Children Killed as Russia Launches Largest Air Assault on Ukraine Since Start of War
Russia unleashed its most extensive airstrike campaign on Ukraine overnight into May 25, 2025, killing at least 12 people, including three children, according to Ukrainian officials. The devastating attack came as Kyiv and Moscow carried out the largest prisoner exchange of the war so far.
Ukrainian emergency services described the night as one of “terror,” as 14 ballistic missiles and 250 drones rained down on Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kyiv. Explosions lit up the night sky in multiple regions, with houses destroyed and streets engulfed in flames.
“Without truly strong pressure on the Russian leadership, this brutality cannot be stopped,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, urging stronger international sanctions and intervention.
Children Among the Victims
In the Zhytomyr region, northwest Ukraine, three children aged 8, 12, and 17 were among those killed. Four others were killed in Khmelnytskyi, another four in the Kyiv region, and one person in Mykolaiv in the south. Ukrainian emergency services reported 16 more people injured in the Kyiv area, including three children.
“We saw the whole street was on fire,” said Tetiana Iankovska, a 65-year-old retiree in the Makhalivka village. Another survivor, Oleskandr, 64, expressed frustration with diplomatic efforts: “We don’t need talks, but weapons… Russia understands only force.”
Ukraine’s Air Defense Responds
Ukraine’s military claimed to have intercepted 45 missiles and 266 drones in the latest overnight attack. Meanwhile, Russia said it shot down 110 Ukrainian drones, reflecting the fierce and escalating nature of the conflict.
Major Prisoner Exchange Amid Chaos
Despite the violence, a glimmer of diplomacy emerged as both nations completed a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner swap, the largest since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Over three days, Kyiv and Moscow exchanged captured soldiers and civilians, concluding talks held earlier in Istanbul.
President Zelensky confirmed the final phase of the swap on Sunday. In total, 390 prisoners were exchanged on Friday, 307 on Saturday, and 303 on Sunday.
An AFP reporter witnessed Ukrainian soldiers arriving home in Chernigiv, many of them emaciated but smiling. “It’s simply crazy. Crazy feelings,” said 31-year-old Konstantin Steblev, freed after three years in captivity. Another returnee, 58-year-old Viktor Syvak, captured in Mariupol, was held for 37 months and 12 days. “It’s very joyful,” he said.
Global Reactions and Diplomatic Push
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s top diplomat, condemned the air raids and called for “the strongest international pressure on Russia to stop this war.” She also lamented the loss of young lives, saying, “It’s devastating to see children among innocent victims.”
In the U.S., former President Donald Trump praised the prisoner exchange on his Truth Social platform, saying, “This could lead to something big.” However, his efforts to broker a ceasefire in Europe’s largest conflict since WWII have yet to bear fruit.
