In a significant moment of relief for war-torn Ukraine, 303 Ukrainian prisoners of war returned home Sunday in the country’s largest prisoner exchange to date. Families, reunited with loved ones, celebrated with emotional embraces in what was hailed as a rare victory in an ongoing, grinding conflict.
However, jubilation turned to despair just hours later as Russia launched its most intense aerial bombardment since the war began. A staggering 367 drones and missiles rained down across Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and Mykolaiv, turning the night into chaos and destruction.
At least 12 people, including three children, lost their lives in the attacks. Entire neighborhoods now lie in ruins, echoing the devastation seen in once-vibrant cities like Mariupol and Bakhmut. Despite brief moments of hope, the conflict continues to wreak havoc, prompting fresh calls for international intervention to end the violence.