Russia and Ukraine Exchange Hundreds of Prisoners Following Major Attack on Kyiv

Russia and Ukraine exchanged over 300 prisoners each on Saturday, just hours after a major missile and drone attack on Kyiv injured at least 15 people. The rare moment of cooperation came amid ongoing violence and escalating tensions.

Kyiv, Ukraine (WE) — Russia and Ukraine carried out another major prisoner exchange on Saturday, offering a rare glimpse of cooperation in a war now entering its fourth year. Just hours earlier, Russian forces launched a large-scale drone and missile assault on Kyiv, injuring at least 15 people.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine confirmed that both sides had each brought home 307 soldiers. The announcement followed Friday’s swap, which saw 390 combatants and civilians freed from each country. According to Zelenskyy, more releases are expected soon, possibly making this the largest prisoner exchange since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

“We expect more to come tomorrow,” Zelenskyy posted on his Telegram channel. Russia’s Ministry of Defense also noted the continuation of the exchange but did not provide specific details.

Meanwhile, Kyiv was under fire. The capital endured one of the heaviest air assaults in recent months. Residents heard explosions and anti-aircraft fire through the night. Many sought safety in subway stations as drones and missiles approached.

During earlier peace talks in Istanbul this month, both nations had agreed to swap 1,000 prisoners each. It was the first direct negotiation since the full-scale invasion began.

Russia struck Ukraine overnight using 14 ballistic missiles and 250 Shahed drones. Ukrainian forces managed to shoot down six missiles and neutralized 245 drones—128 by direct fire and 117 via electronic warfare. The Kyiv City Military Administration described it as one of the largest combined attacks on the capital.

“A difficult night for all of us,” the administration wrote in a statement.

Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s deputy foreign minister, condemned the attack on X, saying it showed the urgent need to increase sanctions on Russia.

David Lammy, the U.K.’s Foreign Secretary, echoed that sentiment. “Another night of terror for Ukrainian civilians,” he wrote. “These are not the actions of a country seeking peace.”

Katarina Mathernová, the European Union’s ambassador to Kyiv, described the attack as “horrific.” She urged anyone doubting Russia’s motives to read the news. “Russia wants war to continue,” she wrote on social media.

Missile and drone debris fell across six districts in Kyiv. Acting military administration head Tymur Tkachenko reported six people needed medical care. Fires broke out in Solomianskyi district due to falling wreckage.

The hardest-hit area was Obolon, where a residential building sustained heavy damage. Five residents were injured.

Local resident Yurii Bondarchuk described the terrifying night. “The air raid siren started as usual. Then the drones flew around. A few minutes later, I heard a boom and saw glass flying everywhere,” he said. “The balcony is totally wiped out, along with the windows and doors.” He stood in the dark, smoking a cigarette while firefighters tried to control the fire.

The air raid siren lasted for over seven hours. Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko warned residents about incoming drones on social media. He later reported drone debris hit a shopping mall and a residential building in Obolon. Emergency crews responded to both scenes.

Elsewhere in Ukraine, 13 civilians died in Russian attacks between Friday night and early Saturday. These deaths occurred in the southern, eastern, and northern regions, according to regional authorities.

In Odesa, three people died when a Russian missile struck port infrastructure. Governor Oleh Kiper said the target was likely linked to shipping. Later, Russia said the missile had hit a cargo ship carrying military equipment.

Russia’s defense ministry claimed its forces struck multiple military-related targets across Ukraine. These included drone and missile production plants, reconnaissance centers, and air defense launch sites.

Friday’s exchange marked the first step in the planned swap of 1,000 prisoners per side. A Ukrainian official confirmed the transfer occurred near the Belarus border, in northern Ukraine. The official spoke on condition of anonymity.

Russia flew its returning soldiers to Belarus for medical treatment, according to the defense ministry.

In Ukraine’s Chernihiv region, more POWs arrived at medical facilities on Saturday. For many families, these reunions brought both joy and sorrow.

Some people learned their loved ones were still missing. However, they clung to the information brought by the newly released prisoners.

Anna Marchenko, the daughter of a missing Ukrainian soldier, found hope. A released POW told her they had seen her father.

“This is such big news. It’s like a breath of fresh air,” she said. “I didn’t see him, but at least someone did. That gives us hope and helps us keep going.”

Although this was the largest exchange involving Ukrainian civilians so far, fighting continued unabated. Both armies remain locked in battle across a 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front. Tens of thousands of soldiers have died, and the war has shown no signs of ending.

After the Istanbul meeting on May 16, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called the prisoner swap a “confidence-building measure.” He noted both sides planned another meeting.

However, Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin, said no agreement exists yet for a future venue. Talks continue behind closed doors.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow would send Ukraine a draft peace proposal after the prisoner exchange concluded. He described it as a “sustainable, long-term, comprehensive” solution.

But deep disagreements remain.

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European leaders accused President Vladimir Putin of stalling peace negotiations while expanding Russia’s military control. They believe he’s trying to shift battlefield momentum in his favor before considering a ceasefire.

At the Istanbul talks, Ukrainian officials pushed for a temporary ceasefire, supported by Western allies, as the first step toward peace. Russia showed no interest in that proposal.

Overnight and into Saturday, Russian forces also shot down more than 100 Ukrainian drones in six western and southern Russian provinces, the defense ministry claimed.

Drone strikes caused injuries in the Tula region, south of Moscow. Governor Dmitriy Milyaev said three people were injured, and a fire erupted at an industrial facility.

According to Andriy Kovalenko, a senior member of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, the drone hit a chemical plant in Tula. That facility produces explosives and rocket fuel.

Despite intense fighting and destruction, the prisoner swap offered a rare glimpse of humanity. Families found closure. Some discovered that their loved ones were alive. Others learned they had not survived.

Yet the war continues. Cities like Kyiv brace for more attacks. Soldiers fight along the front. Drones fill the skies, and civilians continue to suffer.

Saturday’s exchange, while hopeful, was just a moment. Peace remains distant.

As long as missiles fall and political will stalls, the people of Ukraine and Russia will continue to live under the shadow of war. The next prisoner exchange may come soon. But a true resolution still feels out of reach.