Kyiv, May 24 (HS): Late Friday night, Russia unleashed a barrage of drones and missiles on Kyiv and surrounding areas, causing widespread chaos in the Ukrainian capital. Following several explosions, many fires erupted, prompting panic as hundreds sought safety in underground metro stations. The strikes reportedly ceased by morning, occurring shortly after a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine was initiated. This exchange, agreed upon in a recent Istanbul meeting, involved hundreds of soldiers and civilians.

Kyiv’s military administration head, Timur Tkachенко, reported debris from intercepted projectiles fell in at least four urban districts, leaving six individuals injured, with fires reported in Solomiansky. Prior to the attack, Mayor Vitali Klitschko had warned citizens of incoming Russian drones, noting debris struck a shopping mall and residential building in Obolon. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed that 390 Ukrainians returned home in the first phase of the exchange, with further releases anticipated over the weekend. The Russian Ministry of Defense acknowledged they received an equal number of prisoners, indicating they were transported to Belarus for treatment. Despite ongoing discussions, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned that no location for future peace talks has been agreed upon. Turkey’s foreign minister remarked that both parties had theoretically consented to reconvene post-exchange. Amidst the conflict, reports indicated that tens of thousands of soldiers have lost their lives.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar