Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had both ordered a temporary pause in strikes on each other’s capitals during the U.S. envoys’ visit. On Tuesday morning, that temporary pause ended with renewed Russian airstrikes across Ukraine. The resumption of attacks came shortly after U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited both Moscow and Kyiv for peace negotiations. A wave of explosions was heard in Kyiv, with authorities later reporting seven deaths and 28 injuries in the capital and surrounding region. Buildings were damaged across the capital, including a five-story apartment block in the Solomianskyi district. Vehicles caught fire in the Podilskyi district during the attacks, according to local authorities. Reuters reported that Russian attacks also targeted eight other Ukrainian regions.
Before the visit, President Donald Trump told reporters that Witkoff and Kushner were traveling with a proposal to end the war, according to CBS News. After the meetings in Kyiv, Witkoff said the discussions had been substantive and promising. He added that both sides would need to make compromises to reach a peace agreement.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said American colleagues had prepared thoroughly for the trip and discussed several possible paths to peace. However, he did not give details on what those ideas might be.
The renewed fighting in Kyiv came just days after the two nations had agreed to a temporary pause in strikes on each other’s capitals. This pause had allowed for high-level diplomatic visits from U.S. officials with a focus on peace efforts. Reuters reported that the meetings did not produce a breakthrough, although Zelenskyy said the U.S. envoys presented several worthwhile ideas for ending the war.
The city of Kyiv has seen significant damage from the recent air raids. Witnesses reported smoke rising over several buildings after the strikes.
The U.S. envoys were seen as key figures in trying to broker a deal between Russia and Ukraine. Their visit followed earlier talks that had raised hopes for progress in ending the war.
Despite the optimism expressed by U.S. officials, the situation on the ground remains tense. The pause in strikes on the capitals was intended to ensure the U.S. envoys could conduct their diplomatic visits safely.
But with the resumption of attacks, it is unclear how much progress has been made in negotiations. The strikes in Kyiv have brought renewed attention to the ongoing conflict and its impact on civilians.
Both the Ukrainian government and Russian officials continue to make statements about their positions. The U.S. delegation’s efforts are being closely watched by international observers.
It remains uncertain whether the current round of talks will lead to a lasting ceasefire or further escalation. The war continues to affect millions of people in Ukraine and beyond.
With the situation in Kyiv deteriorating once again, attention now turns to what comes next in the peace process.