Ukrainian civilians freed as airstrikes claim more lives

Ten Ukrainian civilians, including two Catholic priests, are returning home tonight following successful mediation efforts by the Vatican. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that these individuals had been held in Russian-occupied territories for years, some since before the full-scale invasion began two years ago. Pope Francis expressed gratitude for the release but also sorrow for those who remain in captivity.

In a separate incident, at least 12 people were killed in an airstrike as Russia continues to target villages along the front line in Ukraine. Rescue operations are ongoing in Dnipro, where an airstrike destroyed an apartment building, resulting in one confirmed death.

In Serbia, an officer guarding the Israeli embassy was shot with a crossbow by an assailant who approached under the pretense of asking for directions. The officer returned fire, killing the attacker, and is currently hospitalized for surgery. Both Serbian and Israeli officials have labeled the incident an act of terror.

In a notable astronomical event, an asteroid the size of a skyscraper passed within 180,000 miles of Earth, approximately three-quarters of the distance to the Moon. Scientists have assured that there was no risk of impact, and there remains an opportunity for observers to spot the asteroid tonight after sunset.

The PBS News Weekend program will also explore the impact of gun violence near schools and the effects of climate change on family planning in Bangladesh.