Kyiv Under Attack
Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, experienced a significant drone and missile assault early Saturday, with explosions and gunfire reverberating across the city. This prompted numerous residents to take refuge in underground subway stations.
Prisoner Exchange Preceding the Attack
The aerial assault occurred just hours after a major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, where hundreds of soldiers and civilians were swapped. This agreement was a rare moment of cooperation amidst a backdrop of failed attempts to reach a ceasefire in the ongoing war.
Extent of Damage
Debris from intercepted missiles and drones scattered across at least four districts in Kyiv. According to Tymur Tkachenko, the acting head of the Kyiv military administration, six individuals required medical attention, and two fires erupted in the Solomianskyi district.
Local Reactions
A local resident, Yurii Bondarchuk, described the alarm as the drones approached and shared that the explosions resulted in shattered glass and significant damage to his apartment, with a completely destroyed balcony.
Long Air Raid Alerts
The air raid alert lasted over seven hours, as Mayor Vitalii Klitschko warned residents about approaching Russian drones. As the assault progressed, fragments fell on both a shopping center and a residential block.
Continued Fighting and Diplomatic Efforts
Even with the recent prisoner swap—the largest in the war so far—fighting persisted along the front lines. Diplomatic discussions continue to falter, with Russia indicating it would propose terms for a long-term peace agreement once the prisoner exchanges concluded.
Ongoing Conflict
European leaders have criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for delaying peace negotiations, suggesting he may be looking to gain more ground in Ukraine. Signs of a temporary ceasefire, supported by Ukraine’s Western allies, are among the essential conditions proposed to end hostilities.
