A prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine is under way this morning, proceeding despite the aftermath of a Russian strike on a residential block in Kyiv that killed 24 civilians. The strike, which occurred on Tuesday evening, reduced a nine-storey apartment building to rubble in the Solomianskyi district. Rescue workers have recovered 24 bodies so far, with 40 people reported injured.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from Western leaders, who have reiterated their support for Ukraine’s defence. The United Kingdom has announced an additional aid package, including 1,000 air defence missiles and 100 military vehicles, en route to Ukraine. The latest prisoner swap, the 47th since the start of the full-scale invasion, is expected to see 90 Ukrainian prisoners of war returned.
The exchange was confirmed by both Kyiv and Moscow, with the latter stating that 90 Russian soldiers would be released. The swap was brokered through the United Arab Emirates, which has acted as a mediator in previous exchanges. This development comes as Ukrainian forces continue to face intense Russian pressure along the eastern front.
The strike on the apartment block has been described by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “a calculated act of terror”, aimed at civilian infrastructure. The Kremlin has denied targeting residential areas, maintaining that its military operations are focused on military objectives. The UK’s new aid package, announced by Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, is part of a broader commitment to support Ukraine’s air defence capabilities.
Shapps said the equipment would “make a significant difference on the battlefield”. The UK has been a leading military donor to Ukraine since the start of the war, providing long-range missiles, Challenger 2 tanks, and training for Ukrainian pilots. The prisoner exchange is likely to proceed at a neutral location, possibly near the border with Belarus or in a third country.
Previous swaps have taken place at checkpoints in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions. The process is expected to be overseen by representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross. This is a developing story.
Updates to follow.
