Escalating Violence: Russian Strikes on Kyiv Undermine U.S. Peace Efforts

Russian missiles and drones targeted residential areas in Kyiv early Thursday morning, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 individuals. Both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the U.S. special envoy to President Donald Trump emphasized that this attack demonstrates Moscow’s indifference to ongoing peace talks.

Emergency responders and local residents worked to clear shattered glass and debris from the streets of central Kyiv, where one strike left a massive hole in an apartment building, as showcased in images shared by Zelensky.

Mattresses hung from destroyed balconies, and the windows of nearby homes and businesses were blown out. Among the casualties were three children, the youngest of whom was just two years old, according to city officials.

«Russia opts for ballistic missiles instead of engaging in negotiations. It chooses to continue the killings rather than seeking to end the conflict,» Zelensky stated on his social media, urging for stricter sanctions and a firmer response from allies.

Once relatively protected from Russian aerial attacks, Kyiv has faced several deadly strikes in recent months. One of the most intense bombardments in July resulted in over 30 fatalities, including five children.

Reacting to yet another night of lethal Russian missile strikes on Ukraine, EU Council President Antonio Costa expressed his thoughts for the Ukrainian victims and the staff of the EU Delegation in Ukraine, whose building sustained damage in this calculated attack. He affirmed that the EU would not be intimidated by Russia’s aggression.

On Thursday, Kyiv military chief Tymur Tkachenko reported that Russia launched both ballistic and cruise missiles, along with Iranian-made Shahed drones, from multiple directions, systematically targeting civilian neighborhoods. A five-story structure in the Darnytsky district collapsed, and a shopping mall was also struck, as noted by Mayor Vitaly Klitschko. Many residents took shelter in subway stations during the assault, some bringing sleeping bags and pets.

Costa shared images on social media of damaged offices, with blown-out windows and debris strewn across the space. He reiterated his concern for the victims and the EU delegation staff affected by the Russian assault.

A cultural building of the British government also sustained damage, prompting both Brussels and London to summon Russia’s ambassadors following the attack in Kyiv.

Trump’s envoy, Keith Kellogg, described the strikes as «outrageous,» stating they «endanger the peace» that the U.S. aims to achieve. «These attacks target civilian areas in Kyiv instead of military installations — hitting civilian transport, EU, and British diplomatic offices, as well as innocent lives,» Kellogg posted on social media.

The White House later disclosed that Trump was «not pleased» with the Thursday strike. «While he was unhappy with the news, he was not surprised. These two nations have been in conflict for quite some time,» Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

In its daily briefing, the Russian military did not disclose any details about its air strikes on Kyiv, claiming only that it executed «precision» attacks on military facilities across Ukraine, asserting that all targets were «successfully hit.»

The Kremlin declined to comment on the civilian casualties in Kyiv, instead accusing Ukraine of continuing to attack Russian civilian infrastructure.

Meanwhile, in Russia, the Defense Ministry reported intercepting over 100 Ukrainian drones throughout the country overnight, which caused disruptions to flights and train services in various regions.

In the Rostov region, 50 homes were evacuated after an explosive-laden drone slammed into a residential house but did not detonate. Additionally, Ukrainian drone assaults in the Krasnodar region ignited fires at an oil refinery and a nearby forest.

No injuries or fatalities were reported in the overnight incidents in Russia.

Reporting contributed by AFP.