Russia launched a massive drone and missile assault on Ukraine from Saturday night into Sunday morning, killing at least 18 people and injuring 85, even as the largest prisoner exchange continued.
Ukraine’s Air Force reported that the attack affected 22 regions nationwide. In total, Russia launched 367 aerial weapons including nine Iskander ballistic missiles, 56 cruise missiles, and 298 drones. Of these, 45 missiles and 266 drones were intercepted by Ukrainian air defenses.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia “deliberately” targeted homes and civilian infrastructure, damaging residential buildings, schools, and businesses. “People were killed, including children,” he wrote on social media.
Zelenskyy called on the international community to impose new sanctions on Russia, stating: “Each such terrorist Russian strike is a sufficient reason for new sanctions against Russia. Russia is prolonging this war and continues to kill every day.”
Today, rescuers have been working in more than 30 Ukrainian cities and villages following Russia’s massive strike. Wherever necessary, work continues – our emergency services are on the ground, providing assistance and supporting people. Thank you.
Nearly 300 attack drones were… pic.twitter.com/Mxx1a34kS2
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 25, 2025
In response, Ukraine has launched counterattacks. Russia reported shooting down 110 Ukrainian drones overnight and stated that since Tuesday, it has faced 788 drone and missile attacks on its territory.
The overnight barrage occurred while Russia and Ukraine were conducting prisoner swaps agreed upon during talks held in Turkey.
Home.
We must bring all our people back from Russian captivity.
🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/EpqdrjIheb
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 25, 2025
“303 Ukrainian defenders at home. The third part of the 1000-for-1000 exchange, which was agreed upon in Turkey, has been completed,” Zelenskyy announced on X on Sunday.
On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated both countries on the recent prisoner swap, suggesting in a Truth Social post that the exchange “could lead to something big.” However, as of press time, no ceasefire has been reached.
On Sunday, Trump also criticized Russia’s bombing of Ukraine over the weekend.
“I’m not happy with [President Vladimir] Putin,” Trump said. “I don’t know what’s wrong with him. What the hell happened to him? He’s killing a lot of people. I’m not happy about that.”
