Russian airstrikes overnight claimed the lives of at least 12 individuals in Ukraine, including two children aged eight and 12, and a 17-year-old, as the nation endured another wave of bombardment from Moscow. Ukrainian officials described the night as one filled with “terror,” highlighting that this marked the second consecutive night of extensive air strikes, which included attacks on the capital city of Kyiv.
The strikes coincided with the culmination of the largest prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Each side exchanged 1,000 captured soldiers and civilians, providing a rare glimpse of cooperation amidst ongoing hostilities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to the latest violence, emphasizing that without substantial international pressure on Russian leadership, such brutality would persist. He criticized global silence, particularly from the United States, asserting that it only serves to embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Sanctions will certainly help,” he added, urging stronger measures against Moscow.
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s top diplomat, echoed Zelensky’s sentiments, calling for intensified international action to compel Russia to cease its aggressive campaign. She expressed devastation over the targeting of innocent civilians, particularly children, in recent attacks.
The night of violence followed an earlier barrage in which Russia launched a total of 14 ballistic missiles and 250 drones, resulting in 15 injuries. In response, Ukraine’s military reported successfully intercepting 45 missiles and 266 drones during the overnight hours. Meanwhile, Russian sources claimed to have downed 110 Ukrainian drones in the same timeframe.
Casualty reports indicate that four fatalities were recorded in the western Khmelnytskyi region, four in the Kyiv area, and one in the southern city of Mykolaiv. Additionally, 16 individuals were injured in the Kyiv region, including three children, due to the large-scale assault.
Survivors of the strikes shared their harrowing experiences. A retired woman from Makhalivka village described witnessing widespread devastation, saying, “We saw the whole street was on fire.” Another survivor, a 64-year-old retiree named Oleskandr, expressed his frustration with the idea of ceasefire discussions, insisting that Ukraine needs military support rather than negotiations. “We don’t need talks, but weapons, a lot of weapons to stop them,” he stated, underscoring the belief that Russia responds only to force.
