Russia launched a heavy drone and missile attack on Kyiv early Saturday. As a result, loud explosions and gunfire echoed through the city. Many people rushed into subway stations to seek safety.
According to Tymur Tkachenko, acting head of Kyiv’s military administration, debris from intercepted weapons hit at least four areas in the city. Consequently, six people needed medical help. Fires also broke out in Kyiv’s Solomianskyi district.
Before the strike, Mayor Vitalii Klitschko had already warned that over 20 Russian drones were approaching Kyiv. Soon after, he confirmed that falling debris damaged a shopping mall and a residential building in the Obolon district. Emergency services immediately responded.
Major Prisoner Swap Offers Temporary Hope
Just hours earlier, Ukraine and Russia had completed the first phase of a large prisoner exchange. Both sides released 1,000 detainees each, including soldiers and civilians. This agreement followed a meeting in Istanbul the previous week.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, “The first phase brought home 390 Ukrainians.” He added that more releases would happen over the weekend, calling it the biggest exchange since the war began.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry stated it also received 390 prisoners from Ukraine. The exchange took place at the Belarus-Ukraine border. Afterwards, Russia sent its released soldiers to Belarus for medical treatment.
Families Wait Anxiously in Belarus
As the freed men arrived at the medical center, their families waited nearby. Many held signs and photos. They shouted names, hoping to find their loved ones.
“Vanya!” cried Nataliia Mosych. “My husband!” she shouted, searching for him among the crowd.
Although this was one of the largest swaps involving civilians, it did not lead to a pause in the conflict.
Intense Fighting Continues Along the Front
At the same time, battles continued along the 1,000-kilometer frontline. Both armies suffered large losses. Neither side slowed their attacks.
Following the May 16 talks in Istanbul, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called the exchange a “confidence-building measure.” He noted that both sides agreed to meet again.
However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there was still no decision on the location for future peace talks. Additionally, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia would present Ukraine with a peace proposal only after the prisoner swap ends.
Peace Talks Face Major Disagreements
Meanwhile, European leaders accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of delaying peace efforts. They believe he is using the time to push his military further into Ukrainian land.
The Istanbul meeting showed that major differences remain. Ukraine, with backing from Western allies, demands a temporary ceasefire as a starting point. So far, Russia has not agreed.
Drone War Intensifies Despite Swap
Moreover, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that it had shot down 788 Ukrainian drones from May 20 to May 23. On the other hand, Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 175 Shahed drones, decoy drones, and a ballistic missile since Thursday night.
Although both sides agreed on the prisoner release, they continue to fight aggressively on the battlefield.
