Sunday, May 25

Russia has conducted major attacks on Ukraine's capital city for the third day in a row, killing several people in rounds of intense attacks.

At least 13 people were killed after heavy rounds of drone attacks and missile strikes in Kyiv on Friday, and an additional three people were killed yesterday after the attacks continued. Dozens of others were injured, and various buildings were damaged across the city.

Now, drones and missiles continue to bombard multiple large Ukrainian cities, specifically the capital of Kyiv. Some residents described the situation as similar to Armageddon, with citizens hiding in basements and under stairs.

The attacks come amid a major prisoner exchange, where the two countries have agreed to exchange hundreds of prisoners of war that have been taken hostage by both sides throughout the war, which is now in its fourth year.

The exchange consists of a three-phase swap that is taking place this weekend-- the first and second swaps have already been completed, with 800 prisoners being released on Friday and another 600 yesterday. Today, another 600 prisoners are being released, completing the agreement for each side to release 1,000 prisoners of war.

This has been seen as a small success as negotiations over a possible ceasefire continue, but the two countries do not seem to be getting any closer to achieving their primary goal: a permanent solution to the war.

Fact of the Day (BBC): Animals can be allergic to humans. Animals can be allergic to our dead skin cells, called dander. These allergic reactions can be just like ours, too, including breathing difficulties and skin irritation.

Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): All endings are also beginnings. We just don’t know it at the time. (Mitch Albom)

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Bastion (noun, BAS-chun) - A bastion is a place or system in which something (such as an idea) is protected and continues to survive.

In a Sentence: The restaurant is a bastion of the region’s ancient culinary traditions.