Kyiv Under Attack: Drone and Missile Barrage, Record Prisoner Exchange

Kyiv Under Fire: Missile and Drone Barrage Causes Damage, Injuries; Record Prisoner Exchange Offers Hope Kyiv, Ukraine - In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Kyiv was targeted by a large-scale attack on the night of May 23, 2025. Ukrainian authorities reported that their air defenses successfully intercepted six missiles and 245 drones launched from various locations in Russia. Despite the effectiveness of the defenses, the attack resulted in damage to residential buildings and businesses, as well as injuries to civilians. Initial reports indicate at least eight people were wounded in the capital. "The attacks targeted the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, which has been relatively spared due to its distance from the front lines," reported Marion Russell, BFMTV's special envoy in Kyiv. "But yesterday evening, around 8:30-9:00 PM, sirens wailed, and the sounds of drone and missile attacks began." The attack prompted President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to issue a statement on Telegram, expressing condolences to the affected families and calling for increased European cooperation and sanctions against Russia. Amidst the devastation, a glimmer of hope emerged with a record-breaking prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia. Over 1000 Ukrainian prisoners of war were released, marking the largest such exchange since the beginning of the conflict. The release of these prisoners, including soldiers and civilians, brought immense joy to their families who had waited anxiously for their return. BFMTV captured emotional reunions as families embraced their loved ones after months or even years of separation. The ongoing conflict continues, but the prisoner exchange serves as a symbolic moment of hope and relief for many in Ukraine.