Kyiv Targeted in Deadly Russian Airstrikes Following US Diplomatic Mission

Russia resumed its aerial assault on Kyiv with drones and missiles early Tuesday, killing at least two people and injuring 10 more, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack, which ignited fires across the capital, occurred after a brief halt in airstrikes during a visit by U.S. peace negotiators.

Attack Follows Diplomatic Talks

The barrage followed the departure of U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, who had met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Sunday as part of a renewed U.S. effort to end the conflict. Kyiv's Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, reported that falling debris caused fires in multiple residential buildings.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated on X that the attack began the moment the envoys left, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin's "ballistic missiles speak louder than his words on diplomacy." He urged allies to increase pressure on Moscow and supply more missile interceptors, noting that Ukraine's stocks are critically low.

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Regional Escalation and Market Risks

The Russian defence ministry claimed its forces struck military and logistic targets in the Kyiv region and the Black Sea port of Chornomorsk, according to Russian news agencies. The escalation prompted neighboring NATO member Poland to activate its aircraft as a preventive measure, leading to a temporary suspension of flights at Lublin airport.

Separately, Ukrainian drones reportedly damaged civilian infrastructure in the Russian city of Saratov, according to the regional governor. This area is home to a large oil refinery operated by state-owned energy giant Rosneft, highlighting the persistent risk of the conflict disrupting key energy facilities and impacting commodity markets.