Ukraine suffers worst Russian attack in weeks amid prisoner swap

Kyiv.– Ukraine experienced the most intense Russian air attack in recent weeks between Saturday night and Sunday morning, with the launch of hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles that left at least 12 dead and 79 injured, according to local authorities.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that Russian forces attacked multiple regions of the country, while the Air Force of Ukraine managed to intercept 266 drones and 45 missiles. However, several of the projectiles managed to hit residential areas, causing widespread damage and multiple fires.

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“The enemy used missiles and attack drones. Civilian homes were targeted in the attacks: more than 80 residential buildings were damaged. 27 fires were recorded, and firefighters are still extinguishing the flames in three locations,” said Interior Minister Igor Klimenko on his Facebook account.

Only in the Kyiv region, three deaths and 29 injuries were reported, including six minors. The explosions also affected the capital’s infrastructure, where significant material damage was reported.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrí Sibiga, described the attack as “the largest in weeks” and lamented that among the victims are at least three minors in the Zhytomyr region, whose parents were also injured, the mother in serious condition.

Zelensky calls for more pressure against Russia

Faced with the magnitude of the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the international community to increase pressure on the Kremlin.

“Without really strong pressure on the Russian authorities, this brutality cannot be stopped,” the president expressed via Telegram, where he also urged the United States and European countries to act with “determination” against Moscow.

Zelensky stressed that it is possible to stop the war if the necessary economic and diplomatic force is exerted on Russia. “The world knows all the weaknesses of the Russian economy,” he added.

Last phase of the prisoner exchange

The attack coincided with the conclusion of the largest prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia since the beginning of the conflict. This Sunday, the third and final stage of the agreement sealed in Istanbul was completed, which contemplates the release of 1,000 prisoners by each side.

Following the release of 390 prisoners on Friday and another 307 on Saturday, this Sunday saw the confirmation of the handover of the remaining 303, all members of the Ukrainian Army, the National Guard, and border services.

“The third part of the 1,000 for 1,000 exchange agreed in Turkey has been completed,” Zelensky announced. He also thanked the team that worked “tirelessly” to achieve the agreement, reached during the first direct contacts between Kyiv and Moscow in the last three years.