Russia Launches Largest Aerial Attack on Ukraine Ahead of Major Prisoner Swap

Largest Aerial Attack on Ukraine

• 💥 Russia launched its largest aerial attack of the war across Ukraine, hours before a major prisoner swap was completed.
• 🏠 Explosions were heard in Kyiv, with residents taking shelter in underground metro stations.
• 📈 Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched nearly 370 drones and missiles in the overnight assault, though most were reportedly shot down.
• 💔 Children were among the casualties, with at least 12 people killed and dozens injured.
• 📍 Cities and regions hit included Kyiv, Makarov, Mikolayiv, Ternopil, and Kharkiv.

Ukrainian President's Call to Action

• 🗣️ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for action from the United States, criticizing a perceived silence that he believes emboldens Russia.
• ⚖️ Zelensky stated that each Russian strike is a reason for new sanctions against Russia.

Major Prisoner Swap

• 🤝 Russia and Ukraine confirmed a major prisoner swap, exchanging 303 prisoners each.
• 🕊️ This exchange, the largest since the war began 3 years ago, was the only concrete step towards peace to emerge from recent direct talks.
• 🍫 Ukrainian authorities released footage of freed citizens enjoying chocolate, some for the first time in 3 years.
• 🇷🇺 Russian defense ministry also published video of released soldiers celebrating.