Russia launched its largest drone strike yet on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. As a result, three people died and 21 others were injured, including a baby and a 14-year-old girl. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed the numbers. According to Terekhov, Russia used 48 drones, two missiles, and four gliding bombs during the overnight attack. He called the strike “open terror.”

Attack Follows Ukraine's Airbase Strikes

Earlier in the week, Ukraine launched surprise drone attacks on Russian airbases. In response, Russia claimed its strikes were retaliation for “terrorist attacks by the Kyiv regime.” Moreover, two people died in Kherson due to separate Russian strikes. In addition, Russia targeted Kyiv, Chernihiv, Lutsk, and Ternopil, claiming it aimed at military facilities.

Zelensky Condemns the Assault

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the strikes as a “massive strike on cities and ordinary life” across almost all of Ukraine. He stressed the impact on daily life and civilian areas. Following the attacks, Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha urged international allies to increase pressure on Russia. He also called for stronger steps to support Ukraine’s defense.

Previous Night’s Assault Kills Six

Meanwhile, Russia launched more than 400 drones and nearly 40 missiles the previous night. That attack killed six people and wounded 80 more across Ukraine. During recent talks in Istanbul, both sides agreed to swap wounded, young, and sick prisoners, along with the bodies of 12,000 soldiers. However, confusion soon followed. On Saturday, Russia’s lead negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said, “Ukraine had unexpectedly postponed both the acceptance of bodies and the exchange of prisoners of war for an indefinite period.”

Ukraine Denies Delay

However, Petro Yatsensko of Ukraine’s Coordination for PoWs said that was “not true.” He stated that the exchange was merely rescheduled for next week. In addition, his office said preparations were still underway. Ukraine also accused Moscow of breaking the agreement and playing “dirty games.”

No Date Confirmed for Exchange

So far, neither side has announced a specific date for the exchange. Still, tensions remain high as both sides blame each other for delays. Medinsky further claimed Russia had delivered the bodies of over 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers to the agreed site. He added that Russia also gave Ukraine a list of 640 prisoners for the planned swap.

Ukraine’s Covert Operation Explained

Last Sunday, Ukraine launched “Operation Spider’s Web.” According to the SBU, Ukraine smuggled 117 drones into Russia. Then, they hid the drones inside wooden cabins on trucks fitted with detachable roofs. Apparently, the trucks were driven by people unaware of the cargo. Once near the Russian airbases, Ukraine remotely launched the drones. The mission damaged at least 40 aircraft.

Trump Comments on Escalation

Reacting to the strikes, former US President Donald Trump said, “The Ukrainians had given Russian President Vladimir Putin a reason to go in and bomb the hell out of them last night.” Since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022, it has captured around 20% of Ukrainian territory. This includes Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.