On Sunday, Ukraine and Russia conducted a significant prisoner exchange, releasing hundreds of combatants and civilians amid ongoing hostilities that marked a rare instance of cooperation in their protracted conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the return of 303 Ukrainian personnel, describing them as members of various military and security services.
This exchange occurred against the backdrop of a massive Russian airstrike, the largest since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Ukrainian officials reported at least 12 fatalities and numerous injuries as a result of attacks involving hundreds of drones and missiles across more than 30 cities. Zelenskyy condemned the strikes as intentional attacks on civilian areas, urging Western allies for tougher sanctions against Russia.
As Ukraine celebrated Kyiv Day, the mood was somber following the extensive damage inflicted by the assaults. Eyewitness accounts described scenes reminiscent of earlier battle-heavy regions like Bakhmut and Mariupol, with particular sorrow surrounding the loss of lives, including that of children. Despite the prisoner exchange, fighting continues along the frontlines, suggesting that hostilities will persist despite any diplomatic efforts made during recent peace negotiations.
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