Russia Launches Massive Drone and Missile Assaults on Ukrainian Cities

Russian forces have launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Ukrainian cities over the past three days, killing at least a dozen people, including children, and injuring many more. The attacks have been escalating in recent weeks, with the International community calling for a ceasefire. In a rare moment of agreement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a prisoner exchange, which took place on the same weekend as the attacks.

Key Takeaways:

• Russia has launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Ukrainian cities over the past three days, killing at least a dozen people and injuring many more.
• The attacks have been escalating in recent weeks, with the Russian government refusing to agree to a ceasefire even after talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul.
• The largest prisoner exchange since Russia's full-scale invasion began three years ago took place over the weekend, with 1,000 prisoners of war from each country being exchanged.
• Ukrainian soldiers who were held in Russian captivity have described horrific conditions, including starvation, beatings, and torture.
• Families were gathered in a leafy courtyard in northern Ukraine waiting to see if their loved ones would be among the soldiers getting off the chartered buses for the prisoner exchange.
• Eighteen-year-old Milena Moroz held a photo of her father, who has been missing since February, and broke down when talking about the reunion.
• Young soldier Anton Kobylnik was held in captivity for three years and told reporters he wouldn't feel at home until he saw his mom.

Statistics:

• At least 12 people, including children, have been killed in the recent drone and missile attacks.
• Hundreds of drones and missiles have been launched by Russia at Ukrainian cities over the past three days.
• 1,000 prisoners of war from each country were exchanged in the largest prisoner exchange since Russia's full-scale invasion began three years ago.
• Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians have been killed or injured in the ongoing conflict.

Sources:

• NPR
• Associated Press
• Reuters
• BBC News