Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned a series of overnight missile and drone strikes conducted by Russian forces, which targeted multiple regions in Ukraine, including Odesa, Vinnytsia, Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Kyiv, and Dnipro.

The attacks, which resulted in heavy damage and left at least 15 individuals injured, were characterized by Zelensky on social media as aimed directly at civilians.

He expressed condolences to the victims’ families and reiterated that such aggression from Moscow prolongs the conflict.

Zelensky highlighted Ukraine's attempts to initiate ceasefires, both fully and specifically in the skies, noting that these proposals have been disregarded by Russia.

He asserted that only stringent sanctions imposed by the United States and Western Europe would compel Russia to consider a ceasefire.

The nighttime bombardment came amidst ongoing military tensions, following recent Ukrainian drone strikes within Russian territory.

In conjunction with these developments, Ukraine and Russia successfully conducted a prisoner exchange, where 614 soldiers were returned to their respective nations as part of a deal negotiated in Turkey.

Zelensky reported that a total of 697 Ukrainian prisoners have been repatriated, with additional exchanges anticipated in the coming days.

Among those released in the latest exchange were members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the State Border Guard Service, and the National Guard.

Zelensky expressed gratitude to all individuals involved in facilitating the exchange process.

These incidents transpire as former U.S. President Donald Trump has shifted focus away from advocating for an immediate ceasefire, urging both parties instead to engage in negotiations over future peace talks.