NATO scrambled fighter jets after Russia launched a large air assault on Ukraine for a second consecutive night time – killing at the least 12 folks.
Three kids have died and dozens have been injured after the Russian forces launched 367 missiles and drones within the largest single assault for the reason that begin of the battle.
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Russia used a mixture of 69 ballistic and cruise missiles and 298 drones, together with Iranian-designed Shahed drones.
The assault happened on the third day of a deliberate prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine – an final result of final week’s peace talks in Istanbul.
Sounds of explosions boomed all through the night time as Ukrainian air defence forces labored to thwart the Russian onslaught.
Footage confirmed emergency responders making an attempt to extinguish fires as smoke billowed from automobiles and homes.
Extra on Russia-Ukraine battle
A minimum of 4 folks had been killed in Kyiv with one other 26 wounded.
In Zhytomyr area, west of Kyiv, three kids had been killed, aged eight, 12 and 17, in keeping with the emergency service.
Polish navy excessive command stated it had deployed “all accessible forces and sources” on Nato’s jap flank.
It added: “On-duty fighter pairs have been scrambled, and the ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance programs have reached the very best state of readiness.
“The steps taken are aimed toward guaranteeing safety within the areas bordering the threatened areas.”
The assaults over the previous 48 hours had been among the many most intense Russian aerial strikes on Ukraine for the reason that February 2022 full-scale invasion.
Ukraine boss Volodymyr Zelensky known as the assault a “terrorist strike” on Ukraine and accused him of dragging his toes by means of the battle.
He stated: These had been deliberate strikes on peculiar cities. Strange residential buildings had been destroyed and broken.
“Rescuers have been working in additional than 30 Ukrainian cities and villages following Russia’s large strike.
“Every such terrorist Russian strike is a ample motive for brand spanking new sanctions in opposition to Russia.
“Russia is dragging out this battle and continues to kill every single day.”
Yesterday, the Russian forces launched a large air assault on Kyiv with 250 drones and 14 Iskander-M ballistic missiles.
Condominium blocks had been set ablaze by the barrage as residents within the Ukrainian capital fled to underground shelters amid the sound of anti-aircraft hearth.
Explosions rocked town throughout a seven hour raid as fireballs lit up the skyline lengthy into the early hours.
Six of the warheads and 245 drones had been shot out of the sky as particles rained down.
In response, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated: “Sadly, the Russians present no alerts of a ceasefire.”
Tymur Tkachenko, performing head of Kyiv’s navy administration, stated missile and drone particles hit at the least 4 districts within the capital, sparking fires and damaging houses.
It got here simply hours after the greatest prisoner of battle swap for the reason that begin of the battle noticed a whole lot returned dwelling.
Tons of extra adopted yesterday as a part of a deal that can see 1,000 launched by either side.
Zelensky stated 307 Ukrainian troops had been introduced dwelling on Saturday, a day after 390 had been freed in an earlier section of the alternate.
Russia’s defence ministry confirmed the identical variety of prisoners returned to its aspect.
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On his Telegram channel, Zelensky added: “We anticipate extra to come back tomorrow.”
The deal was struck earlier this month through the first face-to-face talks between Kyiv and Moscow for the reason that full-scale invasion started in 2022.
The assembly, held in Istanbul, laid out plans for a 1,000-person swap.
However Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated there was no settlement on the place the subsequent spherical of talks would happen.
European leaders together with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of dragging his toes in peace efforts.
Navy analysts consider he’s making an attempt to press dwelling his benefit and seize extra Ukrainian land.
In the meantime, Russia’s International Minister Sergey Lavrov stated a draft doc with Moscow’s proposed peace phrases can be shared as soon as the prisoner alternate was full.
US President Donald Trump claimed the newest alternate could possibly be the “first step” towards ending the battle – revealing he spoke with Putin for 2 hours earlier this week.
He wrote on Fact Social: “This might result in one thing large???”
Putin described the decision as “very productive” and stated Russia was “able to work with the Ukrainian aspect” – however insisted any deal should embrace compromises from each nations.
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