KYIV, May 28 – Russian forces launched a record number of drone and missile strikes across Ukraine over the weekend, killing at least 13 people, including three children, even as Moscow and Kyiv concluded their largest prisoner exchange since the conflict began in February 2022.
Ukraine’s emergency services described the assault as a “night of terror,” marking the second consecutive night of heavy bombardment. Ukrainian military officials said 266 attack drones and 45 missiles were intercepted overnight on Sunday.
In the northwestern region of Zhytomyr, two children aged eight and twelve and a 17-year-old were among those killed. A local school identified the victims as Roman, Tamara and Stanislav, writing in a Facebook post: “Their memory will always be with us. We will never forgive.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes, calling for stronger international pressure on Moscow. “Without truly strong pressure on the Russian leadership, this brutality cannot be stopped,” he said on social media. “The silence of America, the silence of others around the world only encourages Putin.”
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also denounced the attack, calling for “the strongest international pressure on Russia to stop this war.” German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said further European sanctions would be approved, stating: “Putin does not want peace, he wants to carry on the war, and we shouldn’t allow him to do this.”
Despite the renewed violence, Ukraine and Russia concluded a landmark prisoner swap that saw 1,000 captives returned to each side. According to the Russian Defence Ministry, the exchange was completed over three days and was agreed upon during talks held in Istanbul on May 16.
Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed the swap, which began with the return of 390 people on Friday, followed by 307 on Saturday and 303 on Sunday.
An AFP reporter witnessed emaciated but smiling Ukrainian soldiers arriving at a hospital in the northern Chernihiv region. “It’s simply crazy. Crazy feelings,” said 31-year-old soldier Konstantin Steblev, who had spent nearly three years in captivity.
Another returnee, Viktor Syvak, 58, who was captured in Mariupol and held for 37 months, said he was overwhelmed. “It’s impossible to describe. I can’t put it into words. It’s very joyful,” he told AFP.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the development, saying on social media, “This could lead to something big.” Trump has previously pledged to end the war swiftly if re-elected, although earlier efforts to broker a ceasefire have not succeeded.
The renewed aerial assault came just a day after Russia’s launch of 14 ballistic missiles and 250 drones injured at least 15 people. Ukrainian officials warned that continued silence from global powers could embolden the Kremlin. As both countries dig into prolonged warfare, the humanitarian toll continues to rise, despite rare moments of diplomatic exchange like the recent prisoner release.
