Russia launched air attacks on Kyiv with drones and missiles early on Tuesday, resuming the assault after a brief pause for the arrival and departure of U.S. peace negotiators. The strikes resulted in two fatalities and multiple fires breaking out across the Ukrainian capital, as reported by Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Additionally, 10 individuals sustained injuries in the city, with falling debris causing fires in various residential buildings.
The offensive caused extensive damage, impacting at least 14 high-rise structures, a dormitory, a school, a clinic, warehouses, and other locations, as confirmed by officials. The assault was reignited following the departure of U.S. peace envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff from Kyiv after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Trump administration had been actively working to resolve Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Russian authorities stated that Moscow targeted military and logistical sites in Kyiv and its surroundings, as well as in the Black Sea port of Chornomorsk. The assault involved the use of faster jet-propelled drones, resulting in casualties among residents and disruption of daily activities in the region. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the attacks, urging international allies to increase pressure on Russia and provide interceptors to counter ballistic missiles, given the critically low supply in Kyiv.
Residents in Kyiv, such as 61-year-old Iryna Barisenkova, recounted hearing explosions during their daily commute, with reports of a significant fire near the Darnytskyi Vehicle Repair Plant area. The escalating violence prompted Poland, a NATO and EU member neighboring Ukraine, to initiate preventive measures against potential Russian missile attacks, leading to the temporary suspension of flights at Lublin airport.
In a retaliatory move, Ukrainian drones reportedly caused damage to civilian infrastructure and inflicted injuries in the city of Saratov, located approximately 730 kilometers southeast of Moscow. The area houses a large oil refinery operated by state-owned company Rosneft, along with various industrial and military installations. Meanwhile, in the Crimean peninsula, annexed by Russia in 2014, two individuals lost their lives and one was wounded during a Ukrainian attack, according to regional governor Sergei Aksyonov.
The ongoing conflict has triggered significant disruptions and casualties, underscoring the urgent need for diplomatic solutions and international intervention to mitigate the escalating violence in the region.