A temporary lull in Russia’s relentless assault on Kyiv, which had allowed President Trump’s special envoys to conduct their diplomatic mission in Ukraine’s capital over the weekend, ended abruptly on Tuesday as Moscow recommenced its missile and drone campaign.
The overnight attack killed at least two people and injured ten others, according to Kyiv’s mayor, extinguishing any remaining sense of security following the high-profile visit by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
“The moment the U.S. President’s peace envoys departed, Putin launched another massive, horrific assault on Kyiv,” Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha wrote on X. “His ballistic missiles speak louder than his diplomatic promises.”
Witkoff and Kushner traveled to Moscow and then Kyiv over the weekend in an effort to revive stalled peace negotiations. Ukraine initially announced it would refrain from attacking Moscow during the envoys’ visit, and President Vladimir Putin subsequently agreed to a three-day pause on strikes against Kyiv.
This truce provided weary Kyiv residents with a brief respite from nearly two weeks of continuous drone warfare. The Russian strategy has severely disrupted daily life throughout the capital, with attacks most commonly occurring during overnight hours.
While President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hosted the envoys for extensive discussions, local residents took the opportunity to rest and visit shopping centers that typically close during air raid alerts.
Despite departing Kyiv late Sunday with limited tangible results beyond general statements about new proposals being considered, the visit carried symbolic importance for Ukraine. These envoys had previously visited Russia multiple times but had not set foot in Kyiv until Sunday.
Zelenskyy even lightheartedly told Witkoff and Kushner they should visit more frequently since they proved to be the most effective form of air defense.
However, no one anticipated the calm would persist once the envoys left.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced on Monday afternoon that the city would modify curfew regulations and adjust transportation protocols to alleviate traffic congestion caused by daytime attacks. He also confirmed the cancellation of all outdoor events and gatherings in facilities lacking proper shelters, citing the “deteriorating security environment.”
By early Monday evening, air raid sirens resumed throughout the capital. Emergency alerts warned of Russian aircraft preparing for a coordinated assault. Hours later, volleys of Russian ballistic and cruise missiles once again targeted Kyiv.
Ukraine has not yet resumed its drone operations against Moscow. Moscow’s mayor last reported Ukrainian drone activity on Friday. Capital airports, which have faced repeated closures due to Ukrainian drone threats, have returned to normal operations.
Ivan Nechepurenko contributed reporting from Moscow.