Kyiv, Ukraine – May 2025 (AP) — In a notable exchange, Russia and Ukraine have completed the third and final phase of a prisoner swap, resulting in the release of hundreds of personnel from both sides. This swap stands out as a rare instance of cooperation amid ongoing hostilities that have persisted for over three years in the conflict.
Earlier on the same day, Kyiv and other regions faced a significant Russian assault comprising drones and missiles, resulting in at least 12 fatalities and numerous injuries. Ukrainian officials labeled this attack as the largest aerial engagement since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
By late Sunday, urban areas in Ukraine, including Kyiv, were targeted for a third consecutive night. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported ongoing efforts by air defense units to intercept enemy drones. Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv military administration, confirmed that drones were also assaulting Kharkiv and its nearby suburbs.
“Information on casualties is still being confirmed,” Syniehubov cautioned, urging residents to find safe locations until the air alerts ceased.
Russia’s Defense Ministry disclosed that each nation exchanged 303 soldiers, which follows previous releases of 307 combatants and civilians on Saturday and 390 on Friday — marking the most significant prisoner swap during the war to date.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the latest exchange on X, expressing relief that “303 Ukrainian defenders are home,” highlighting that the returned troops consisted of members from various military services, including the Armed Forces and National Guard.
Nataliya Borovyk, the sister of one of the released soldiers, shared her emotional response upon learning of her brother’s return. “My uncle had to calm me down and get me into a taxi to come here. Moments like this last forever.”
The family had hoped for their loved one’s release earlier in the exchange, and Nataliya anxiously awaited news until the last minute.
During discussions in Istanbul earlier this month, the first face-to-face peace talks since hostilities escalated, both nations agreed to a swap involving 1,000 prisoners of war and detained civilians. This exchange remains the only positive outcome from these negotiations.
Largest Offensive of the War
The scale of the recent Russian offensive was striking, as they launched 367 drones and missiles—reported as the most extensive airstrike since the war began. According to Yuriy Ihnat, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia deployed 69 missiles and 298 drones, including Iranian-made models.
Moscow has not yet responded to inquiries about the assault.
On what should have been a celebratory Kyiv Day—an annual holiday marking the city’s founding—Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, noting they impacted over 30 cities and villages. He called on Ukraine’s Western allies to impose stricter sanctions on Russia, a plea the Ukrainian leader has persistently emphasized without significant action.
“Striking civilians is deliberate,” Zelenskyy expressed on X, identifying the cities targeted, including Kyiv, Odesa, and Dnipro. He asserted that international silence only emboldens Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating, “Strong pressure is necessary to stop this brutality.”
In a pointed critique, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed growing impatience with Putin, labeling his actions as irrational and destructive.
Keith Kellogg, U.S. special envoy to Ukraine, condemned the Russian military assault, characterizing it as a clear violation of international laws and calling for an immediate ceasefire.
A Restless Night
Throughout the night, Kyiv experienced an atmosphere of chaos, punctuated by explosions as air defenses fought to counter the Russian drones and missiles. At least four individuals were reported killed and 16 injured within the capital, according to security officials.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha conveyed on X, “This morning is exceptionally tough after a night without sleep,” reflecting the intensity of the ongoing attacks.
In the Zhytomyr region, three children tragically lost their lives in the strikes, which also left several others injured. The onslaught caused destruction across many districts, prompting the mayor to report considerable damage to residential buildings and infrastructure.
In Markhalivka, not far from Kyiv, the Fedorenko family faced the devastation of their home. Liubov Fedorenko, 76, likened the destruction to scenes from other devastated cities like Bakhmut and Mariupol. Grateful for her daughter and grandchildren’s absence during the attack, she lamented what could have been a far worse tragedy.
Continued Hostilities
While the prisoner exchange offers a glimpse of humanity amid the war, the conflict remains unabated. Intense clashes are ongoing along a roughly 1,000-kilometer front, as both Russian and Ukrainian forces continue their military operations.
Russia’s Defense Ministry reported recent territorial advances against Ukrainian troops in regions like Kursk and Sumy, with ongoing battles in the Kharkiv area.
In a dramatic turn, reports surfaced of intense Ukrainian drone attacks coinciding with a recent visit by Putin to the Kursk region, highlighting the ongoing volatility in the area.
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Yeroshenko contributed reporting from Markhalivka. This article includes input from Associated Press journalists in various locations, enhancing the coverage of the war in Ukraine.
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