One hopes that Russia and Ukraine can build upon the diplomatic and humanitarian momentum of the recent prisoner exchange to develop a permanent peace.

Ukraine could not influence who Russia decided to release in the recent 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange, said Andrii Yusov, deputy head of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (POW),

Russia launched its largest aerial assault of its three-year war on Ukraine overnight, targeting the capital and other regions with missiles and drones for a second night in a row, even as the two sides prepared to conclude a major prisoner exchange.

Russia carried out its largest aerial attack on Ukraine, shattering any hopes that a record prisoner exchange completed on Sunday could lead to a cessation of hostilities.

Russia's defence ministry said on Tuesday that Ukraine, backed by certain European countries, had taken several 'provocative steps' aimed at derailing Moscow-initiated direct peace talks with Kyiv. The first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in over three years took place on May 16,