News Wrap: Russia bombards Ukraine hours before 3rd exchange of prisoners

John Yang:

In tonight's other news, Poland scrambled its air defenses as Russia conducted an aerial assault on neighboring Ukraine. Poland, a NATO member, said it took the necessary precautions to keep its airspace safe. It happened as Russia bombarded Ukraine with hundreds of drones and missiles. At least 12 people were killed across the country, including three children. The U.S. envoy to Ukraine says the attack on Kyiv violates the Geneva peace protocols for protecting civilians.

Hours later, and even as battles continued, Russia and Ukraine traded more than 300 prisoners. It was the third exchange of the weekend. Altogether, a total of 1,000 soldiers and civilians returned to their home countries.

In Gaza, Israel's aerial assault continues. Health officials said at least 23 people were killed today across the Gaza Strip, including Khan Yunis to the south and Jabalya in the north.

Israel says it seeks to destroy Hamas and tries to avoid civilian areas. But at a rally calling for a ceasefire last night, former hostage Naama Levy said that while she was in captivity, she feared Israeli airstrikes.

Naama Levy, Former Hostage:

What frightened me most were the bombings. First you hear the whistling, praying it won't fall on us. Then the explosions sound so intense, they paralyze your body and the earth shaking. Each time, I was certain it was my end. In one bombing, part of the house I was in collapsed. Fortunately, the wall I was leaning against didn't crumble, and that's what saved my life.

John Yang:

As Israel's military operation continues, so does the humanitarian crisis. Desperate Palestinians raided an aid truck that crossed into Gaza City today. Dozens of people jumped onto the truck and tried to grab boxes of food. The U.N. World Food Program estimates that more than 2 million people are facing extreme levels of hunger.

Billionaire Elon Musk may be easing out of his role, heading up efforts to slash government spending for President Trump. In a post today on X, the social media platform he owns, Musk wrote that he's back to spending 24, 7 at work. So sleeping in conference rooms. He said he needs to be super focused on X and carmaker Tesla. In February, the president designated Musk a special government employee.

And on this Memorial Day weekend, preparations are underway to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country. Members of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard, have been gathering at Arlington National Cemetery to greet visiting Gold Star families.

One by one, soldiers placed flags at the base of each of the 260,000 headstones. It's a tradition that dates back to 1948.

Still to come on PBS News Weekend, tensions rise as Chinese and Philippine vessels clash in the South China Sea and an endurance swimmer tries to change perceptions about sharks in the waters off Martha's Vineyard where the movie "Jaws" was shot.