Russia launches deadly strikes on Kyiv as pause during US envoy visits ends
Russia resumed air strikes on Kyiv after a three-day pause in attacks ended, killing at least two people and wounding seven as US envoys concluded visits to both Moscow and Kyiv without achieving peace progress. The temporary ceasefire had been agreed to during talks led by Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who expressed optimism about discussions despite no concrete outcomes.
Why It Matters
The resumption of strikes underscores the fragility of any diplomatic progress in the conflict and indicates that despite high-level US engagement, fundamental differences between Russia and Ukraine persist. The White House's indication that next steps will be announced in coming weeks suggests ongoing diplomatic efforts remain active despite the immediate military escalation.
Key Facts
- Casualties in Kyiv: At least 2 killed, 7 wounded in Russian air raids
- Pause duration: Three-day suspension of strikes on capitals expired Monday evening
- US envoys: Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Moscow and Kyiv over the weekend
- Ukrainian claim: Russian drone attacks hit residential buildings in Kyiv and surrounding districts
- Russian invasion date: Full-scale invasion began February 2022
After a three-day suspension of attacks on their respective capitals, Russia and Ukraine returned to military operations early Tuesday following visits by US President Trump's special emissaries. The temporary halt had been established when leaders Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed to pause strikes during the weekend diplomatic mission by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to both capitals.
The resumption brought immediate casualties to Kyiv's civilian population. Ukrainian authorities reported that Russian drones struck residential structures and civilian infrastructure across the capital and outlying areas including Boryspil and Fastiv districts. City officials confirmed at least two fatalities and seven injuries from the early morning raids, with emergency services urging residents to seek shelter as attacks continued.
Moscow's state news agency confirmed that President Putin's ordered suspension expired Monday evening, clearing the way for resumed operations. Russian authorities also reported a separate incident in which Ukrainian forces allegedly attacked civilian infrastructure in Saratov, roughly 600 miles from Moscow, though casualty figures remained unclear.
During their diplomatic visits, the US envoys held separate talks with officials in both capitals. Kremlin representatives described their three-hour meeting with Kushner and Witkoff as "highly useful," while the US delegation told Ukrainian leadership they were "encouraged" by substantive discussions. Witkoff indicated interest in reviving three-way negotiations but provided no details on specific breakthrough issues or agreements.
A White House official indicated to Reuters that formal announcements regarding the path forward in the conflict would come in the weeks ahead, suggesting continued diplomatic activity despite the immediate resumption of hostilities. The cycle illustrates the challenge of achieving lasting agreements when fundamental positions remain unresolved.
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