Putin strikes Kyiv with 21 missiles after Trump envoy visit

Ukrainian emergency and rescue services (Photo: Ukrainian emergency and rescue services)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Moscow following another missile attack on Kyiv, which came hours after diplomatic contacts involving U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, in an effort to advance an end to the war.

According to Zelensky, Russia fired 21 ballistic missiles at Kyiv overnight in three waves. The strikes hit infrastructure, residential buildings and commercial properties, killing at least two people. Additional reports described damage to civilian structures and facilities across the capital.

Zelensky stressed that the attack demonstrates, in his view, that there has been no real change in Russia's approach to the war, even after the diplomatic talks and attempts to advance an agreement that would bring it to an end. While diplomatic efforts continue, the attacks on the ground continue as well.

The attack comes against the backdrop of Witkoff's efforts to advance talks between Moscow and Kyiv with American mediation. In recent days, contacts have been held with the Ukrainian leadership and with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but according to reports, no breakthrough has yet been achieved that would lead to a cessation of hostilities.

In Kyiv, officials continue to deal with the consequences of Russian strikes, which hit infrastructure and civilian areas. For Zelensky, the message is clear: the mere existence of diplomatic talks does not indicate a change on the ground, and as long as Russia continues to fire missiles at Ukraine, the war continues at full force.