SouthernWorldwide.com – Ukraine has reportedly launched one of its most extensive drone attacks against Russia, targeting numerous regions, Russian-held Crimea, and surrounding seas. The assault occurred during the night, as confirmed by Russia’s Ministry of Defense on Friday.
According to reports citing the Associated Press, this operation appears to be among Ukraine’s largest drone offensives since Russia’s full-scale invasion began. The scale of the attack highlights the ongoing intensity of the conflict between the two nations.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that its air defense systems successfully intercepted a significant number of Ukrainian drones. The ministry claimed to have neutralized a total of 660 drones. This figure surpasses previous known large-scale Ukrainian drone assaults.
The previous largest recorded Ukrainian drone attack within the past year involved 556 drones on May 17. The recent operation, therefore, represents a notable escalation in terms of the number of drones deployed.
The impact of the drones was also felt in the Russian capital. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that 47 Ukrainian drones were eliminated as they approached the city. This indicates a direct attempt to strike key areas within Russia.
The Associated Press also detailed Ukraine’s air force reports on Russian aerial activity. Ukraine’s defenses reportedly stopped 174 out of 189 Russian drones that were launched overnight. However, the report also noted that four out of seven Iskander-M ballistic missiles managed to breach air defenses and hit various targets.
Amidst the continued hostilities, both countries engaged in a significant prisoner exchange. Officials confirmed that 160 individuals from each side were repatriated on Friday. This humanitarian gesture offers a glimmer of hope amidst the prolonged conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the prisoner exchange in a social media post on X. He stated that 160 Ukrainian service members were released from Russian captivity, all of whom had been held since 2022.
President Zelenskyy elaborated on the identities of those released. The group includes members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, National Guard warriors, and border guards. These individuals had defended Ukraine in critical locations such as Mariupol, Azovstal, and sectors in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Sumy.
He expressed gratitude to the team responsible for facilitating the return of Ukrainian citizens. Zelenskyy also extended special thanks to the frontline units whose bravery contributes to Ukraine’s “exchange fund,” making such repatriations possible.
The Ukrainian President emphasized the nation’s commitment to bringing everyone home. He stated that they remember all those still held captive and are meticulously verifying every name. The ultimate goal is to ensure the return of both military personnel and civilians.
