Russia resumes strikes on Kyiv after pause for US envoys’ visit
Russian forces resumed strikes on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine early on Tuesday after a temporary pause in attacks. The lull had enabled President Trump’s senior envoys for peace negotiations to travel to Kyiv and meet President Volodymyr Zelensky; Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense said its forces shot down 175 aerial targets but that ballistic missiles struck homes in the capital.
Why It Matters
The sequence — a pause to permit a diplomatic visit followed by a return to strikes — highlights the fragility of temporary cessations of hostilities and the challenges of conducting peace efforts while combat activity continues.
Key Facts
- resumption of strikes: Russia resumed strikes on Kyiv and across Ukraine early on Tuesday.
- diplomatic visit: President Trump's top envoys for peace negotiations met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv during the pause.
- air defenses: The Ukrainian military downed 175 aerial targets, the Ministry of Defense said.
- damage reported: The Ministry of Defense said ballistic missiles hit homes in Kyiv.
Russian forces renewed attacks on Kyiv and areas across Ukraine early on Tuesday following a temporary halt in operations. That pause had been in place long enough for senior U.S. envoys sent by President Trump to enter the capital and hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ukrainian officials said the visit by the envoys was conducted during the lull in strikes, allowing the diplomatic engagement to take place in Kyiv. The envoys are described as President Trump's top representatives for peace negotiations.
According to Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, the country's air defenses intercepted and downed 175 aerial targets as the attacks resumed. The ministry also reported that ballistic missiles struck residential buildings in the capital.
The return of strikes after a diplomatic window underscores the continuing volatility of the conflict, with military action and efforts at negotiation occurring in close succession across the country.
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