As Ukraine and Russia executed their largest prisoner swap since the war began in 2022, both nations came under intense overnight drone attacks targeting their capitals.
Explosions Rattle Kyiv
Explosions were heard across Kyiv early Sunday, as more than a dozen enemy drones swarmed the city’s airspace. Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, warned, “The night will not be easy.” Some drones were intercepted, while others managed to cause damage, including debris falling on a five-storey residential building.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed at least 10 injuries and urged residents to stay sheltered. “The capital is under attack, but air defences are operating,” he stated.
Moscow Under Fire, Airports Affected
Simultaneously, Moscow faced a similar assault. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced that Russian forces had downed 12 drones headed toward the capital. The Russian aviation authority imposed temporary restrictions on four major airports, including Sheremetyevo.
This exchange of drone fire followed Ukraine’s Saturday morning report that Russia had launched 14 ballistic missiles and 250 drones overnight. Officials said 15 people were wounded in those strikes.
The Russian military accused Ukraine of deploying 788 drones and missiles since Tuesday. Over the past week, dozens of drones targeting Moscow have been shot down.
Prisoner Swap Brings Emotional Reunions
Despite the ongoing attacks, Kyiv and Moscow carried out a major prisoner swap, exchanging 307 captives each on Saturday. This followed a Friday swap where both sides exchanged 390 prisoners, with plans to trade a total of 1,000 individuals.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Moscow’s continuous assaults, stating that Russia is “prolonging the war.” However, he confirmed that the prisoner swap agreed upon in Istanbul would continue.
Russia has hinted it will send Ukraine terms for a potential peace settlement following the exchange, though the specifics remain undisclosed.
Homecomings Marked by Tears and Relief
The scenes of reunion were emotional. An AFP journalist in the Chernigiv region saw released Ukrainian soldiers arrive at a hospital, many emaciated but smiling. Some were draped in Ukraine’s yellow and blue flag, waving to families who held up photographs in hopes of identifying loved ones.
“It’s simply crazy. Crazy feelings,” said 31-year-old soldier Konstantin Steblev, who was freed after nearly three years in captivity.
Viktor Syvak, 58, who was captured in Mariupol and held for 37 months and 12 days, shared, “I didn’t expect such a welcome. It’s impossible to describe. I can’t put it into words. It’s very joyful.”
Thousands of prisoners remain in captivity, with Moscow believed to be holding between 8,000 to 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers.
Trump Reacts to Exchange
Former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the exchange via his Truth Social platform: “This could lead to something big???” Despite his promises to quickly end the war, Trump’s ceasefire efforts have yet to yield results.
Kremlin Unmoved on Demands
Diplomatic efforts have increased in recent weeks, but Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to push forward with military offensives and has not softened his conditions for ending the war.
