On May 25, 2025, Russia and Ukraine conducted a significant prisoner exchange, marking a rare moment of cooperation amidst ongoing hostilities. This exchange occurred shortly after Russia launched a record attack involving 367 drones and missiles, the largest aerial assault seen since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.
As Ukrainian cities experienced a third consecutive night of assault, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that air defense units were actively engaging Russian drones targeting the capital. Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv military administration, reported similar drone attacks in Kharkiv and surrounding areas, advising residents to seek shelter until the alerts were lifted.
The Defense Ministry of Russia announced the exchange involved 303 soldiers per side, following an earlier swap of 307 personnel on May 24 and 390 on May 23. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly acknowledged the successful return of Ukrainian defenders, emphasizing their roles within various military branches.
Family members of released soldiers expressed overwhelming relief, with Nataliya Borovyk, sister of a returned soldier, sharing her emotional response as her brother finally returned home. Initial discussions in Istanbul had aimed at facilitating a broader swap, with agreements made to exchange a total of 1,000 individuals on both sides.
On the same day, the Russian offensive reached a shocking scale, as Yuriy Ihnat, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Air Force, confirmed the extensive use of both missiles and drones, including Iranian-made Shahed drones. Zelenskyy called on Western nations to increase sanctions against Russia, asserting that the attacks targeted civilian areas and were part of a calculated strategy to inflict harm.
The attacks claimed at least four lives and injured numerous others across various regions, disrupting the observance of Kyiv Day, a local holiday commemorating the city’s founding in the 5th century. Reports from local officials indicated tragic losses, including children among the fatalities in Zhytomyr region.
As clashes along the extensive front line continued, Russian officials indicated advances in certain territories, countering Ukraine’s retaliation efforts. Despite the preservation of some diplomatic dialogues, the violence persists, overshadowing any achievements from their recent discussions.
The prisoner swap, while significant, has not subdued the conflict, which remains marked by fierce battles resulting in substantial casualties for both nations involved.
