Ukraine Denies Postponing POW Swaps; Russian Strike Kills Three in Kharkiv

Ukraine Denies Delaying Prisoner Swaps Amidst Russian Attacks

Ukraine has refuted claims made by Russia that it has postponed prisoner of war (POW) exchanges indefinitely, following Russian missile and bomb strikes on Kharkiv that caused three deaths and injured 22 people.

Drone Attack in Moscow Region

In a separate incident, Russian officials reported that a Ukrainian drone attack in the Moscow region left two people wounded. This comes amidst ongoing tensions between the two nations.

Accusations and Counter-Accusations

Despite agreements for prisoner swaps and the return of deceased soldiers' bodies, Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky alleged that Kyiv had unexpectedly postponed the exchanges. Andriy Kovalenko, an official with Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, rejected these claims and accused Moscow of undermining constructive efforts.

Kharkiv Under Attack

The city of Kharkiv, located close to the Russian border, has been subjected to frequent shelling during the conflict. Mayor Ihor Terekhov described the recent attack as the most powerful since the start of the full-scale war, impacting residential areas, educational institutions, and infrastructure.

Ukrainian Drone Strike in Russia

Reports indicate that a Ukrainian drone strike within Russia may have damaged a portion of Russia's strategic bomber fleet.