New prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia

Andriy Yermak, chief of staff of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, wrote on social media: “64 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who fought in Donetsk and Luhansk – who were especially involved in the defense of the city of Bakhmut – are on their way home.” The media continues:

“It was even possible to free an American citizen who helped our people.”

The White House confirmed the release of a US citizen.

– We really welcome the news. But for privacy reasons, I can’t go into any more details regarding this person, says John Kirby, a spokesman for the US National Security Council.

Russia’s state-controlled news agency TASS had earlier reported that the American was arrested in the Donetsk region in June and charged with participating in anti-Russian protests and inciting hatred.

Drones shot down

Meanwhile, fighting continues in the Ukrainian capital. Shrapnel from drones hit five buildings in central Kyiv on Wednesday. Aircraft alarms were sounded in the morning hours, followed by explosions.

President Volodymyr Zelensky also stated that 13 Iranian drones were shot down over the Ukrainian capital on Wednesday morning.

For months, Russia has been accused of attacking Ukraine with so-called Iranian-made Shahed drones.

An office building in the central Shevchenko district, home to several government buildings, was hit by shrapnel from a downed drone that punched a hole in the roof of the building. Four apartment buildings were also said to have been hit by shrapnel and car windows in nearby parking lots were smashed.

Limited damage

According to the authorities, Wednesday’s attacks must have occurred in two phases.

The extent of the damage is said to be limited compared to previous Russian attacks on the capital, but the attacks also confirm the weakness of the capital. Recently, Kyiv has largely escaped Russian attacks.

“Russia continues to terrorize the country’s energy. But we are getting stronger every day,” wrote the region’s governor, Oleksiy Kuleba, via Telegram.

Also in Zhytomyr region, adjacent to Kiev, the regional government warned of a new wave of drone attacks on Wednesday morning.