KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – In a wave of drone and missile attacks early Tuesday, Russia targeted two Ukrainian cities, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuring at least 13, as described by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during what he termed “one of the biggest” 3-year-long war.
The strikes hit Kyiv and the port city of Odesa. Zelenskyy stated in an online message that Moscow’s forces launched 315 drones, primarily Shahed models, alongside seven missiles overnight.
Smoke rises after Russian drone strike in Kiev, Ukraine on Tuesday, June 10th, 2025 (AP Photo/evgeniy Maloletka)
“The Russian missile and Shahed strikes surpass the collective efforts of the US and global allies to persuade Russia towards peace,” Zelenskyy expressed, advocating for “concrete action” from the US and Europe.
The assault resulted in damage to an obstetric hospital and a residential building in Odesa, reported Ole Kipper from the region. Two fatalities and nine injuries were confirmed by the Regional Prosecutor’s Office.
Another death occurred in the Oboronsky district of Kyiv, as noted by Timur Tokachenko, a regional representative, via Telegram.
“Russia has shifted from targeting military installations to endangering the lives of civilians. This highlights the true nature of our adversary,” he stated.
The sound of explosions and drone activity echoed throughout the city for several hours.
The attacks continue despite ongoing consultations, although prisoner exchanges have occurred.
The latest offensive came a day after Moscow nearly 500 drones were deployed in Ukraine, marking the largest drone assault of the conflict. Ukrainian and Western officials are anticipating a response to Moscow following Kiev’s daring drone strike on June 1st at a distant Russian air base.
Despite engaging in direct peace negotiations in Istanbul which laid the groundwork for a possible ceasefire, Russia unleashed an unprecedented number of drones and missiles on June 2nd. Meanwhile, conflicting clauses have characterized both sides as non-starters, rendering a swift resolution elusive, as the ceasefire desired by Kiev remains unachieved.
The sole tangible outcome from consultations has been the prisoner exchanges, which commenced on Monday involving soldiers aged 18 to 25.
The second group was exchanged on Tuesday, focusing on severely wounded and ill Ukrainian soldiers, as stated by Zelenskyy via Telegram. “The exchange must indeed persist. We are committed to locating and bringing home everyone in captivity,” he asserted.
Among those exchanged were soldiers taken captive during the Battle of Mariupol over three years ago. All released individuals reported serious injuries and illnesses, including amputations and vision impairments.
The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed it also received a second batch of soldiers in the exchanged agreement.
Amina Ivanchenko was reunited with her husband, a POW for 18 months, during her first return. She expressed gratitude for the support she received from Ukrainian officials.
“My struggle was considerably easier due to their assistance. Our nation will certainly bring everyone back. Glory to Ukraine! Thank you!”
Anastasia Nahorna, waiting at the Chernichv area, was anxious to learn if her husband, missing for eight months, was part of the latest swap.
“I can’t withstand this pain any longer each day,” she lamented. “I desperately wish to hear some news because since his disappearance, there has been no information. Is he alive?”
Another wife of a Ukrainian prisoner, Anna Rodionova, also waited with hope.
“I pray he returns soon. We are fatigued from waiting. Every exchange comes, yet he remains absent.”
No specific schedule has been made public, although a similar exchange of fallen soldiers’ bodies held by both sides has been indicated. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov was prompted for comments on the exchange, reiterating uncertainty regarding how many bodies Ukraine proposes to hand over. He accused Kiev of stagnating in the exchange process.
“One thing is undeniable: for several days, a vehicle was prepared at the border transporting bodies,” he informed reporters.
Kiev residents seek shelter amidst the chaos
As air defense systems worked to intercept the drones and missiles on Tuesday, smoke rose across Kyiv.
Viktoriia Melnyk, 30, expressed her outrage towards the Russians after the drone struck her building in the Oboronsky district.
“I wish they would vacate our territory, leave us in peace and spare our families,” she declared. “Children’s lives hang in the balance. This is unreasonable. The world’s indifference is unacceptable. This is absurd in the 21st century.”
Mariia Pachapynska, a 26-year-old t-shirt company manager in the same district, voiced her disbelief at being targeted.
“There were no military installations present here,” she asserted.
According to Ukrainian Emergency Service spokesperson Maryna Kotsupii, seven out of ten districts in Kyiv sustained damage during the attacks, including a construction site of a 16-storey building.
Residents, including 32-year-old Nina Nosivet and her eight-month-old son Revko, took refuge in the metro during the lengthy assault.
“I attempt not to dwell on it all. I just curl up quietly, like a mouse, and wait for the turmoil to pass. Await the assault,” 37-year-old Krystyna Semak expressed.
Fires erupted in at least four districts of Kyiv as debris from intercepted drones crashed down onto homes and warehouses, according to the Kyiv City Military Bureau.
“I was in bed, hoping the Shahed drones would fly by, then it struck the building,” recounted 25-year-old Vasyl Pesenko, surveying his damaged kitchen. “I thought it would miss, but it came too close, and everything got wrecked.”
The attacks triggered 19 fires across Ukraine, as reported by Home Minister Ihol Klimenko via Telegram. “Russia must be held accountable for its actions. Until justice is served, safety will elude Ukraine and the world,” he affirmed.
The Russian Ministry of Defense asserted it had attacked weapons factories associated with Kyiv’s military operations, as well as various military installations. “The strike was successful, and all targeted objectives were struck,” the statement read.
Death toll has increased following recent assaults
The death toll increased on Tuesday following previous Russian attacks. Rescuers uncovered a body in a damaged building in Kharkiv that had been struck on Saturday, according to Mayor Ikhor Telekov via Telegram. This brings the death count to five, with potential additional casualties trapped under the rubble, Telekov added.
A 17-year-old boy also succumbed to injuries sustained from the June 3rd assault in a neighboring town.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported the downing of 102 Ukrainian drones in Russian regions, including Moscow and the illegally annexed Black Sea Peninsula, along with Crimea. Drones reportedly fell in border areas and within Russian territory, prompting temporary flight restrictions at several Russian airports, including all four in Moscow and Parkovo Airport in St. Petersburg, the country’s second-largest city.
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AP journalist Illia Novikov contributed.
Source: apnews.com