Russia and Ukraine Exchange 205 Prisoners of War as Putin's Forces Pound Kyiv, Death Toll Reaches 24
Russia and Ukraine exchanged 205 prisoners of war Friday as Russian forces continued pounding Kyiv, killing at least 24 people including three children in a residential building attack.
Russia and Ukraine exchanged 205 prisoners of war on Friday, May 15, according to BBC reporting on May 16. The exchange came after rescue operations concluded at an apartment complex in Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, that was attacked by Russian forces, resulting in at least 24 deaths, including three girls. The latest prisoner exchange was part of a short-term ceasefire agreement that collapsed early this week, coinciding with a Russian offensive campaign featuring sustained missile and drone strikes over three consecutive days across multiple Ukrainian territories, flattening 18 residential buildings into rubble. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky participated in a memorial ceremony for the victims, stating that Russia must face increased pressure under President Vladimir Putin's leadership for the deliberate targeting of civilian lives, and confirmed that Russia deployed Kh-101 cruise missiles. Russian authorities countered that Ukraine sent drones to attack the city of Ryazan, located southeast of Moscow, killing four people including one child. Photos shared on social media showed damage to two apartment buildings, with regional governor Pavel Malkov reporting 28 people injured in the attack.
