Russia Bombards Kyiv With Missiles and Drones After U.S. Peace Envoys Leave Ukraine
Russia launched a major missile and drone attack against Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine early Tuesday, killing at least 2 people and injuring 10, according to Ukrainian officials.
The assault came shortly after U.S. peace envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner concluded talks in Kyiv as Washington sought to revive stalled negotiations aimed at ending the war.
Ukraine’s Air Force said it intercepted 31 cruise missiles, 142 drones and 2 ballistic missiles, although multiple locations were still struck across the country. Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv and other areas reported damage and fires.
In Kyiv, strikes damaged residential and other buildings, while emergency crews responded to fires and rescued residents from affected structures.
The attack effectively ended a brief reduction in Russian strikes that had coincided with the U.S. diplomatic mission. U.S. officials had been attempting to create conditions for renewed Russia-Ukraine negotiations, but the latest barrage highlights the continuing difficulty of achieving a sustained ceasefire.
Ukrainian officials have called on Washington and European allies to provide additional air-defense interceptors, particularly for protection against ballistic missiles.
The situation remains fluid, with casualty figures and damage assessments subject to change as emergency crews continue operations.