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Russian missiles and drones have struck Kyiv overnight, killing at least two people and sending plumes of smoke across Ukraine’s capital, hours after Moscow ended a temporary pause in attacks on the city.
The assault came after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a halt to strikes on Kyiv during a visit by US President Donald Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who travelled to Moscow and Kyiv in an effort to revive peace discussions between Russia and Ukraine.
AFP reporters in Kyiv said explosions were heard across the city in the early hours of Tuesday, forcing residents to seek shelter in basements and metro stations as fires broke out in several areas.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga accused Moscow of undermining diplomatic efforts, saying the attacks came immediately after the US officials left the region.
“ The moment the US president’s peace envoys left, Putin launched another massive, horrific attack against Kyiv, damaging residential areas and killing at least two people,” Sybiga said in a statement shared on social media.
“His ballistic missiles speak louder than his words on diplomacy,” he added.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said rescue teams were working at the scene after residents became trapped inside a damaged residential building.
Russia’s military confirmed it carried out what it described as a “massive strike” targeting military-industrial facilities, logistics centres and storage sites in Kyiv and surrounding areas.
The attack followed talks between US officials and both sides, which Washington described as making progress towards ending the war. Witkoff said President Trump was working to “stop the killing” and achieve a lasting peace agreement.
The Kremlin said it remained open to possible three-way talks involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States, although spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said details on the timing and location had not been decided.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said discussions with US officials included proposals involving energy facilities, grain exports and oil and gas trade. He said Washington was seeking to reduce tensions before another harsh winter, after repeated Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure left millions without power and heating in previous years.
However, disagreements over the terms of a possible settlement remain unresolved. Moscow has demanded that Ukraine surrender territory in the eastern Donetsk region and abandon Western military support, conditions Kyiv has rejected as unacceptable.
Ukraine says such demands would weaken its security and allow Russia to prepare for further military action. The latest strikes have added uncertainty to diplomatic efforts aimed at ending Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II.
