Additional Coverage:
Kyiv Endures Major Attack, Hundreds of Prisoners Exchanged
Kyiv was rocked by a large-scale combined drone and missile attack on Saturday, injuring at least 15 people, just hours after Russia and Ukraine conducted a significant prisoner exchange. Explosions and anti-aircraft fire echoed through the capital as citizens sought refuge in subway stations.
City officials described the assault, which involved 14 ballistic missiles and 250 Shahed drones, as one of the largest combined attacks on Kyiv. Ukrainian forces reported intercepting six missiles and 245 drones.
Debris rained down on at least six city districts, causing damage to a residential building and sparking two fires.
Amidst the ongoing conflict, a glimmer of hope emerged as both sides confirmed the exchange of 307 soldiers each. This followed a previous exchange on Friday involving 390 combatants and civilians, the first step in a planned 1,000-prisoner swap. While the exchanges offer a moment of cooperation, a lasting ceasefire remains elusive in the three-year war.
One Kyiv resident, Yurii Bondarchuk, recounted the terrifying moments of the attack. After hearing the familiar air raid siren and the tell-tale buzz of drones, a sudden boom sent shattered glass flying through his apartment. He described the damage to his home as firefighters worked to quell the flames.
The prisoner exchange, while a positive development, did not signal a pause in hostilities. Fighting persists along the extensive front line, and deep strikes continue.
Although diplomatic efforts are underway, with discussions of further talks, a concrete agreement on a venue remains elusive. Russia has indicated it will present a draft peace agreement to Ukraine once the prisoner exchange concludes.
Adding to the complex situation, President Trump recently stated he had a “productive” two-hour phone call with President Putin, expressing confidence in Putin’s desire for peace and noting some progress. However, significant differences remain between the two nations on key issues, including a ceasefire. Meanwhile, both sides continue to report downing enemy drones, highlighting the ongoing intensity of the conflict.