May 25, 2025
KYIV, Ukraine — Russia launched another wave of aerial attacks on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, over the weekend, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. The assault occurred amid a large-scale prisoner exchange agreement between the two nations.
According to the Kyiv regional military administration, three people were killed and 21 others injured, including two children, during attacks on the capital and surrounding areas overnight into Sunday. This followed an earlier series of strikes on Saturday that reportedly claimed the lives of at least 13 people across various regions of Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Air Force reported that drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles were launched from both air and sea, with Kyiv cited as the primary target of the latest assault. Air raid sirens were activated for hours across the capital, and residents were instructed to seek shelter as explosions were reported in multiple districts.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the situation as a “massive” attack on the capital. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed condolences to victims’ families, stating, “It was a difficult night for all of Ukraine.”
Amid the escalation, both Ukraine and Russia carried out a significant prisoner exchange, the result of rare direct talks held earlier this month in Istanbul. On Saturday, more than 600 military personnel from both sides were released as part of the second phase of the swap, following the release of nearly 800 individuals on Friday. The exchange is expected to continue over a three-day period, with a target of releasing approximately 1,000 prisoners from each side.
Footage shared by Ukrainian authorities showed released prisoners draped in Ukrainian flags and reuniting with family members. One widely circulated video featured a woman named Olena reuniting with her husband Yuriy after his six-month captivity.
Ukrainian officials have criticized continued Russian attacks during the prisoner exchange. Andrii Sybiha, a representative of Ukraine’s foreign ministry, remarked that while peace proposals were discussed in Istanbul, Russia “sends deadly drones and missiles at civilians.”
In response, Russia reported that it had intercepted or destroyed around 100 Ukrainian drones over its territory on Sunday, primarily over central and southern regions. The Russian Defense Ministry said drones were also downed near Moscow and across several border regions, including Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, and Tula. The governor of Tula reported three injuries from drone debris.
The Istanbul negotiations, initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin following diplomatic pressure from European nations, were seen by some observers as a strategic move rather than a genuine push for peace. While the talks did not yield a ceasefire agreement, the prisoner exchange was considered a notable outcome.
Ukraine and its Western allies continue to call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. As of now, no major diplomatic breakthrough has been achieved.
