Russia ends brief ceasefire, hits Kyiv with fresh missile barrage
Russia launched missile attacks on Kyiv early Tuesday, ending a three-day pause ordered by President Putin during a visit by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Explosions triggered fires and damaged buildings, including a residential block, with six people wounded and some trapped. Ukrainian air defenses were active as authorities urged residents to take shelter.
The overnight assault marked the end of a three-day lull in aerial attacks, which had been initiated by President Putin specifically to accommodate the weekend diplomatic mission of US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Ukrainian air defenses engaged the incoming missiles, prompting authorities to issue urgent shelter advisories across the capital.
Damage reports from local officials indicate a five-story residential structure in the Solomianskyi district was hit, with Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirming that some residents remain trapped inside. Additionally, blazes broke out among vehicles in the Podilskyi district, and the overall casualty count currently stands at six wounded individuals.
The resumption of strikes could deepen civilian insecurity in Kyiv, as residents may face renewed disruption to daily life and infrastructure. The brief pause tied to diplomatic visits suggests that military operations may be influenced by political negotiations, potentially affecting public trust in ceasefire agreements. Wounded civilians and trapped residents could strain local emergency services, while the broader population may experience heightened anxiety about the durability of any future diplomatic pauses.