In a devastating escalation of the ongoing war, Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine, killing at least 13 people across multiple regions. The assault hit the capital city of Kyiv hardest, just hours after Ukraine and Russia completed a major prisoner swap—one of the largest since the war began.
Let’s break down what happened, why it matters, and how Ukrainians are coping.
What Happened in the Attack on Kyiv?
Overnight, the skies over Kyiv lit up with explosions as Russia unleashed a brutal wave of ballistic missiles and attack drones. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, 14 ballistic missiles and 250 drones were launched. While Ukrainian air defenses managed to shoot down the majority—six missiles and 245 drones—several projectiles struck residential areas, causing widespread damage and panic.
“It was a difficult night for all of Ukraine,” said President Volodymyr Zelensky, offering condolences to the families of the victims.
The death toll stands at 13, with casualties reported in Donetsk, Kherson, Odesa, and Kharkiv regions. At least 18 more were injured in Kyiv alone, and countless others were forced to shelter as sirens blared across the city.
Eyewitness Accounts: “It Felt Like Armageddon”
Kyiv residents described the attack as one of the most terrifying yet. Kira Rudik, a member of Ukraine’s parliament, told CNN she spent the night hiding “under the stairs.”
“It felt like Armageddon. The explosions were everywhere.”
Fires broke out in multiple locations, debris littered the streets, and residential buildings bore the brunt of the destruction.
Prisoner Swap Brings Glimmer of Hope
In stark contrast to the violence, Ukraine also witnessed an emotional and historic moment: the release of over 1,200 prisoners of war, part of a two-day exchange agreed upon in Istanbul last week.
- Saturday: Over 600 Ukrainian and Russian troops were exchanged.
- Friday: Nearly 800 prisoners were released in the first phase.
One of the most heartwarming scenes came when Olena, a Ukrainian woman, reunited with her husband Yuriy after his six-month captivity. The video of her running to embrace him—wrapped in a Ukrainian flag—quickly went viral.
“This is the best day,” Olena said, her voice shaking with joy.
What’s Russia Saying?
While Ukraine was under fire, Russia claimed it intercepted 94 Ukrainian UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) over its own territory, including in the Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk regions. Moscow’s defense ministry reported minor injuries in the Tula region, where several drones were shot down.
Despite the prisoner swap, there’s no sign of de-escalation. Russia has not followed up on any peace proposals since the Istanbul meeting, choosing instead to continue military pressure.
What Does This Mean for Ukraine?
This latest attack underlines the unpredictable and dangerous nature of the conflict, even during moments of diplomatic progress. While the prisoner swap shows that some communication between the two sides is still possible, the continued strikes on civilian areas cast a dark shadow over hopes for peace.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha summed it up best:
“One week has passed since the Istanbul meeting, and Russia has yet to send its ‘peace memorandum.’ Instead, Russia sends deadly drones and missiles at civilians.”
Final Thoughts
The situation in Ukraine remains volatile. As the war drags on, moments of hope—like the emotional reunions of freed prisoners—are quickly overshadowed by violence. For everyday Ukrainians, the fight for survival and freedom continues on all fronts.
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