At Least 12 Ukrainian Civilians Killed in Russian Missile Strikes Just Four Hours After Major Prisoner Exchange

At Least 12 Ukrainian Civilians Killed in Russian Missile Strikes Just Four Hours After Major Prisoner Exchange

Kyiv, Ukraine | May 25, 2025 —
Just hours after the largest prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, the country was hit by one of the deadliest aerial assaults since the war began. At least 12 Ukrainian civilians were killed and many more injured in a series of widespread missile and drone strikes carried out by Russia. Ukrainian authorities have described this as the most extensive air attack since the Russian invasion began in 2022.

A Horrific Blow Amid Peace Efforts

Sunday’s prisoner exchange was seen as a rare positive development amid the ongoing war. In the third phase of the exchange, 303 Russian and 303 Ukrainian soldiers were returned to their respective countries. Hundreds more had been exchanged in the two days prior. These developments marked the only tangible outcome of recent peace talks held in Istanbul.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said,
"Among the returned soldiers are members of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, Border Guards, and Special Forces."
He added, "This is an emotional moment, as many families have finally been reunited with their loved ones after long periods of waiting."

However, just four hours after the exchange, Russia launched a massive wave of drone and missile attacks across Ukraine. At least 30 cities and towns, including Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odesa, and Mykolaiv, came under attack. In Kyiv alone, at least four people were killed and 16 others injured.

According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia launched a total of 367 aerial weapons that day — including 69 missiles of various types and 298 drones, many of which were Iranian-designed Shahed drones.

Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha described it as a “sleepless night.”

Children Among the Victims

In the Zhytomyr region, three children aged 8, 12, and 17 were killed. In western Ukraine’s Khmelnytskyi region, at least four people died. In the southern region of Mykolaiv, one man was confirmed dead.

In a heart-wrenching scene in the village of Markalyvka near Kyiv, the Fedorenko family broke down in tears in front of their completely destroyed home.
76-year-old Lyubov Fedorenko said,
"My daughter didn’t come today, thank God she didn’t — the missile hit right in the children’s room."

Drone Attack During Putin’s Helicopter Visit

Russian forces claimed they were pushing back Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region and advancing into Sumy and Kharkiv. During this time, Russian President Vladimir Putin was visiting Kursk. A military official said Putin’s helicopter was near a drone defense hub, but no damage was reported.

President Zelensky reacted sharply, saying:
"This is a deliberate terrorist attack on civilians. The silence of the U.S. and the world is only emboldening Russian President Putin. Unless real sanctions are imposed, this brutality will not stop."

The War Continues to Escalate

Despite the prisoner exchange, tensions on the battlefield remain high. Along the 1,000-kilometer front line, daily shelling, drone attacks, and territorial battles continue. Both sides report advancing toward each other’s borders, indicating that the conflict is far from over — and possibly intensifying.