At least 12 people were killed in Ukraine overnight into Sunday following renewed Russian air strikes, according to Ukrainian officials. The attacks came as both Kyiv and Moscow pressed ahead with a major prisoner exchange.
Ukraine’s emergency services described the night as one of “terror”, as Russia launched a second consecutive night of large-scale aerial assaults, targeting several cities including the capital, Kyiv. This followed a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones the night before.
The latest round of strikes coincides with the largest prisoner swap since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, and comes as the United States attempts to broker a ceasefire in the three-year conflict.
Among the casualties were three children—aged eight, 12, and 17—killed in the northwestern Zhytomyr region. Four more people were killed in the western Khmelnytskyi region, another four in the Kyiv region, and one person in the southern city of Mykolaiv.
Ukraine’s military reported that it had intercepted 45 Russian missiles and 266 attack drones overnight. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the capital was under attack but stated that air defences were active.
Emergency services reported 16 injuries, including three children, in the Kyiv region during what they called a “massive night attack.” Explosions were heard in the city by AFP journalists.
On the Russian side, authorities claimed to have shot down several drones en route to Moscow, prompting temporary flight restrictions at four airports, including Sheremetyevo.
The renewed violence followed earlier strikes in which Russia launched 14 ballistic missiles and 250 drones, injuring 15 people. The Russian military claimed that Ukraine had targeted it with 788 drones and missiles over the previous week.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of prolonging the war and reiterated calls for tougher sanctions against Russia. Nonetheless, he affirmed that prisoner exchanges would continue, following agreements made in Istanbul on 16 May.
Over the weekend, 307 Russian prisoners of war were exchanged for an equal number of Ukrainian soldiers. A first wave of 390 prisoners each was exchanged on Friday, with both sides expected to release a total of 1,000 in this operation.
Russia has signalled it will present peace terms after the swap, though no specifics have yet been offered.
Footage captured by AFP showed recently freed Ukrainian soldiers arriving at a hospital in Chernihiv region, many appearing thin and visibly emotional.
“It’s simply crazy. Crazy feelings,” said 31-year-old soldier Konstantin Steblev, returning after three years in captivity.
US President Donald Trump praised the exchange on Friday, suggesting it “could lead to something big” via his Truth Social platform, though his wider efforts to end the conflict have yet to yield results.
One of the returned soldiers, 58-year-old Viktor Syvak, captured in Mariupol and held for over three years, said, “It’s impossible to describe. It’s very joyful.”
Tens of thousands have been killed since the war began. Russia is believed to hold 8,000 to 10,000 Ukrainian prisoners of war—more than Ukraine’s share.
Despite increasing international diplomatic pressure, the Kremlin continues its military campaign, refusing to retreat from its stated demands in ongoing negotiations.