1 month ago
15
This image shared on X appears to show the aftermath of attacks on Kyiv (Image: Jürgen Nauditt/X)
Kyiv has come under a large-scale Russian drone and missile attack, with explosions and machine gun fire heard throughout the capital of Ukraine overnight. The attack forced many locals into underground train stations to shelter from the barrage.
Debris from intercepted missiles and drones rained down in at least four neighbourhoods of the Ukrainian capital, according to acting head of Kyiv's military administration, Tymur Tkachenko. Six people needed medical care after the attack and two fires were sparked in the Solomianskyi district of Kyiv.
Local resident, Yurii Bondarchuk, said the air raid siren "started as usual, then the drones started to fly around as they constantly do". Moments later, he heard a boom and saw shattered glass flying through the air.
The night-time Russian attack came hours after Russia and Ukraine began a major prisoner exchange, swapping hundreds of soldiers and civilians in the first phase of an exchange agreed by the two sides at a meeting in Istanbul last week. The agreement was a moment of cooperation in otherwise failed efforts to reach a ceasefire in the war.
He said of the damage to his flat: "The balcony is totally wiped out, as well as the windows and the doors."
THIS IS A LIVE BLOG. SCROLL DOWN FOR THE LATEST UPDATES
Get the latest news from around the world straight to your phone Join us on WhatsApp
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Prisoner swap sees 390 Ukrainians return home, with more to come
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the first phase of a prisoner swap between his country and Russia saw 390 Ukrainians brought home.
Further releases are expected this weekend, making it the largest swap of the war.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said it received the same number from Ukraine.
The swap took place at the border with Belarus in northern Ukraine, according to a Ukrainian official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly.
The released Russians were taken to Belarus for medical treatment, the Russian Defence Ministry said.
A Ukrainian serviceman released from Russian captivity (Image: Getty)
Moscow and Kyiv release drone tallies
17 mins ago07:33 Jon King
Kyiv mayor warns of over 20 drone strikes
Ahead of the overnight attacks, mayor of Kyiv, Vitalii Klitschko, warned residents of more than 20 Russian strike drones heading towards the city.
As the attack continued, he said drone debris fell on a shopping mall and a residential building in Obolon district of Kyiv.
Mr Klitschko said the emergency services were headed to the site.
Vitalii Klitschko warned of 20 drone attacks (Image: Getty)
18 mins ago07:32 Jon King
Welcome to our live coverage
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage. We'll be bringing you the latest developments throughout the day.
English (US) · 