Russia has resumed missile and drone strikes on Kyiv, killing at least two people and damaging residential areas, just hours after a temporary three-day pause in attacks on the Ukrainian capital.
The overnight assault came after Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered a halt to strikes on Kyiv during a visit by United States President Donald Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who travelled to Moscow and Kyiv as part of efforts to revive peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
Explosions were heard across Kyiv early Tuesday, according to AFP journalists in the city.
Residents were forced to seek shelter in basements and metro stations as fires broke out in several locations.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga accused Moscow of undermining diplomatic efforts, alleging that the latest attack was launched shortly after the US envoys left the region.
“The moment the US president’s peace envoys left, Putin launched another massive, horrific attack against Kyiv,” Sybiga said, adding that the strikes damaged residential areas and killed at least two people.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said emergency teams were deployed to several locations, including a damaged residential building where residents were reportedly trapped.
Russia’s military confirmed carrying out what it described as a “massive strike” against military-industrial facilities, logistics centres and storage sites in Kyiv and surrounding areas.
The latest attack followed talks between US officials and representatives of Russia and Ukraine, which Washington said had made progress towards ending the conflict.
Witkoff said Trump was seeking to “stop the killing” and secure a lasting peace agreement.
The Kremlin also said it remained open to possible three-way negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States, although spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said no decision had been reached on the timing or location of such talks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his discussions with US officials covered proposals concerning energy facilities, grain exports and oil and gas trade.
He said Washington was seeking to reduce tensions ahead of another harsh winter, following repeated Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure that have previously left millions without electricity and heating.
Despite the diplomatic efforts, major disagreements remain over the terms of a possible settlement.
Moscow has demanded that Ukraine surrender territory in the eastern Donetsk region and end Western military support, conditions Kyiv has rejected.
Ukraine argues that accepting the demands would weaken its security and give Russia an opportunity to prepare for further military action.
The renewed strikes have cast fresh uncertainty over diplomatic efforts to end the war, which remains Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II.
