In a deadly overnight strike, Russian troops launched 367 drones and missiles at Ukrainian cities, representing the largest aerial assault of the war thus far.
The assault resulted in 13 fatalities, among them three children in Zhytomyr, and wounded many, as attacks impacted Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Ternopil, and Khmelnytskyi.
Ukraine shot down 266 drones, 45 missiles but suffered massive damage
Ukraine’s air force shot down 266 drones and 45 missiles, yet damage was extensive, affecting apartment buildings and infrastructure significantly.
The capital city, Kyiv, experienced numerous explosions and intense anti-aircraft fire overnight, causing many residents to take shelter in subway stations.
ALSO READ: Opinion! Covid Comes Back to Haunt Again But Is it Time to Worry?
Various parts of the city experienced considerable damage, including a student dormitory in the Holosiivskyi district that was hit by a drone, causing a fire and harming the structure. A private home in the Dniprovskyi district was demolished.
In the Shevchenkivskyi district, a residential structure experienced broken windows as a result of the explosions.
Attack occurs amid ongoing prisoner swap
The attack took place on the third day of a significant prisoner swap deal between Ukraine and Russia, the sole concrete advancement made during the recent peace negotiations in Istanbul.
To date, both sides have returned 390 individuals, comprising both civilians and soldiers. On Saturday by itself, 307 additional detainees were swapped. Both President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russia’s Defense Ministry verified the events and indicated that additional exchanges are anticipated shortly.
The prisoner swap arose as a unique instance of cooperation from the Istanbul negotiations, marking the first direct peace discussions between Kyiv and Moscow since Russia initiated its full-scale invasion in 2022. In accordance with the agreement, both nations committed to exchanging 1,000 prisoners of war and civilian captives.
Even with this modest advancement, the larger aim of reaching a ceasefire continues to be out of reach as the conflict enters its third year.
