regions such as Donetsk and Odessa. Several casualties have been confirmed in these areas. Meanwhile, Ukraine has also intensified its own drone strikes against Russian territory in recent days, resulting in disruptions to air travel within Russia. Both sides appear to be trying to strengthen their positions ahead of any potential peace negotiations.
Zelensky Accuses Moscow of Dragging Out the War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the attack further proves that Moscow is intentionally prolonging the war. However, amidst the violence, a significant development emerged in the form of a major prisoner exchange agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
President Zelensky Said:
“Fragments of Russian missiles and drones are being cleared in Kyiv. Rescue and emergency operations are ongoing at the sites of strikes and debris impacts — wherever they are needed. There were many fires and explosions in the city overnight. Once again, residential buildings, cars, businesses have been damaged. Sadly, there are injuries.”
“With each such attack, the world becomes more certain that the cause of prolonging the war lies in Moscow. Ukraine has proposed a ceasefire many times — both a full one and one in the skies. It all has been ignored. It is clear that far stronger pressure must be imposed on Russia to get results and launch real diplomacy. We are awaiting sanctions steps from the United States, Europe, and all our partners. Only additional sanctions targeting key sectors of the Russian economy will force Moscow to cease fire. I thank everyone who helps and supports us.”
Largest Prisoner Exchange of the War
Friday marked the first day of a planned three-day prisoner swap, which is set to become the largest such exchange in the three-year conflict. On the first day alone, approximately 270 Ukrainian troops and 120 Ukrainian civilians were returned home. Russia received a similar number of its personnel in return. This exchange is part of an agreement reached during last week’s negotiations in Istanbul, where both sides committed to swapping a total of 1,000 prisoners each.
President zelensky Said: “We are bringing our people home. The first stage of the “1000-for-1000” exchange agreement has been carried out. This agreement was reached during the meeting in Türkiye, and it is crucial to implement it in full.”
Little Progress in Peace Talks
President Zelensky acknowledged that little progress was made during the Istanbul talks, which had initially raised hopes for a potential high-level meeting between himself and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Instead, the discussions were handled by lower-level officials, and the only tangible outcome was the agreement on the prisoner swap.
Returning Heroes Celebrated in Ukraine
Despite the limited diplomatic progress, the prisoner exchange has been welcomed as a major morale boost, especially in Ukraine. Those returning home are seen as heroes and symbols of resilience, celebrated by their fellow citizens for their endurance and sacrifice.
A Glimmer of Hope Amid Ongoing Conflict
As the war drags on with continued attacks and counterattacks, the prisoner exchange remains a rare positive moment, offering a glimmer of hope amid ongoing hostilities. Both Kyiv and Moscow are expected to continue with the swap on Saturday and Sunday, completing what could be a critical humanitarian achievement in the midst of war.
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