In one of the most intense aerial bombardments since the invasion began, Russian forces launched a wave of missiles and drones over Kyiv late Friday night into early Saturday.

According to Breitbart, the overnight assault on May 24, 2025, injured at least 15 people and caused significant damage across six districts of Kyiv, coming just hours after a major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine.

According to the Kyiv City Military Administration, the large-scale strike began late on May 23. Russian forces launched 14 ballistic missiles and an estimated 250 Iranian-made Shahed drones toward the Ukrainian capital. The onslaught continued into the early morning of May 24, setting off a seven-hour air raid alert that spanned the entirety of Kyiv.

Ukrainian air defense units sprang into action, managing to neutralize the majority of the incoming strikes. Of the 250 drones, 128 were shot down, while 117 were disabled using electronic countermeasures. Additionally, defense forces intercepted six of the 14 ballistic missiles fired toward the city. The sheer volume and complexity of the attack led officials to classify the incident as one of the most extensive combined drone-and-missile offensives Kyiv has experienced during the war. Authorities declared it a “difficult night for all of us,” underscoring the scale of destruction and psychological toll on residents.

Multiple Districts Suffer Structural and Civilian Impact

Falling debris from intercepted drones and missiles caused damage in six areas of the city. Fires were reported in the Solomianskyi district, where six civilians required medical treatment. The worst devastation occurred in the Obolon district, located in the northern part of Kyiv.

In Obolon, a residential building was heavily impacted by debris. Resident Yurii Bondarchuk described his experience during the attack, saying, “The balcony is wiped out, as well as the windows and the doors.” He later added, “[The siren] started as usual, then the drones started to fly around as they constantly do.” Additional damage was documented at a shopping mall and another residential building within the same district. Vitalii Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, had warned residents during the attack that more than 20 drones were detected approaching the city at once, urging people to remain in shelters.

Attack Follows Major Prisoner Transfer Agreement

The timing of the latest aerial assault drew attention due to its proximity to a significant diplomatic milestone. Just hours earlier, Ukraine and Russia had completed the first phase of a major prisoner exchange agreement brokered earlier in May during talks in Istanbul, Turkey.

On May 23, Ukraine successfully received 390 of its nationals, including both prisoners of war and civilian detainees. In return, Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed that it received a similar number of individuals as part of this first batch. The largest of its kind during the conflict, the swap included the release of the greatest number of Ukrainian civilians to date. The exchange took place near Ukraine’s northern border with Belarus. Authorities reported that the Russian prisoners were moved to Belarus after the handover, where they were scheduled for medical assessments and care.

Peace Negotiations Continue Amid Escalation

These developments are part of growing efforts to de-escalate the ongoing conflict, now stretching over three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Istanbul meeting marked the first in-person contact between the two governments regarding peace since the conflict began.

Both sides described the prisoner swap as a positive first step. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called it a “confidence-building measure,” noting its role in facilitating ongoing negotiations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that his government would soon circulate a draft proposal for a “sustainable, long-term, comprehensive” solution. Despite signs of diplomatic progress, obstacles remain. The Istanbul peace talks exposed major gaps in positions, particularly surrounding Ukraine’s call, backed by its Western allies, for the initiation of a temporary ceasefire. Russia has not agreed to any cessation of hostilities.

Military Pressures Persist Along the Front

Fighting continues over a roughly 1,000-kilometer battlefront stretching across Eastern and Southern Ukraine. In recent days, Russia has escalated its drone activity far beyond Kyiv, claiming to have downed over 780 Ukrainian drones between May 20 and May 23 in areas not adjacent to active combat zones.

Ukraine’s Air Force reported that since May 22, Russia had launched 175 Shahed drones, along with several decoys and additional ballistic missiles, signaling a possible increase in coordinated long-range attacks on critical infrastructure and cities. European leaders have increasingly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of prolonging negotiations as a means to secure military advantages on the ground. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that no agreement had yet been reached regarding the location or timing of follow-up talks between the nations.

Kyiv Braces for More Potential Attacks

As cleanup and repair operations began in Kyiv on Saturday morning, authorities warned of the potential for additional attacks. Officials urged residents to remain cautious and prepared for further air raid alerts while the war continues with no formal ceasefire in place. Emergency crews responded to the damaged areas quickly, extinguishing fires and aiding those injured. Structural inspections on impacted residential and commercial buildings were underway throughout the day on May 24.

Though the recent prisoner exchange inspired cautious optimism among some citizens and observers, the escalation in aerial assaults has left many deeply concerned about the prospects for peace—and the possibility of more widespread destruction in the days to come.