At least a dozen people lost their lives overnight in Ukraine following a fresh wave of Russian air assaults, according to Ukrainian officials.
The attacks, which targeted several regions including Kyiv, occurred as both Kyiv and Moscow engaged in what may become their largest prisoner exchange since the war began in February 2022.
Ukraine’s emergency responders described the overnight assault as a “night of terror,” marking the second consecutive night of large-scale missile and drone strikes by Russia. This followed a similar barrage late Friday into Saturday.
The death toll from the latest bombardments includes three children—aged 8, 12, and 17—in the Zhytomyr region.
In addition, four people died in Khmelnytskyi, four more in Kyiv’s outskirts, and one person in the southern city of Mykolaiv.
Emergency officials reported that 16 others were injured in Kyiv, among them more children.
Explosions were heard throughout Kyiv, with city officials confirming the activation of air defences.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko and military administrator Tymur Tkachenko both confirmed the capital was under threat throughout the night.
Ukrainian defence forces said they intercepted 45 missiles and 266 drones. Meanwhile, Russia claimed it neutralized multiple drones en route to Moscow.
Several airports around Moscow, including Sheremetyevo, briefly suspended operations.
These attacks come as 307 Russian prisoners were exchanged for an equal number of Ukrainian captives on Saturday, following a similar swap of 390 individuals on Friday.
Altogether, each country is expected to repatriate around 1,000 prisoners.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia’s continued aggression, stating it was an attempt to drag out the conflict.
Despite the violence, he expressed hope that the prisoner exchange agreement brokered in Istanbul would continue.
Returning soldiers, many visibly frail but smiling, were welcomed with cheers in Ukraine.
One former POW, Konstantin Steblev, described his return after three years in captivity as “simply crazy.”
Another, Viktor Syvak, who was held for more than three years, said the joy was indescribable.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump praised the swap on social media and suggested it could pave the way for a peace deal.
However, the Kremlin has not eased its hardline stance, and the path to a ceasefire remains uncertain.