NATO scrambled fighter jets after Russia launched a massive air attack on Ukraine for a second consecutive night – killing at least 12 people.
At least three children lost their lives and numerous people were wounded following the release of 367 missiles and drones by Russian troops, marking the most significant assault thus far in the conflict.
Russia used a mix of 69 ballistic and cruise missiles and 298 drones, including Iranian-designed Shahed drones.
The attack took place on the third day of a planned prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine – an outcome of last week’s peace talks in Istanbul.
Footage showed emergency responders trying to extinguish fires as smoke billowed from cars and houses.
At least four people were killed in Kyiv with another 26 wounded -including at least three children.
In Zhytomyr region, west of Kyiv, three children were killed, aged 8, 12 and 17, according to the emergency service.
Polish military high command said it had deployed “all available forces and resources” on Nato’s eastern flank.
Officials further stated that fighter pairs on active duty were swiftly deployed, while the ground-based air defense and radar scouting units were put on high alert.
“The steps taken are aimed at ensuring security in the areas bordering the threatened areas.”
The attacks over the past 48 hours were among the most intense Russian aerial strikes on Ukraine since the February 2022 full-scale invasion.
Yesterday, the Russian forces launched a massive air assault on Kyiv with 250 drones and 14 Iskander-M ballistic missiles.
The intense attack resulted in residential buildings catching fire, prompting inhabitants in the Ukrainian city to seek refuge in underground bunkers amidst the backdrop of anti-aircraft gunshots.
Explosions rocked the city during a seven hour raid as fireballs lit up the skyline long into the early hours.
Six of the warheads and 245 drones were shot out of the sky as debris rained down.
In response, President Volodymyr Zelensky said: “Unfortunately, the Russians show no signals of a ceasefire.”
Tymur Tkachenko, acting head of Kyiv’s military administration, said missile and drone debris hit at least four districts in the capital, sparking fires and damaging homes.
It came just hours after the biggest prisoner of war swap since the start of the war saw hundreds returned home.
Hundreds more followed yesterday as part of a deal that will see 1,000 released by both sides.
Zelensky said 307 Ukrainian troops were brought home on Saturday, a day after 390 were freed in an earlier phase of the exchange.
Russia’s defence ministry confirmed the same number of prisoners returned to its side.
On his Telegram channel, Zelensky added: “We expect more to come tomorrow.”
The deal was struck earlier this month during the first face-to-face talks between Kyiv and Moscow since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
The meeting, held in Istanbul, laid out plans for a 1,000-person swap.
But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there was no agreement on where the next round of talks would take place.
European leaders including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of dragging his feet in peace efforts.
Military analysts believe he is trying to press home his advantage and capture more Ukrainian land.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said a draft document with Moscow’s proposed peace terms would be shared once the prisoner exchange was complete.
US President Donald Trump claimed the latest exchange could be the “first step” toward ending the war – revealing he spoke with Putin for two hours earlier this week.
He wrote on Truth Social: “This could lead to something big???”
Putin described the call as “very productive” and said Russia was “ready to work with the Ukrainian side” – but insisted any deal must include compromises from both nations.
