Russia Launches Missile Barrage on Kyiv Hours After Agreeing Talks

In the early hours of Thursday, Russia fired a series of ballistic missiles at Kyiv, striking a bridge over the Dnipro River, civilian homes, an ambulance station, office buildings and a monastery. The overnight assault killed at least two people and injured 22, including four children, according to local officials.

The attack came just hours after President Vladimir Putin announced that Moscow had agreed to resume trilateral negotiations with Ukraine following discussions with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. Experts described the strike as a “demonstrative” operation aimed at crippling Ukraine’s energy infrastructure before the onset of winter.

Authorities in Kyiv reported damage to power facilities and other critical services, raising concerns about the city’s ability to maintain heating and electricity supplies during the coming cold season. The timing of the bombardment underscores the fragile state of the cease‑fire talks and the ongoing volatility on the front lines.

Why It Matters

Disrupting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure ahead of winter could exacerbate humanitarian needs and complicate diplomatic efforts to de‑escalate the conflict, affecting European security and energy markets.