Russian air raids hit Kyiv after brief lull in capital strikes
Russia launched drone and missile attacks on Kyiv early Tuesday, damaging two residential buildings, after a three-day pause in strikes on capitals. The pause coincided with visits by US envoys Witkoff and Kushner, but no peace progress was announced. Ukrainian officials reported drone hits in the capital and outskirts, while a Ukrainian drone attack in Saratov injured several people.
The three-day truce, confirmed by Russian state media to have lapsed on Monday evening, ended with strikes on Kyiv's residential areas and outlying districts. Concurrently, a Ukrainian drone hit civilian infrastructure in Saratov, injuring several people, though casualty figures remain unverified.
Diplomatic efforts during the pause included a lengthy Kremlin meeting that an aide called "highly useful," while the US envoy described discussions with Ukraine as substantive and encouraging. A White House official indicated that further announcements regarding the conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, are expected in the coming weeks.
The resumption of strikes could deepen civilian insecurity in both capitals, disrupting daily routines and heightening psychological strain for residents who had experienced a brief reprieve. The lack of tangible diplomatic progress may prolong displacement and economic hardship across the region, while the promise of future US announcements could either offer a glimmer of hope or further entrench uncertainty for those directly affected by the ongoing conflict.