KYIV, Ukraine — Russia launched major attacks on two Ukrainian cities early Tuesday, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure in what President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as a significant assault on Ukraine’s capital. This marks a crucial moment in the ongoing three-year conflict.
The attacks targeted Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and the southern port city of Odesa. According to an online statement by President Zelenskyy, Russian forces launched 315 drones, predominantly Shaheds, along with seven missiles during the night. Zelenskyy expressed his concern over the escalating violence, calling for decisive actions from the U.S. and European countries.
In Odesa, the assault damaged a maternity hospital and residential buildings, causing two fatalities and injuring nine others, as reported by the regional prosecutor’s office. In Kyiv’s Obolonskyi district, another individual lost their life, according to regional head Tymur Tkachenko. He highlighted the indiscriminate nature of these attacks, emphasizing their impact on ordinary people’s lives rather than military infrastructure.
The assaults persisted despite recent discussions between the two nations and the execution of prisoner exchanges. In one of the most extensive overnight drone attacks of the war, Moscow had launched nearly 500 drones against Ukraine just a day prior. Both Ukrainian and Western officials had anticipated a response from Russia following a bold Ukrainian drone strike on Russian air bases.
Although both sides recently held peace talks in Istanbul on June 2, no substantial progress has been achieved due to contentious clauses that hinder swift agreements. Nonetheless, a prisoner of war exchange began on Monday, involving soldiers between the ages of 18 and 25. A second batch was exchanged on Tuesday, focusing on seriously wounded and sick Ukrainian service members. President Zelenskyy vowed to continue efforts to repatriate more captives.
Notably, soldiers who had been captured during the battle for Mariupol over three years ago were among those exchanged, highlighting the toll of prolonged captivity. The freed individuals included many with severe injuries and illnesses, reflective of the harsh conditions they endured. Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed receiving a second group of exchanged soldiers.
Personal stories of reunion and anguish among affected families echo the human cost of the conflict. While some, like Amina Ivanchenko, are grateful for the return of their loved ones, others like Anastasia Nahorna and Anna Rodionova continue to await any news or hope for the return of missing family members. There are also plans for an exchange of deceased soldiers’ bodies although details remain uncertain.
Amidst continuous strikes, Kyiv residents sought shelter from the bombardment. Air defense units worked tirelessly to intercept drones and missiles, with notable destruction reported across seven of the city’s districts. Concerned residents like Viktoriia Melnyk express their frustration over the indiscriminate nature of these attacks and the global community’s perceived indifference. Fires raged in multiple Kyiv districts, exacerbated by debris from the attacks, according to local authorities.
Ukrainian officials insist on Russia’s accountability for its actions, urging for justice and security, not just for Ukraine but for global stability. Russia’s Defense Ministry maintains it targeted military locations and accomplishments were met, but Ukrainian officials dispute these claims.
As the conflict continues, the death toll rises from past attacks. In Kharkiv, the number of those confirmed dead increased as rescuers uncovered a body following a previous Russian assault. Similarly, a tragic update came from Sumy, where a young boy succumbed to injuries from earlier strikes. Meanwhile, Russia cited success in intercepting drones sent by Ukraine, affecting areas from the border to deeper within Russia, including central Moscow and Leningrad regions.
The situation continues to escalate, illustrating the sustained volatility and human toll of the conflict. As parties navigate a complex landscape of warfare and diplomacy, the future remains uncertain for those caught in this enduring struggle.