Ukraine faced a wave of Russian air attacks during what was supposed to be a hopeful moment—the conclusion of a major prisoner swap between Kyiv and Moscow. The Ukrainian foreign minister called the strikes the largest in weeks, casting a shadow over the rare diplomatic progress.

Editor’s Note: Even as both sides managed to negotiate a prisoner exchange—a small but meaningful step—the simultaneous escalation in violence underscores how fragile any progress is in this war. It’s a stark reminder that diplomacy and destruction are tragically intertwined here, and civilians continue to bear the brunt.

Overnight violence in Ukraine left at least thirteen dead as Russian strikes hit Ukrainian targets, while Kyiv’s forces reportedly launched drones toward Moscow—all unfolding alongside a massive prisoner exchange where both sides plan to return 1,000 captives. It’s a grim reminder that even amid diplomatic gestures like swaps, the war’s brutality hasn’t paused.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another headline about distant fighting—it shows how war grinds on even during moments that might seem hopeful, like prisoner swaps. The drone attacks on Moscow also hint at how the conflict’s ripple effects are spreading, with both sides digging in rather than backing down. For civilians caught in the middle, there’s no break from the danger.

Russia has escalated its assault on Ukraine with its largest air attack to date, striking 22 locations and killing at least 12 people. Ukrainian officials confirmed the widespread bombardment, marking a grim intensification in the conflict.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another headline—it’s a sign that the war is far from slowing down. With civilian casualties mounting and strikes hitting more targets, the humanitarian toll is deepening. For global observers, it’s a stark reminder of how volatile the situation remains, with no clear path to de-escalation in sight.