Russia launched missiles and drones at Kyiv early Saturday. Consequently, explosions and gunfire echoed throughout the city. Therefore, many residents fled to subway stations for safety.

Tymur Tkachenko, Kyiv’s acting military head, said Ukraine intercepted many missiles. However, debris still fell in at least four districts. Moreover, six people needed medical help. Also, two fires broke out in the Solomianskyi district.

Before the attack, Mayor Vitalii Klitschko warned residents about over 20 Russian drones approaching. During the strike, drone debris hit a mall and a residential building in Obolon district. As a result, emergency teams rushed to these sites immediately.

Prisoner Swap Shows Brief Cooperation

Just hours earlier, Russia and Ukraine began a major prisoner exchange. They swapped hundreds of soldiers and civilians. This marked the first phase of a deal made in Istanbul last week.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine brought home 390 people. Likewise, Russia released the same number. Furthermore, more prisoners will return over the weekend.

The exchange happened near Ukraine’s northern border with Belarus. A Ukrainian official confirmed this but spoke anonymously. Meanwhile, Russia took its freed prisoners to Belarus for medical treatment.

Families Await Loved Ones’ Return

At the Belarus medical center, families gathered with signs and photos. They called out names, hoping to find their relatives.

For example, Nataliia Mosych shouted, “Vanya! My husband!”

Despite this large exchange, fighting continues. Both sides keep battling along a 1,000-kilometer front. Moreover, neither side agrees to stop the war.

Talks Continue but Progress Is Slow

After the Istanbul meeting, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called the swap a “confidence-building measure.” He added that the sides agreed to meet again.

However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said no decision exists on where the next talks will be. Thus, diplomatic talks remain stalled.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia will send a peace proposal after the swap finishes. He said it will outline conditions for a “sustainable, long-term, comprehensive” peace.

Putin Faces Pressure Over Peace Delays

European leaders accuse Putin of delaying peace talks. They claim he wants to gain more territory before stopping. Ukraine and Western allies demand a temporary ceasefire first. However, Russia rejects this demand.

Russia Claims to Shoot Down Ukrainian Drones

From May 20 to 23, Russia said it shot down 788 Ukrainian drones. Meanwhile, Ukraine said Russia fired 175 drones and one ballistic missile since late Thursday.