Russian Ballistic Missiles Strike Kyiv After Departure of US Peace Envoys
Renewed Russian Attacks and International Response
Details of the Missile Strikes on Kyiv
Sept 8 (Reuters) - Russia resumed airstrikes on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv early on Tuesday, shortly after the departure of U.S. peace negotiators, attacking the city with ballistic missiles and injuring six people, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.
People were also trapped in a residential building and there were fires across Kyiv, Klitschko said on the Telegram messaging app, after what he said were Russian ballistic missile strikes.
Damage to Residential Areas
A five-storey apartment building and a three-storey residential block were damaged by falling debris, the Kyiv Military Administration said on Telegram separately, asking people to seek shelter.
Regional Security Measures
As explosions were heard in Kyiv, neighbouring Poland, a NATO and European Union member, began military aviation operations to protect its airspace against a risk of violation, its armed forces said on X.
Diplomatic Context and US Envoy Departure
Russia resumed its attacks after U.S. peace envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff left following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Sunday, as the Trump administration renewed its push to end Russia's 4-1/2 year war in Ukraine.
They arrived from talks in Moscow, after which the Kremlin said it did not rule out the resumption of the three-way negotiations.
Broader Regional Impact
Ukrainian Drone Attacks in Russia
In Russia, Ukrainian drones damaged civilian infrastructure and injured people in the Volga river city of Saratov, some 730 km (450 miles) southeast of Moscow, according to the regional governor.
Strategic Importance of Saratov
The area is home to a large oil refinery run by state oil company Rosneft, as well as a number of other industrial and military facilities.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Valentyn Ogirenko in Kyiv; Writing by Jekaterīna Golubkova in Tokyo; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Kate Mayberry)