Kyiv (Ukraine), May 26 (HS): Despite ongoing hopes for peace and reconciliation between Russia and Ukraine, the conflict has escalated with relentless rocket and missile attacks, resulting in significant bloodshed. Global initiatives for a ceasefire have proven ineffective, with the only progress being the exchange of prisoners of war between the two nations. Recent attacks have particularly targeted Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, where twelve individuals, including three children, were killed in overnight assaults. On May 25, Russian forces launched a massive barrage of 69 missiles and 298 drones, leading to a reported 79 injuries. The Ukrainian Air Force intercepted 45 missiles and 266 drones, but significant damage occurred across 22 sites, affecting residential buildings and other infrastructure in Kyiv and various regions, including Zhytomyr, Mykolaiv, and Ternopil.

This bombardment coincided with the eve of Kyiv Day, a public holiday in Ukraine, prompting condemnation from Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who called for greater international pressure on Russia for a ceasefire. The attacks also ignited fires in multiple locations, complicating rescue efforts as citizens sought refuge in metro stations. Impacts were felt beyond Kyiv, with severe damage reported in cities like Chernihiv and Mykolaiv, and industrial facilities in Ternopil facing devastation from missile strikes.

Ukrainian President Zelensky has condemned these acts, asserting that they demonstrate Moscow’s disinterest in peace talks and a commitment to prolonging the conflict. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Putin’s actions, signaling potential new sanctions. Although both nations have exchanged 1,000 prisoners, the status of those from the Azov Brigade and political prisoners taken since 2014 remains a contentious issue.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar