As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to intensify, Kyiv reportedly executed one of its most substantial drone attacks since the full-scale invasion began years ago. This extensive nighttime operation targeted numerous Russian regions, including Russian-occupied Crimea and its surrounding waters, according to a statement from Russia's Ministry of Defense.
Extensive Drone Offensive Targets Russian Regions
The Russian defense ministry claimed its air defense systems intercepted an unprecedented 660 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during the assault on Friday. This figure, as reported by Russian authorities, surpasses a previous record set just last month, on May 17, when 556 Ukrainian drones were reportedly engaged in a similar large-scale attack.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin also confirmed that 47 Ukrainian drones were detected and neutralized as they approached the capital city during the extensive offensive.
Ukrainian Air Defenses Active Against Russian Strikes
Meanwhile, Ukraine's air force reported its own defensive actions overnight, stating that its systems successfully downed 174 of 189 Russian drones. However, Ukrainian defenses were unable to stop four of seven Iskander-M ballistic missiles, which penetrated air defenses and struck various locations.
Prisoner Exchange Brings 320 Home
Amidst the ongoing hostilities, both nations also carried out a notable prisoner exchange. Officials confirmed that 160 individuals from each side were repatriated on Friday, returning to their respective countries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the exchange in a post on X, emphasizing the nation's commitment to returning its citizens. He stated:
"We continue bringing Ukrainians home from Russian captivity. Today, 160 servicemembers were released from captivity. All of them had been held captive since 2022."
Zelenskyy elaborated that those released included personnel from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, National Guard warriors, and border guards. He noted their courageous service, defending Ukraine in critical areas such as Mariupol, Azovstal, and sectors across Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Sumy.
Expressing gratitude, President Zelenskyy thanked the teams working daily for repatriations and acknowledged the frontline units whose bravery contributes to Ukraine's 'exchange fund.' He affirmed the ongoing effort to account for all remaining captives, both military and civilian, vowing to bring everyone home.
