Ukraine updates: Explosions rock Kyiv as 3-day truce ends

Russia unleashed a barrage of ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones on Kyiv overnight, signaling the end of a brief truce that had been granted during a diplomatic visit by U.S. envoys. The truce, announced by Moscow on September 6, was set to begin at midnight today, though the exact timing was unclear. Despite the visit of U.S. Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who arrived for peace talks on September 7, Russia resumed its attacks shortly after their departure.

The truce ended definitively in the early hours of September 8, as Russia launched a combined missile and drone assault against the capital. Explosions were heard around 3:30 a.m. local time, followed by another blast roughly ten minutes later. Kyiv Independent journalists reported up to six explosions in rapid succession around 4:14 a.m. Local reports indicate that at least two multistory residential buildings were damaged by drones, resulting in a fire and damaged vehicles.

Emergency services were dispatched to one of the attack sites, and Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that medics were on-site. The full impact of the strike is still unfolding, and residents have been advised to remain in shelters while the attack continues. Air raid alarms also sounded overnight in other Ukrainian regions, with Ukrainian authorities warning of possible Russian cruise missile launches from Tu-95 and Tu-160 strategic bombers.