Kyiv faces renewed Russian missile and drone attacks following the expiration of a three-day pause in attacks on the Ukrainian and Russian capitals, according to reports from Ukraine’s air force and municipal authorities.
Renewed Strikes and Casualties in Kyiv
A wave of strong explosions shook Kyiv early on Tuesday as Russia resumed military operations, according to reports. Ukraine’s air force stated that it successfully intercepted 142 drones, 31 of 32 cruise missiles, and two ballistic missiles during the assault. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that at least two people were killed and 10 others were wounded in the capital.
The air raids caused significant structural damage across multiple areas, including the Darnytskyi, Holosiivskyi, Podilskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, and Solomianskyi districts, according to municipal officials. Emergency services confirmed that drone impacts hit buildings in the city as well as the Boryspil and Fastiv districts on the outskirts. Rescue teams responded to a burning five-storey apartment block in the Solomianskyi district where residents were trapped.
Diplomatic Missions and the Partial Ceasefire
The renewed bombardment broke a brief three-day pause in attacks on the Ukrainian and Russian capitals. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to halt strikes on each other’s administrative centers while US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner traveled to both nations over the weekend, according to state news agency TASS. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov characterized the three-hour Moscow meeting on Saturday as highly useful.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized the timing of the renewed offensive on social media, stating that Russian ballistic missiles launched immediately after the US delegation’s departure spoke louder than diplomatic words. Meanwhile, White House and State Department channels pointed toward potential next steps. Following talks with Zelenskyy, US envoy Steve Witkoff described the discussions on X as substantive and stated that officials were very encouraged, raising the prospect of reviving three-way peace negotiations. A White House official told Reuters that official next steps will be announced in the coming weeks.
Cross-Border Attacks and Regional Impact
Fighting persisted outside the capital during and immediately after the brief lull. Regional Governor Roman Busargin reported that a Ukrainian drone attack struck civilian infrastructure in Saratov, located nearly 1,000 kilometers from Moscow, injuring several people. In the Bryansk border region, acting Governor Yegor Kovalchuk stated that at least one person died in a separate Ukrainian attack on the town of Starodub.
On the Crimean Peninsula, Moscow-appointed regional Governor Sergei Aksyonov reported that a Ukrainian strike killed at least two people and wounded one other. Furthermore, monitoring channels noted Russian movements of heavy bombers and ballistic missiles.
Did You Know?
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalated into a full-scale invasion in February 2022. Since then, energy grid infrastructure has faced targeted winter strikes, compounding humanitarian challenges as temperatures drop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the capital pause in attacks end?
The three-day suspension of strikes ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin expired on Monday evening local time, according to Russia’s state news agency TASS.
Who led the US diplomatic delegation to Moscow and Kyiv?
US President Donald Trump dispatched envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to hold talks with officials in both capitals over the weekend.
What were the casualties reported in Kyiv?
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that at least two people were killed and 10 others were wounded during the air raids.
Stay Updated on Global Developments
Explore our latest coverage on international diplomacy, defense updates, and geopolitical analysis. Subscribe to our newsletter for direct updates delivered to your inbox.
Related reading