Russia launched one of the war's heaviest airstrikes on Kyiv overnight, combining ballistic missiles and Shahed drones that damaged residential buildings and injured at least eight people. Ukrainian air defenses shot down six Iskander missiles and neutralized 245 enemy drones. President Zelensky reported the attack affected Kyiv and seven other regions.
In a major diplomatic development, Ukraine completed the second phase of the "1000 for 1000" prisoner exchange with Russia, bringing home 307 defenders, including 27 Mariupol defenders. This follows yesterday's return of 390 Ukrainians, bringing the total to 697 over two days. Zelensky soon announced a third phase of exchanges.
Reports emerged that Russia has changed its offensive tactics in southern Ukraine, while intelligence sources told BILD that Putin believes he can win and is preparing a new offensive against three Ukrainian regions. DeepState confirmed Russian forces had established positions in Sumy region.