Russian aerial attacks on Ukraine have resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people and injured 56 civilians across the country. According to regional officials, the attacks were widespread, with multiple regions affected. In Kyiv alone, Russia launched 250 drones and 14 ballistic missiles, causing fires in residential buildings and damaging homes, businesses, and cars.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, stating, “With each such attack, the world becomes more certain that the cause of prolonging the war lies in Moscow.” He described the night as “difficult,” with fires and explosions occurring across Kyiv. The air force reported downing six missiles and 245 drones.
The attacks come as Russia and Ukraine engage in prisoner swaps, with 307 Ukrainian prisoners returning home as part of an exchange deal with the Kremlin. A further exchange is expected on Sunday. US President Donald Trump suggested that the swap “could lead to something big???”, following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war. However, Putin’s response was more measured, stating that Russia would work with Ukraine to craft a “memorandum on a possible future peace agreement” without committing to a 30-day ceasefire.
Civilians have borne the brunt of the attacks, with Olha Chyrukha, a 64-year-old Kyiv resident, expressing her desire for a ceasefire: “I wish they’d agree to a ceasefire. To bomb people like this – poor children. My three-year-old granddaughter was screaming scared.” Timur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, noted that the enemy is improving its tactics, using drones and ballistics simultaneously.
Casualties and Damage
- 13 civilians killed
- 56 civilians injured
- 250 drones and 14 ballistic missiles launched against Kyiv
- 6 missiles and 245 drones downed by Ukrainian air force
- Widespread damage to residential buildings, homes, businesses, and cars
Prisoner Exchange
- 307 Ukrainian prisoners returned home as part of an exchange deal with the Kremlin
- Further exchange expected on Sunday
- Total of 1,000 prisoners to be swapped by both countries.