Russia has resumed attacks on Ukraine, including strikes on Kyiv, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts by US President Donald Trump to broker an end to the conflict.
The renewed attacks came after a three-day pause ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which coincided with visits by Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, to the Russian and Ukrainian capitals over the weekend.
Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said late Monday that Russian drones had targeted areas around Kyiv.
“Russians attacked Boryspil and Fastiv districts with drones,” the State Emergency Service of Ukraine posted on Telegram.
The Kyiv city military administration subsequently issued an air raid alert, warning residents of a potential “enemy” drone attack and urging them to seek shelter.
Explosions Rock Kyiv
A series of powerful explosions was heard across Kyiv early Tuesday, September 8, as Russian forces resumed attacks on the Ukrainian capital following the temporary halt.
AFP journalists in the city reported hearing several blasts, with the explosions triggering car alarms in central Kyiv.
Russia’s state news agency, TASS, had earlier confirmed that the three-day pause in strikes had expired.
Firefighters were also deployed to tackle fires following Russian missile strikes in Kyiv early Tuesday.
Ukrainian authorities reported that buildings were damaged in Kyiv as well as in the Boryspil and Fastiv districts. An AFP journalist also observed columns of smoke and the glow of a fire over parts of the city.
Trump’s Peace Efforts Continue
The renewed strikes came as US diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war continued.
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, had expressed optimism about progress in discussions involving both Russia and Ukraine, raising the possibility of reviving three-way peace negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited the Russian and Ukrainian capitals over the weekend as part of efforts to advance negotiations.
However, the return of Russian attacks on Kyiv highlights the continuing challenges facing diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire and ultimately end the war.
The latest escalation comes despite the brief pause ordered by Putin, underscoring the fragile nature of the ongoing peace efforts as both sides remain engaged in military and diplomatic manoeuvres.
