In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a substantial aerial assault on Kyiv overnight, employing a combination of drones and ballistic missiles. This fierce attack marks one of the largest strikes on the Ukrainian capital in the ongoing three-year conflict, resulting in damage to multiple apartment buildings and leaving 15 individuals injured.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to social media to describe it as a “tough night” for the nation, urging the international community to impose new sanctions on Russia to compel their adherence to a ceasefire. He noted, “Only additional sanctions against key sectors of the Russian economy will force Moscow to agree to a ceasefire.”
As dawn broke, witnesses reported hearing waves of drones overhead followed by a series of explosions that rattled the city. The sounds of anti-aircraft batteries echoed as they attempted to intercept the threatening aerial assaults.
Smoke and flames poured out of a balcony window on the top floor of a building as firefighters struggled to approach the inferno. By daybreak, government officials announced damage across six districts and confirmed the injuries of 15 individuals, including two children, three of whom required hospitalization.
The Kyiv city military administration characterized this as one of the most extensive combined drone and missile assaults witnessed during the war. As officials worked to assess the damage, the scene from the capital was one of devastation.
In the midst of this ongoing turmoil, U.S. President Donald Trump has been advocating for dialogue, encouraging both Russia and Ukraine to engage in ceasefire talks. However, he has also expressed reservations about a European initiative to impose further sanctions on Russia.
On another front, Russia and Ukraine have recently exchanged 307 soldiers in what is being hailed as one of the largest prisoner swaps in the war’s history. Mr. Trump suggested that this exchange, which aims to release a total of 1,000 prisoners over three days, could signal a new phase in the perennially stalled peace negotiations. President Zelensky shared on Telegram, “Tomorrow we expect more. Our goal is to return each and every one of us from Russian captivity.”
Visuals released by Zelensky’s office showcased the emotional reunions of freed Ukrainian soldiers, who arrived in buses adorned with blue and yellow Ukrainian flags. One soldier expressed disbelief upon returning home, saying, “I can’t believe I’m home.”
In contrast, a video from the Russian defense ministry depicted their personnel disembarking buses and displaying national flags, including those of the Soviet Union and the Russian Empire. The initial phase of this exchange took place recently, with the first 390 prisoners released, setting the stage for more to come.
While these exchanges unfold, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that the Kremlin is ready to present a draft document outlining conditions for a long-term peace agreement once the current prisoner exchange is complete.
The day also saw Russia launching 14 ballistic missiles and 250 long-range drones targeting various locations in Ukraine, with Kyiv remaining the focal point. These strikes came in response to several days of Ukrainian drone operations that targeted locations within Russia, including Moscow.
In light of these developments, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha remarked, “Russia still has not sent its ‘peace memorandum.’ Instead, it is sending deadly drones and missiles at civilians.” President Zelensky reiterated the point, emphasizing that recent attacks are evidence that Russia is the obstacle to achieving peace.
Despite claims of seeking a peaceful resolution, Russia insists that Ukraine must recognize its territorial realities and cease using its land as a launchpad for Western threats against Russia. Notably, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported capturing settlements in Ukraine’s Donetsk and Sumy regions, though this account remains unverified by independent sources.
As the situation continues to develop, the world watches closely, hoping for a genuine path toward peace amid escalating tensions.
