24 Killed in Russian Strike on Kyiv as Both Sides Exchange 205 Prisoners
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a Russian missile demolished an entire section of an apartment building in the Ukrainian capital. The strike was described by the Ukrainian foreign ministry as one of the deadliest on Kyiv since the full-scale war began. Separately, Russia and Ukraine exchanged 205 prisoners of war each as the first stage of a larger swap.
abcnews.go.comAt least 24 people were killed in Russian attacks on Kyiv on 14 May 2026, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. Three children were among those killed. A night of search and rescue operations followed the strikes.
Zelenskyy visited the site of a damaged apartment building in Kyiv the next day, joined by prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko and interior minister Ihor Klymenko. “The Russians practically demolished an entire section of the building with their missile,” Zelenskyy said after the visit.
A photograph of the three officials at the scene was taken by the State Emergency Service Of Ukraine and provided via Reuters.
The Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs described the 14 May 2026 attack as one of the deadliest attacks on Kyiv since the start of Russia’s full-scale war. Zelenskyy added: “A Russia like this can never be normalised – a Russia that deliberately destroys lives and hopes to remain unpunished. Pressure is needed.
Separately, Russia and Ukraine exchanged 205 prisoners of war each. Zelenskyy said the exchange was the first part of a broader swap of 1,000 for 1,000. It is Friday, 15 May 2026. The Guardian reported the death toll and prisoner exchange details.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- 2026-05-14
Russian missile and drone strike hits Kyiv, killing at least 24 people including three children and demolishing a section of an apartment building
3 sourcesVolodymyr Zelenskyy · Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs · The Guardian - 2026-05-14 night
Search and rescue operations continue through the night following the strike
1 sourceThe Guardian - 2026-05-15
President Zelenskyy visits damaged apartment building site with prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko and interior minister Ihor Klymenko
2 sourcesThe Guardian · State Emergency Service Of Ukraine - 2026-05-15
Russia and Ukraine exchange 205 prisoners of war each as first stage of 1,000-for-1,000 swap
2 sourcesVolodymyr Zelenskyy · The Guardian
Potential Impact
- 01
Destruction of an entire section of a residential building adds to infrastructure damage in Kyiv
- 02
Successful initial prisoner swap of 205 each could pave the way for the full 1,000-for-1,000 exchange
- 03
Continued high civilian casualties in the Ukrainian capital may increase international pressure on Russia
Transparency Panel
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