Russia launched a significant assault on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, killing at least 13 people across multiple regions as both sides continued a large prisoner exchange. In the past 24 hours, officials reported fatalities in Donetsk (4), Kherson and Odesa (5), and Kharkiv (4).
Ukraine’s Air Force stated that Russia fired 14 ballistic missiles and deployed 250 attack drones, focusing mainly on Kyiv. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted six missiles and 245 drones. The attacks also struck the Dnipro, Odesa, Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
President Volodymyr Zelensky described it as a difficult night for Ukraine and extended condolences to the families of those affected. Kyiv police confirmed at least 18 injuries during the large-scale overnight missile and drone barrage. The city’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, reported fires and widespread debris, with damage to several residential buildings. Explosions and sirens were heard throughout the night, and fires illuminated the city skyline.
Ukrainian MP Kira Rudik recounted spending the night hiding in Kyiv during the bombardment, describing the experience as terrifying and like “armageddon.”
The attack coincided with the second phase of a major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine. More than 600 servicemen were released on Saturday, following nearly 800 freed the previous day. Videos from the Ukrainian Coordination Center for Treatment of Prisoners of War showed released soldiers, many with shaved heads and wrapped in Ukrainian flags, reuniting with loved ones.
The prisoner swap was the only major outcome from last week’s Istanbul meeting between Kyiv and Moscow—the first direct talks since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The deal involves releasing 1,000 prisoners from each side.
Olena, a Ukrainian woman whose husband Yuriy was held in Russian captivity for six months, was reunited with him after his release. A video from Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense showed her joyfully embracing Yuriy. Prior to their reunion, she had asked several released POWs if they knew her husband, but none could confirm.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the country’s air defenses worked nonstop to repel the attacks. He criticized Russia for launching deadly drone and missile strikes on civilians instead of following through with peace commitments from the Istanbul talks.
Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry claimed it shot down 94 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory, primarily in the Belgorod and Bryansk regions, with additional interceptions in Kursk, Lipetsk, Voronezh, and Tula. The governor of Tula region reported three people injured, two hospitalized.
The Istanbul meeting was initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin in response to demands from Kyiv’s European allies for a ceasefire or sanctions, viewed by many as a Kremlin tactic to delay and distract. Ukraine and its allies pressed for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, but no significant progress was made.
