Russia Launches Major Drone Attack on Kyiv Despite Prisoner Exchange

Kyiv, Ukraine A large-scale Russian drone and missile attack targeted Ukraine's capital city early Saturday morning, causing widespread alarm and prompting a strong response from Ukrainian air defenses. Explosions were reported across Kyiv as Ukrainian forces engaged the incoming drones with machine gun fire. The attack comes at a delicate time, following recent reports of successful prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine.

While details of the attack are still emerging, initial reports suggest that multiple waves of drones were used. The specific targets remain unclear, but residents reported hearing explosions near critical infrastructure and residential areas. Ukrainian officials have condemned the attack as a blatant act of aggression and a violation of international law.

The timing of the attack is particularly noteworthy, given the ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions through prisoner exchanges. The coordinated release of prisoners earlier this week had raised hopes for further progress in negotiations. However, this latest assault casts a shadow over those hopes and raises questions about Russia's commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities are growing louder.