Russia launched ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv early Tuesday, damaging residential buildings and injuring civilians shortly after United States envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner left the Ukrainian capital following another round of peace talks.
The strikes marked the resumption of attacks on Kyiv after a three-day pause linked to the US diplomatic mission to Moscow and Kyiv, raising fresh questions over whether Washington can convert renewed negotiations into a meaningful reduction in hostilities.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said residential buildings were damaged and fires broke out following the attack, with at least six people initially reported injured. Residents were urged to remain in shelters as emergency services responded across the capital.
The attack came only hours after Witkoff and Kushner concluded talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The US envoys had travelled to Kyiv after visiting Moscow, where discussions centred on possible steps towards restarting negotiations to end a war that has continued for more than four years.
Brief Pause Gives Way to Fresh Attacks
The latest assault effectively ended a three-day halt in attacks on the Ukrainian and Russian capitals during the American diplomatic mission.
While the pause reduced attacks on the two capitals, it did not amount to a comprehensive ceasefire and fighting continued elsewhere.
The resumption of strikes illustrates one of the central difficulties confronting Washington: diplomatic contacts are increasing even as military operations continue.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022 and has since evolved into a prolonged war involving extensive drone and missile attacks, heavy ground fighting and repeated attempts by both sides to strike military and energy infrastructure deep inside opposing territory.
Neighbouring Poland activated military aircraft during Tuesday’s Russian attack as Warsaw monitored potential threats close to NATO airspace.
Ukraine Continues Drone Campaign
Ukraine has also maintained long-range operations against targets inside Russia.
Russian authorities said Ukrainian drones struck infrastructure in Saratov, about 730 kilometres southeast of Moscow, injuring several people.
Saratov is an important industrial centre and is home to a major oil refinery as well as military and industrial facilities.
Ukraine has increasingly used long-range drones to target Russian energy infrastructure, arguing that oil facilities and other industrial assets contribute to Moscow’s ability to finance and sustain the war.
Russia, meanwhile, has continued large-scale missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Washington Searches for Diplomatic Opening
The latest US diplomatic initiative has generated cautious expectations that negotiations involving Washington, Moscow and Kyiv could resume.
The Kremlin has indicated openness to renewed three-way discussions, while Zelenskyy has said there are signs Russia may be prepared to negotiate.
However, major differences remain over territory, security guarantees and the conditions under which fighting would stop.
The renewed attack on Kyiv highlights the challenge facing mediators seeking to turn diplomatic engagement into a durable ceasefire.
Until concrete agreements are reached, developments on the battlefield are likely to continue influencing the negotiating positions of both Moscow and Kyiv.
