Ukraine faces intense Russian drone and missile strikes for second night

Sunday 25 May 2025 - 09:02

By: Zahouani Ilham

Ukraine faces intense Russian drone and missile strikes for second night

For the second consecutive night, Ukraine endured a large-scale assault from Russian drones and missiles, resulting in at least 12 fatalities amid ongoing efforts for a significant prisoner exchange.

According to Ukraine’s air force, Russian forces launched 298 drones and 69 missiles overnight, marking one of the war’s most extensive aerial offensives. The attacks impacted most Ukrainian regions, with enemy strikes recorded in 22 areas and intercepted missiles and drones falling in 15 locations.

In Kyiv, the security service confirmed four deaths and 16 injuries. Additionally, three children aged 8, 12, and 17 were killed in Zhytomyr, one person died in Mykolaiv, and four civilians lost their lives in the Khmelnytskyi region. Damage to civilian infrastructure was reported in multiple areas.

Ukrainian officials described the morning as difficult, highlighting the intensity of the air raids. Kyiv’s mayor noted that over a dozen enemy drones were active over the capital, damaging residential buildings and a student dormitory.

Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have intercepted 110 Ukrainian drones and stopped 12 drones headed for Moscow. Several airports, including Sheremetyevo, imposed restrictions due to the threat.

These attacks occurred alongside the largest prisoner swap since Russia’s invasion began, with both sides exchanging hundreds of soldiers and detainees after talks in Istanbul. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced more prisoner releases were expected as the exchange continued.

The recent strikes followed a previous day of heavy bombardment, reflecting the ongoing conflict’s escalation.