Russia Launches Largest Airstrike of War on Ukraine During Prisoner Swap, Killing 13

Russia launched a massive aerial attack on Ukraine. In a devastating overnight assault, firing a total of 367 drones and missiles at cities across the country. It was the largest airstrike since the war began, leaving widespread destruction and claiming at least 13 lives—including three children in Zhytomyr. Dozens more were injured in the bombardment, which struck cities including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Ternopil, and Khmelnytskyi.

Ukraine’s air force managed to shoot down 266 drones and 45 missiles, but many still got through, damaging homes, infrastructure, and apartment buildings. In Kyiv alone, 11 people were injured, while Khmelnytskyi reported four deaths. The assault followed another major wave of drone and missile attacks on Friday that also targeted the capital.

In Mykolaiv, a drone strike killed a 77-year-old man and wounded five others. Local authorities said the explosion tore a hole through a residential building and scattered debris across the area.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy sharply criticized what he called the muted international response—particularly from the United States under former President Donald Trump. "The silence of America, the silence of others in the world only encourages Putin," Zelenskiy said in a post on Telegram. He called for stronger sanctions against Russia, arguing that each attack should serve as a wake-up call for the global community.

Andriy Yermak, Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, echoed the sentiment. "Without pressure, nothing will change," he wrote. "Russia and its allies will only continue building up weapons for more attacks—including against Western countries."

Meanwhile, Russia claimed it had intercepted 95 Ukrainian drones over a four-hour period, including 12 near Moscow—underscoring the intensity and reach of the ongoing conflict.

These latest developments come as Ukraine pushes for a 30-day ceasefire to create space for potential peace talks. In a rare moment of cooperation amid the violence, both countries are also completing a prisoner exchange, each releasing 1,000 detainees.