Russia unleashed one of its most extensive overnight aerial assaults on Ukraine, killing at least 13 people and injuring dozens more in a sweeping drone and missile attack. Ukrainian officials said the strike, which featured a record number of drones, underscored Moscow’s disregard for any ceasefire efforts—despite a significant prisoner swap between the two nations taking place at the same time.
The barrage, which hit 13 regions including the capital Kyiv, marked the second consecutive night of strikes and the third such escalation in a week. Ukraine’s air force reported downing 266 out of 298 drones and intercepting 45 missiles. Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ignat confirmed that Russia had launched a total of 298 drones—the highest number recorded in a single attack.
Videos circulating on social media captured the intensity of the assault, described by emergency services as a night of “terror.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes and renewed calls for stronger international sanctions against Russia.
“Without truly strong pressure on the Russian leadership, this brutality cannot be stopped,” Zelenskyy said in a statement. “The silence of America, the silence of others around the world only encourages Putin. Sanctions will certainly help.”
The European Union’s top diplomat also denounced the attack, urging the global community to apply “the strongest international pressure” to halt the war.
Russia, meanwhile, claimed the strikes were aimed at Ukraine’s “military-industrial complex.” It also said it had intercepted 110 Ukrainian drones. The previous night, Moscow had launched 14 ballistic missiles and 250 drones, which Ukrainian officials said left at least 15 people injured.
Drone activity also disrupted flights temporarily at Moscow airports on Sunday, though no casualties were reported.
Largest Prisoner Swap Since War Began
In a contrasting development, Ukraine and Russia carried out their largest prisoner exchange since the conflict began in 2022. Just hours after the deadly strikes, both sides announced the release of 303 prisoners each, bringing the total number of exchanged individuals to 1,000—a symbolic moment amid the escalating violence.
Trump Reacts to Airstrikes and Prisoner Swap
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has claimed he could swiftly end the war if re-elected, weighed in on the developments. While he praised the prisoner exchange, he strongly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin in a post on his Truth Social platform.
“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him! He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He’s needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers,” Trump wrote.
Trump also took aim at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting he was doing his country “no favours” through his rhetoric. The former president didn’t spare his successor either, sharply criticizing President Joe Biden’s handling of the conflict.
