Russia-Ukraine Prisoner Swap Executed Hours After Moscow's Massive Aerial Assault

Russia and Ukraine carried out a significant prisoner swap on Sunday, exchanging hundreds of captives just hours after Russia unleashed one of the largest aerial attacks of the ongoing conflict. The exchange marked a rare moment of cooperation amidst escalating tensions in the more than three-year war.

According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, both countries exchanged over 300 prisoners each in the most recent phase of the deal. This followed similar mass releases on Friday and Saturday, when 390 and 307 captives from each side were freed, respectively. In total, this operation represents the largest coordinated prisoner swap since the hostilities began.

"303 Ukrainian defenders are home," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on social media, confirming that the returned individuals included members of the Armed Forces, National Guard, State Border Guard Service, and State Special Transport Service.

The swaps are the result of negotiations held earlier this month in Istanbul, marking the first direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow in recent peace efforts. During these meetings, both sides agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each, including both soldiers and civilians. This large-scale transfer remains the sole tangible outcome of the discussions so far.

However, the rare cooperative gesture was quickly overshadowed by a devastating aerial assault launched by Russia mere hours before the latest swap. Multiple Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv and the Kharkiv region, faced relentless attacks from drones and missiles. According to Yuriy Ihnat, spokesperson for Ukraine's Air Force, Russian forces fired 69 missiles of various types and deployed 298 drones, making it the single largest aerial offensive of the conflict to date.

The bombardment left at least 12 people dead, including three children, with dozens more injured. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported active air defense operations in the capital, while Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv military administration, said residential areas were also targeted by drones. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its own air defenses intercepted 110 Ukrainian drones overnight, highlighting the ongoing intensity of the conflict.

International reactions swiftly followed the attacks. Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed dismay at the scale of Russia’s recent strike, telling reporters in New Jersey he was "not happy" with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions and denouncing the violence as the killing of "a lot of people." Trump further commented online, suggesting Putin had "gone absolutely crazy" and reiterating his long-held view that the Russian leader seeks complete control over Ukraine.

Trump's remarks also extended to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, whom he criticized for his public statements on the conflict. Referencing what he called "Gross Incompetence and Hatred," Trump asserted the war would not have started under his leadership, portraying the current crisis as a product of mismanagement by other world leaders.

As fighting rages on and humanitarian costs rise, the unprecedented prisoner exchange offers only a brief respite. With each side continuing to launch heavy attacks and casualties mounting, prospects for lasting peace remain uncertain.