Ukraine War Briefing: Russian Strikes Hit Kyiv, Injuries Reported, and Prisoner Swap Underway

Kyiv Under Attack
Overnight, Kyiv endured heavy drone and missile strikes by Russian forces. Fires erupted in residential areas, injuring at least eight individuals, according to the city’s mayor. Residents sought refuge in underground subway stations as explosions and machine-gun fire echoed across the capital. Debris caused damage in four districts, with six people requiring medical attention. Images circulating online revealed extensive fire damage to residential buildings as firefighters battled the flames.

Major Prisoner Exchange Initiated
A large-scale prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine began on Friday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the return of 390 Ukrainian nationals in the first phase, with additional releases anticipated throughout the weekend. Russia’s defense ministry reported an equal number of its nationals were returned by Ukraine.

Zaluzhnyi Advocates for Strategic Warfare
Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s former armed forces head and current ambassador to the UK, emphasized the need for Ukraine to adopt a “hi-tech war of survival.” He urged against attempting to reclaim occupied territories, citing demographic and economic limitations. He also highlighted the expansion of Ukraine’s “drone wall” to counter Russian advances.

EU Rearmament Plan Finalized
The EU has approved a €150 billion loan program under its Security Action for Europe (Safe) initiative. Member states are expected to collaborate on joint defense procurement for Ukraine. The loans are part of an €800 billion defense strategy developed after interruptions in US aid during Donald Trump’s presidency.

Russia’s Peace Terms Pending
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Moscow would present its conditions for a peace settlement following the prisoner exchange. The Kremlin has yet to signal any retreat from its initial demands.

Ukrainian Strike on Russian Facility
Ukraine claimed to have targeted the Energiya plant in Lipetsk, a facility crucial for producing batteries used in Russian military equipment. The strike reportedly disrupted operations, potentially impacting Russian military supplies.

Jailing of Russian-Italian National
A Russian court sentenced Ruslan Sidiki, a Russian-Italian citizen, to 29 years in prison on charges of terrorism. He was accused of sabotaging a freight train in 2023 on Ukraine's behalf. While Sidiki partially admitted his actions, he described them as sabotage rather than terrorism.