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Kyiv Faces One of Its Largest Missile and Drone Assaults in Years

  • Kyiv faced a large-scale Russian drone and missile attack causing injuries and widespread damage.
  • A major prisoner swap began between Russia and Ukraine amid ongoing fighting.
  • Despite talks, intense battles and drone strikes continue along the front lines.

Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, endured a major Russian drone and missile attack that lasted overnight into early Saturday. Explosions and machine gun fire echoed throughout the city, forcing many residents to seek shelter in subway stations. Ukrainian officials reported at least 15 people injured from the strikes. The attack came just hours after the start of a significant prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the stark contrast between moments of cooperation and ongoing violence in the war.

Prisoner Swap Begins as Tensions Remain High

Russia and Ukraine began exchanging hundreds of soldiers and civilians in the first phase of a prisoner swap deal. This swap followed a recent Istanbul meeting where both sides agreed on the exchange. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that 390 Ukrainians returned home during the first phase. More releases were expected over the weekend. Russia’s Defense Ministry said it received an equal number of prisoners and took the released Russians to Belarus for medical care. Despite this step forward, fighting continued across the front lines, proving that the swap did not stop the conflict.

Intense Night with Hundreds of Drones and Missiles Fired at Kyiv

Russian forces launched 14 ballistic missiles and approximately 250 Shahed drones at Kyiv. Ukrainian defenders responded quickly. They shot down six missiles and neutralized 245 drones. Military reports stated that 128 drones were destroyed by weapons, and 117 were stopped using electronic warfare. The Kyiv City Military Administration described the attack as one of the largest combined missile and drone strikes ever on the city. This fierce assault challenged Kyiv’s defenses and tested the city’s emergency response systems.

Heavy Damage and Injuries Hit Multiple Kyiv Districts

Debris from destroyed drones and missiles rained down on at least six districts in Kyiv. The Obolon district suffered the most damage, with a residential building hit hard. Five people sustained injuries there. Two fires ignited in the Solomianskyi district. Kyiv’s acting military head, Tymur Tkachenko, said six people needed medical help after the strikes. Local residents described the scene vividly. One witness, Yurii Bondarchuk, said the air raid sirens sounded as usual before the drones began circling overhead. Then, a loud explosion shattered windows and balconies. Firefighters quickly arrived to control the flames, while residents dealt with the shock.

Kyiv’s Air Raid Alert Lasts Over Seven Hours During Attack

Kyiv’s air raid siren warned citizens for more than seven hours. The city’s mayor, Vitalii Klitschko, warned the public beforehand that over 20 Russian strike drones were heading toward Kyiv. As the attack unfolded, debris from drones fell on a shopping mall and a residential building in Obolon. Emergency teams rushed to both sites. The mayor continuously updated residents, urging calm and caution as the city faced ongoing threats. The prolonged alert tested the endurance of Kyiv’s people and emergency services alike.

Prisoner Exchange Marks Complex Deal with Large Numbers

The prisoner swap forms part of a complex agreement involving 1,000 prisoners from each side. Ukraine’s leadership views this as a major step, calling it the largest exchange in the war so far. Both Ukraine and Russia honored the deal despite ongoing fighting. The swap happened near the Belarus-Ukraine border. Ukrainian officials confirmed the location but did not provide full details due to security reasons. Released Russians went to Belarus for medical treatment, according to Russian officials. The deal shows some willingness to cooperate amid deep hostilities.

Fighting Continues Along Extensive Front Line Despite Talks

Despite the prisoner swap and diplomatic efforts, fighting continues along a front line stretching about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles). Both Ukraine and Russia launched heavy strikes with thousands of soldiers engaged. Casualties have mounted in the three-year conflict. Neither side has shown signs of backing down from the battle. The war’s violence remains intense, even as talks seek peace.

Istanbul Meeting Sparks Hope but Key Differences Persist

The Istanbul meeting on May 16 offered hope for peace. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called the prisoner swap a “confidence-building measure.” Both sides agreed to hold further talks. However, the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said they had not yet agreed on a venue for the next round. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov promised to send a draft peace proposal once the prisoner exchange ends. Still, major disagreements remain. Ukraine and Western allies want a temporary ceasefire as a first step. Russia has yet to agree to this demand.

European Leaders Criticize Russia for Delaying Peace Talks

European officials accuse Russian President Vladimir Putin of delaying peace efforts. They believe Putin hopes to use Russia’s larger army to gain more ground before agreeing to peace. The talks show that both sides remain far apart on key issues. Ukraine insists on a ceasefire to protect civilians and stabilize the country. Russia continues to press its military advantage on the battlefield, rejecting conditions that could halt its advances.

Russia and Ukraine Exchange Heavy Drone Attacks

Recent fighting also includes intense drone warfare. Between May 20 and 23, Russia reported shooting down 788 Ukrainian drones outside battle zones. Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 175 Shahed and decoy drones, plus one ballistic missile since late Thursday. Both sides use drones heavily to gather intelligence and launch attacks. This new form of warfare adds complexity to the ongoing conflict and puts cities like Kyiv under constant threat.

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