Russia resumes strikes on Kyiv after pause for Trump envoys’ visit

On Tuesday morning, a series of powerful explosions shook Kyiv as Russia recommenced strikes on the Ukrainian capital following a brief suspension. President Vladimir Putin had imposed a ceasefire during US President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner's visit to Moscow and Kyiv, respectively. The renewed attacks prompted fires and alarmed residents, with Kyiv's mayor Vitali Klitschko reporting that six individuals sustained injuries.

The Ukrainian air force confirmed missile strikes, urging citizens to seek shelter as their defense system was active. Buildings across Kyiv were damaged, including a five-story residential structure in the Solomianskyi district, while vehicles caught fire in the Podilskyi district. Klitschko mentioned trapped residents in the affected building.

This incident marks the first strike on Kyiv since the three-day ceasefire expired, as confirmed by Russia's state news agency Tass. Air sirens were active in a dozen Ukrainian regions by 5:30 am, and Telegram channels tracking air threats reported Russia transporting ballistic missiles and relocating heavy bombers closer to Ukraine.

Polish authorities announced the commencement of "aviation operations" following the Russian assault. Witkoff claimed significant progress had been made in discussions with Ukraine and Russia, hinting at the potential revival of three-way peace talks to conclude Europe's most devastating conflict since World War II. Witkoff and Kushner met Putin in Moscow on Saturday, subsequently holding individual meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv during their inaugural visit to the city.

The Kremlin revealed on Monday that they would not rule out the prospect of three-way talks, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that it was premature to discuss the location or exact timing of such talks. Zelensky indicated that his negotiating team was coordinating subsequent steps, but did not disclose further details. He cautioned that hostilities could persist into the winter.

The envoy's proposals aimed to end the war without territorial concessions, yet Zelensky anticipated continued fighting into the colder months. In earlier rounds of negotiations, both parties maintained their stance, with discussions stalled, particularly regarding the disputed eastern Ukrainian territories claimed by Russia.