Russia launched a massive air assault on Kyiv over the weekend, killing at least three and injuring dozens, while simultaneously exchanging prisoners with Ukraine in the largest swap since the 2022 invasion began.
Ukraine’s Air Force said 14 ballistic missiles and 250 drones were launched, with most intercepted. Still, falling debris struck residential areas in Kyiv, causing widespread damage and panic. Mayor Vitali Klitschko called it a “massive” attack, with air raid sirens blaring across the capital for hours.
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The strikes continued into Sunday, injuring ten more people, including children. Attacks were also reported in Kharkiv and Donetsk, where five civilians died.
Ukrainian officials believe Moscow is using intensified strikes to sabotage ceasefire efforts following Istanbul talks. President Zelensky condemned the attacks, urging tougher sanctions on Russia and more air defence support.
Amid the violence, over 600 prisoners were exchanged on Saturday in a rare, large-scale swap involving 1,000 total POWs. Emotional reunions followed, including one woman reunited with her husband after six months in captivity.
While peace talks remain stalled, both sides are escalating military actions. Russia claimed it downed 100 Ukrainian drones in regions near Moscow and Tula, where three injuries were reported. Ukraine’s foreign minister accused Moscow of rejecting diplomacy in favour of violence
