Russia resumed heavy missile attacks on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv on Tuesday morning, just a day after U.S. officials Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—President Trump’s son‑in‑law—traveled to the region in an effort to revive stalled peace talks.
Missile barrage hits residential areas
According to Ukrainian officials, the assault involved both ballistic and cruise missiles. Explosions were heard early Tuesday, and reports confirmed damage to residential buildings in two city districts. Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, warned that people were trapped inside a residential block and that fires had broken out, including at an educational institution.
U.S. diplomatic push
Witkoff and Kushner had arrived in Kyiv on Sunday after intensive meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The U.S. team said they made “substantive progress,” including steps toward scheduling additional trilateral talks, though no major breakthroughs were announced.
The visit coincided with a three‑day pause on attacks that both capitals had agreed to for the weekend of diplomacy. That 72‑hour truce expired on Tuesday, and the renewed Russian strike appears to signal Moscow’s frustration with the diplomatic effort.
Context of the conflict
The latest strike follows a Friday daytime attack on the headquarters of Ukraine’s Security Service— the first time that building had been hit during the war—highlighting Kyiv’s growing vulnerability amid critical shortages of interceptor missiles. Ukraine has also stepped up its own aerial campaign, striking deeper targets inside Russian territory in recent months.
In a separate development, the governor of Russia’s Saratov region reported that a Ukrainian drone attack damaged civilian infrastructure and wounded several people, according to Reuters.
Impact on civilians
Kyiv officials urged residents to remain in shelters as the city grapples with the aftermath of the missile barrage. The attacks underscore the ongoing humanitarian toll of the conflict, which has left many families displaced and in need of basic services.
Looking ahead
The Trump administration continues to press for a diplomatic resolution, emphasizing the importance of direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow. While the recent missile strike complicates those efforts, U.S. officials remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and encouraging a cease‑fire that could pave the way for lasting peace.
As the situation develops, local and international aid groups are monitoring the damage and preparing to assist affected residents. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
