**US Agrees to Release Russian National in Exchange for American Citizen**
The United States has agreed to release a Russian national held in an American prison. This decision was made after Moscow freed American citizen Marc Fogel, who had been detained in Russia since 2021.
**Deal Made Through Prisoner Exchange**
According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, the US and Russia have carried out several prisoner exchanges over the past few years. In exchange for Fogel’s release, a Russian citizen will be released from a US prison within the coming days.
**US President Trump Praises Deal**
U.S. President Donald Trump praised Vladimir Putin for agreeing to the deal. He said it was a step towards brokering a peace deal in Ukraine. However, he did not reveal what Moscow would receive in return, saying only that the Russian side did not ask for “much”.
**Russia Launches Missile Attack on Kyiv**
On the same day, Russia launched a missile attack against Kyiv, killing one person and injuring four others, including a child.
**Ukraine’s President Zelensky Responds to Attack**
President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the disparity in forces between Ukraine and Russia. He said that Ukraine has 110 brigades while Russia has 220 and plans to expand to 250 this year.
**US Defense Secretary Meets with Ukrainian Officials**
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov during a meeting in Brussels. They discussed ensuring a stable and timely supply of military aid in 2025.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com