At least nine civilians were killed in Ukraine during overnight exchanges of fire with Russian forces, regional officials confirmed Sunday, as both sides continued a major prisoner swap initiative. The attacks mark an escalation in cross-border tensions despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Four fatalities occurred in the western Khmelnytskyi region after strikes damaged civilian infrastructure, with five others injured according to regional deputy military administrator Sergiy Tyurin. The Kyiv region reported four deaths during its second consecutive night of bombardment, while southern Mykolaiv recorded one casualty.
The violence unfolded as Ukraine and Russia conducted one of their largest prisoner exchanges since hostilities began, swapping 150 detainees through third-party mediation. Analysts suggest the simultaneous military and diplomatic maneuvers highlight the conflict's complex dynamics.
Global markets showed muted reaction to the developments Monday morning, though energy analysts warn prolonged instability could impact European gas supplies. Humanitarian organizations have renewed calls for protected evacuation corridors as winter approaches.
