Russia Bombards Kyiv Soon After Witkoff, Kushner Leave
Russian forces launched a large-scale overnight bombardment of Kyiv using ballistic missiles and drones shortly after US envoys Witkoff and Kushner concluded their visit. The attacks killed at least two people, though one report indicates the death toll has reached five. Strikes hit a TV station and airports, ending a temporary pause in raids that occurred during the US delegation's presence. President Zelenskyy has explicitly linked the timing of the strikes on Kyiv airports to the visit from the American envoys.
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- ✓ Russian ballistic missiles and drones struck Kyiv one day after a visit by US envoys Witkoff and Kushner.
- ✓ The strikes resulted in at least two deaths.
- ✓ The attacks ended a pause in raids that occurred during US envoy visits.
- ✓ A Russian drone hit a Kyiv TV station.
What changed
Russia ended a tactical pause in raids with a deadly drone and missile bombardment of Kyiv airports and a TV station.
Live updates
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Russia Strikes Kyiv Following Departure of US Envoys
Russian forces launched a large-scale overnight bombardment of Kyiv using ballistic missiles and drones shortly after US envoys Witkoff and Kushner concluded their visit. The attacks killed at least two people, though one report indicates the death toll has reached five. Strikes hit a TV station and airports, ending a temporary pause in raids that occurred during the US delegation's presence. President Zelenskyy has explicitly linked the timing of the strikes on Kyiv airports to the visit from the American envoys.
Why it matters
The timing suggests a strategic shift in Russian targeting following high-level diplomatic engagement. The temporary cessation of attacks during the US visit indicates a brief window of tactical restraint. This escalation follows attempts by US representatives to engage with Ukrainian leadership.
What is confirmed
- Russian ballistic missiles and drones struck Kyiv one day after a visit by US envoys Witkoff and Kushner.
- The strikes resulted in at least two deaths.
- The attacks ended a pause in raids that occurred during US envoy visits.
- A Russian drone hit a Kyiv TV station.
Still unconfirmed
- President Zelenskyy linked Russian strikes on Kyiv airports to the visit of US envoys.
What to watch next
- Official casualty figures from the Ukrainian government
- US State Department response to the timing of the strikes
- Reports of further diplomatic missions to Kyiv
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (11)
- CNN — Russia pounds Kyiv one day after visit by Witkoff and Kushner
- Reuters — Russian ballistic missiles hit Kyiv as US envoys leave
- Al Jazeera — Russia launches deadly strikes on Kyiv as pause during US envoy visits ends
- NBC News — Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian capital kill 2 people, ending pause for U.S. talks
- BBC — At least two people dead after Russian strikes on Kyiv
- The New York Times — Russia Bombards Kyiv Soon After Witkoff, Kushner Leave
- Financial Times — Russia launches missile strikes against Kyiv as pause in raids ends
- Euronews.com — At least five killed in large-scale overnight Russian attack on Kyiv
- The Guardian — Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy links Russian strikes on Kyiv airports to US envoys’ visit
- Al Jazeera — Russian drone attack kills two at Ukraine-Moldova border crossing
- NBC News — Ukrainian journalists keep working after Russian drone slams into Kyiv TV station
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