Russia carried out a major airstrike on Ukraine early Tuesday. It targeted the capital, Kyiv, and the southern port city, Odesa. As a result, at least three people died, and 13 others were injured.
A Wave of Drones and Missiles
According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian forces fired 315 drones—mainly Iranian-made Shaheds—along with seven missiles.
He said, “Russian missile and Shahed strikes are louder than the efforts of the United States and others to push for peace.”
Therefore, he urged Western nations to take stronger action.
Civilian Areas Suffer Heavy Damage
Meanwhile, Odesa saw serious damage. A maternity hospital and residential buildings were hit. Two people were killed, and nine were wounded.
At the same time, in Kyiv’s Obolonskyi district, another person died. Moreover, residents reported hearing drone engines and explosions for several hours throughout the night.
Even Larger Attack the Night Before
Significantly, this assault followed an even larger drone strike the night before. Russia launched almost 500 drones, marking the biggest drone barrage of the war so far.
Despite this, recent peace talks held in Istanbul showed little progress. Both countries refused to shift their positions.
Some Hope Through Prisoner Swaps
Nevertheless, the two sides completed a prisoner exchange this week. On Monday and Tuesday, they each released captured soldiers.
Many Ukrainian troops returned home in poor health. Some had been in Russian custody since the intense fighting in Mariupol years ago.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed receiving its returned personnel.
Families Welcome Loved Ones Back
As families reunited, emotions ran high. Relief and sorrow mixed together as many still wait for missing loved ones. Amina Ivanchenko, who reunited with her husband after 18 months, said, “My struggle was much easier thanks to them. Our country will definitely bring everyone back.”
