RUSSIAN UKRAINE WAR - 2025.05.24 | Situation Tension

1. Introduction / Background

On Day 1,185 of the Russia-Ukraine war, one of the most extensive aerial attacks on Kyiv since the conflict began has heightened tensions. The assault, characterized by waves of drones and ballistic missiles, underscores the ongoing volatility despite recent prisoner exchanges and talk of potential ceasefire negotiations. Both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of obstructing peace efforts while civilians continue to bear the brunt of hostilities.

2. Key Highlights

• Killed: 09 Ukrainian people have been killed 
• Injured: 29 Ukrainian people have been Injured
• Home Destroyed: Several apartment buildings damaged in Kyiv (especially Obolon district).

One apartment rendered uninhabitable due to fire.

Multiple residential buildings in at least six Kyiv districts sustained serious structural damage. 

3. Governments’ Response

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed his call for intensified international sanctions, citing continued Russian aggression.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated Moscow is ready to present peace terms after the current prisoner exchange.

Both Kyiv and Moscow confirmed agreement to prisoner swaps following a U.S. appeal, with 270 soldiers and 120 civilians exchanged on each side.

 4. Military Developments

• Russia launched 250 drones and 14 ballistic missiles, primarily targeting Kyiv. Ukraine intercepted 245 drones and six missiles.
• Ukrainian forces claimed a successful strike on a battery-manufacturing facility in Russia’s Lipetsk region.
• A Russian military helicopter crashed in Oryol region, reportedly due to technical malfunction.
• Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian territory continue, with Russia claiming over 800 UAVs have been launched in recent days.

5. Militants’ Activity

• Russia accused Ukraine of deploying up to 800 drones over three days against non-military targets inside Russia.
• Ukraine’s drone operations appear focused on military and infrastructure sites, including deep strikes into Russian territory. 

6. Impact on Trade and Travel

• No major trade disruptions reported directly from this attack, but the escalation adds pressure on regional stability and infrastructure.
• U.S.-EU trade tension: President Trump mentioned that proposed 50% tariffs on EU goods could be delayed if European companies move production to the U.S., an unrelated but potentially consequential note in global economic dynamics. 

7. International Response

• President Trump facilitated the start of renewed ceasefire discussions and linked it with recent prisoner exchanges.
• The G7 warned of further sanctions if Russia doesn’t engage in genuine peace talks.
• Germany urged China to support Western efforts for a Ukraine truce.
• Italy and the Vatican were considered as hosts for peace talks, but Russia expressed skepticism. 

8. Comment

Despite progress on prisoner exchanges and symbolic gestures toward peace talks, the intensity and scale of Russia’s latest aerial assault on Kyiv reflect Moscow's uncompromising position. Ukraine continues to push for heavier sanctions to shift the balance, while civilians endure the devastation. A genuine breakthrough remains distant without tangible concessions and a cessation of hostilities.

9. Latest News in Two Lines

• Ukraine and Russia completed the largest prisoner exchange of the war, swapping 270 soldiers and 120 civilians each.
• Kyiv suffered one of its largest air assaults overnight, with 15 injured and significant damage to residential buildings.