By Charles Maduka
A wave of overnight Russian airstrikes has claimed the lives of at least 12 people across Ukraine, according to Ukrainian officials, as both Kyiv and Moscow continue a significant prisoner exchange operation.
Ukraine’s emergency services described the situation as a night of “terror,” citing widespread missile and drone attacks, including on the capital, Kyiv. This marks the second consecutive night of heavy bombardment, following similar strikes the previous evening.
Among the victims were three children—ages eight, twelve, and seventeen—killed in Zhytomyr, a region in northwestern Ukraine. In total, four deaths were reported in Khmelnytskyi, four in the Kyiv region, and one in Mykolaiv, located in the country’s south.
Ukrainian forces claimed to have shot down 45 missiles and 266 drones during the assault. The attacks coincided with the largest prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia since the war began in February 2022.
In Kyiv, explosions echoed across the city. Tymur Tkachenko, head of the capital’s military administration, warned residents to brace for a difficult night. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that air defences were actively engaged.
Meanwhile, Russia reported intercepting a dozen Ukrainian drones en route to Moscow. Authorities briefly restricted operations at four major airports, including Sheremetyevo, the city’s primary aviation hub.
Saturday’s attacks came after Russia unleashed 14 ballistic missiles and 250 drones the night before, injuring at least 15 people, Ukrainian officials stated. Russia claimed Ukraine had launched 788 drones and missiles since the previous Tuesday.
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the renewed assaults, accusing Moscow of deliberately prolonging the war. He called for stronger international sanctions but affirmed that the ongoing prisoner exchange, agreed upon in Istanbul on May 16, would proceed.
Over the weekend, 307 Russian prisoners were swapped for an equal number of Ukrainian soldiers. A total exchange of 1,000 prisoners on each side is expected.
As part of the swap, several former Ukrainian captives arrived in Chernigiv visibly emaciated but in high spirits. “It’s simply crazy. Crazy feelings,” said 31-year-old soldier Konstantin Steblev after returning from three years in captivity.
The development has caught international attention, with U.S. President Donald Trump expressing optimism about a potential breakthrough. “This could lead to something big?” he posted on his social media platform.
Yet despite mounting diplomatic efforts, Russia has not indicated a willingness to soften its position. President Vladimir Putin continues to resist calls for an unconditional ceasefire, pressing ahead with the military offensive that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
One of the returning Ukrainian soldiers, 58-year-old Viktor Syvak, described his release as indescribable. Captured in Mariupol and held for over three years, he said, “It’s impossible to describe. I can’t put it into words. It’s very joyful.”
With thousands still held as prisoners of war, hopes remain that this exchange may pave the way for broader peace negotiations. However, the Kremlin’s stance and ongoing violence on both sides continue to threaten prospects for a lasting resolution.
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