A substantial prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine—the sole tangible result of peace discussions—was cast into uncertainty on Saturday as both nations accused one another of obstructing the process.

The anticipated exchange, scheduled for this weekend, was delayed as Russia’s military carried out extensive missile, drone, and bomb strikes across Ukraine overnight and into Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 individuals.

During discussions in Istanbul on Monday, representatives from Kyiv and Moscow reached an agreement to release all injured soldiers and those under 25 who had been detained, involving over 1,000 individuals from each side.

Additionally, Russia indicated it would return the remains of 6,000 deceased Ukrainian soldiers.

On Saturday, Moscow claimed that Ukraine had failed to retrieve the bodies and had not arranged a date for the exchange of the captured soldiers. In response, Ukraine accused Russia of engaging in “dishonest tactics” by not adhering to the agreed-upon terms for the swap.

Vladimir Medinsky, Russia’s chief negotiator, stated on social media that “the Ukrainian side has unexpectedly postponed both the acceptance of the bodies and the prisoner exchange for an indefinite period.”

A spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry noted that “the Ukrainian side continues to avoid setting a date” for the initial phase of the prisoner exchange.

The upcoming exchange was anticipated to be the largest of the conflict, surpassing the previous month’s swap of 1,000 for 1,000 that was finalized during the first round of talks in Istanbul.

Following the Istanbul negotiations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated the exchange would occur this weekend, with Russia expressing readiness for Saturday, Sunday, or Monday.

In response to Russia’s claims, Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War clarified that no date had been settled for the return of the remains.

They also asserted that the list of names Russia proposed for release did not align with the provisions of the agreement.

“Regrettably, rather than engaging in constructive dialogue, we are once again confronted with manipulation,” they stated on social media.

“We urge the Russian side to cease these dishonest tactics and return to productive efforts to facilitate the return of individuals from both sides, ensuring the agreement is clearly implemented in the coming days,” they added.

Russia unleashed a significant offensive early Saturday, launching missiles, drones, and bombs across Ukraine in retaliation for a recent attack on its air bases, resulting in the deaths of five people.

The conflict arose just hours after Russia conducted a large-scale aerial assault throughout Ukraine, with a concentrated effort on the city of Kharkiv.

At least 10 lives were lost in the overnight attacks and the bombardments throughout Saturday, according to officials.

Mayor Ihor Terekhov described the attack on Kharkiv as “the most intense assault since the onset of full-scale war.”

The strikes took a heavy toll on the city, resulting in four fatalities and over 20 injuries, with homes and apartment buildings being heavily damaged.

In the Donetsk region, which has experienced the fiercest combat during the conflict, three individuals were killed, and another three perished in the Kherson region, which remains partly under Russian control.

Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, tens of thousands have died, and millions have been displaced as destruction has ravaged cities and villages in eastern Ukraine.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on Kyiv’s Western allies to impose penalties on Russia for its continued aggression.

“In order to halt Russia’s violence and devastation, increased pressure on Moscow is necessary, alongside further measures to bolster Ukraine,” he stated on social media.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched 206 drones and nine missiles during the overnight attacks.

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed a “coordinated strike” was executed against Ukraine’s “military-industrial” entities.

Despite ongoing discussions, neither side has made strides toward ending the hostilities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has laid out numerous broad demands as preconditions for a ceasefire, including the complete withdrawal of troops from four regions claimed by Russia that its military does not fully dominate, an end to Western military aid, and a prohibition on Ukraine’s NATO membership.

Zelensky dismissed these demands as outdated ultimatums, questioned the value of further negotiations, and called for a summit involving himself, Putin, and Trump.