Russia has launched a major missile and drone attack on Kyiv, ending a brief pause in strikes that had coincided with the latest US diplomatic push to end the Ukraine war.
At least five people have been killed in Russian attacks on Kyiv, according to Ukrainian authorities, while dozens more were wounded. Across Ukraine, the attacks left at least five people dead and 63 injured, with strikes reported in several regions.
The assault began overnight and continued into Tuesday (September 08), with explosions reported across the Ukrainian capital.
Russia Launches Ballistic Missile and Drone Barrage
Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia used a combination of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones in the overnight assault.
Ukrainian forces reported intercepting or suppressing 142 drones, 31 cruise missiles and two ballistic missiles during the attack. Despite the large number of interceptions, several strikes hit Kyiv and caused fires and structural damage.
More than 50 facilities were damaged in Kyiv, according to Ukraine’s Interior Ministry, including residential buildings, a dormitory, a school, shops, petrol stations and an industrial facility. Thirteen people were rescued from damaged locations. A television channel building was also hit during the daytime attack, according to Ukrainian officials.
Attacks Resume After US Peace Envoys Leave
The timing of the attack has drawn particular attention. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had just completed meetings in Moscow and Kyiv as Washington attempted to restart negotiations.
The two sides had observed a temporary pause in attacks on their respective capitals during the envoys’ visit. That pause expired, and Russia’s strikes on Kyiv resumed soon afterwards.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Moscow of undermining the diplomatic effort, while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack showed Moscow was still prepared to escalate. The Kremlin, meanwhile, has continued to insist that Putin strikes target military and strategic infrastructure.
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Air Defence Becomes a Major Concern
The attack has once again highlighted Ukraine’s dependence on Western air-defence systems.
Ukraine managed to intercept most of the incoming cruise missiles and drones, but ballistic missiles remain particularly difficult to stop. Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for additional interceptors, particularly Patriot systems, as Ukraine prepares for another winter in which Russian attacks could again focus heavily on energy infrastructure.
