Ukraine-Russia swap prisoners, Russia fires 479 drones, 20 missiles in airfield strike

Ukraine’s air force reported on Monday that Russia launched a massive overnight assault involving 479 drones and 20 missiles, with targets including an airfield.

According to the statement, Ukrainian forces intercepted 460 drones and 19 missiles, including four Kinzhal missiles. The air force also noted strikes in 10 different areas and falling debris in 17 locations.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that Ukraine had secured the return of the first group of prisoners from Russian captivity, part of a new exchange between the two countries.

“Today’s exchange has begun and will proceed in several phases over the coming days,” Zelenskiy stated on Telegram, highlighting that the severely wounded and prisoners under the age of 25 were included in this round.

This marks the first prisoner exchange since the second round of Ukraine-Russia negotiations held in Istanbul earlier this month.

Additionally, Ukraine’s military reported it had carried out a strike overnight on the VNIIR electronics plant in Russia’s Chuvashia region. The facility is known for producing navigation systems used in Shahed-type drones, guided bombs, and precision weapons, according to a statement shared on Telegram.