Kyiv Under Siege: Major Russian Drone and Missile Strikes Rock the City with Widespread Explosions

KYIV, Ukraine — Kyiv faced a significant assault from Russian drones and missiles overnight, injuring at least 15 people, according to local officials. Residents reported loud explosions, prompting many to seek safety in subway stations.

Hours before the attack, Ukraine and Russia began a major prisoner swap involving hundreds of soldiers and civilians, a rare moment of cooperation amid ongoing hostilities. This exchange, agreed upon during talks in Istanbul, marked a new phase in the long conflict.

The Ukrainian military reported that 14 ballistic missiles and 250 Shahed drones were launched during the attack. Fortunately, they managed to intercept six missiles and down 245 drones through a combined effort of air defense and electronic warfare methods.

“It was a tough night for all of us,” the Kyiv City Military Administration stated. The debris from the intercepted missiles scattered across at least six districts in Kyiv, causing damage and sparking fires in the Solomianskyi area. Emergency services were in action as fires broke out in affected buildings.

The Obolon district was particularly hard hit. Local resident Yurii Bondarchuk recounted how he heard the air raid sirens and then explosions that sent glass flying everywhere in his apartment. “The balcony is completely gone, along with the windows and the doors,” he explained, visibly shaken.

The air raids lasted over seven hours, with warnings issued well in advance. Kyiv’s mayor, Vitalii Klitschko, informed residents of the incoming drone assaults, emphasizing the need for caution.

Despite the prisoner swap being hailed as a “confidence-building measure,” fighting showed no signs of slowing down across the extended front lines, which stretch about 1,000 kilometers. Tens of thousands of soldiers have perished in fierce battles. Both sides continue to seek territorial advantages, with neither showing interest in a ceasefire yet.

Interestingly, the recent prisoner exchange was only the first stage of a broader agreement to swap 1,000 captives from each side. The initial release saw 390 Ukrainians returned home, with more exchanges anticipated soon.

On a political level, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov indicated that after this exchange, Russia would present a draft proposal for a lasting peace agreement. However, ongoing military actions and rising tensions in the region leave such diplomatic solutions uncertain for the immediate future.

For additional details and updates on the war, you can follow ongoing coverage from sources like the Associated Press.

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