Kyiv Experiences Intense Assault by Russian Drones and Missiles, Resulting in Loud Blasts Across the City
Kyiv experienced a massive drone and missile assault early Saturday, with explosions and gunfire resonating throughout the city, causing numerous residents to seek refuge in underground subway stations. The attack followed hours after Russia and Ukraine initiated a major prisoner exchange, exchanging hundreds of soldiers and civilians in the first phase of a deal agreed upon in Istanbul last week. The prisoner swap, although a glimmer of collaboration, unfolded amidst ceasefire negotiations that have thus far proven futile.
Russian drones, reportedly over 20, approached Kyiv, according to Mayor Vitalii Klitschko, who warned residents before the attack. Consequences of the assault included debris from the downed drones falling in various city districts, causing six injuries and sparking fires in the Solomianskyi district. City mayor Vitalii Klitschko revealed that drone debris struck a shopping mall and a residential building in Obolon district.
The prisoner exchange, involving the release of 390 Ukrainians, was the first phase of a complicated deal involving the exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side. This exchange took place at the border with Belarus in northern Ukraine. The freed Russian prisoners were taken to Belarus for medical treatment, as per the Russian Defense Ministry.Emotions ran high as families sought any news of their loved ones, as returned men stood amidst a sea of portraits, amongst the gathered relatives.
Despite the exchange, peace talks have shown little progress, continuing to be hampered by both sides' stubborn positions. Russia has repeatedly rejected the idea of a ceasefire as a prerequisite for negotiations, preferring direct talks instead. Meanwhile, the European community has been critical of Russian President Putin for allegedly stalling the peace process, while attempting to capture more Ukrainian territory.
The prisoner exchange, the largest one involving Ukrainian civilians yet, offers a sliver of hope amidst persistent conflict. Tens of thousands of soldiers have been killed along the approximately 1,000-kilometer front line. Despite ongoing efforts, a permanent end to fighting remains elusive. As negotiations persist, the international community remains hopeful for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Article by Illia Novikov.
- The Russian Defense Ministry announced that the freed Russian prisoners from the prisoner exchange were taken to Belarus for medical treatment, as a part of an ongoing complex deal involving the release of thousands of prisoners from each side.
- Despite the Russian-Ukrainian prisoner exchange, the European community criticizes Russian President Putin for alleged stalling of the peace process while trying to capture more Ukrainian territory, adding that a ceasefire remains a crucial step for any meaningful peace talks.
