Kyiv and multiple other Ukrainian cities came under heavy attack Tuesday morning, as Russia launched a widespread assault utilizing Shahed drones and Kinzhal missiles [[1]], [[2]]. The strikes occurred amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts – and reported revisions to a previously proposed peace deal – raising questions about Moscow’s commitment to a negotiated end to the nearly two-year conflict. President Zelenskyy has warned of continued Russian pressure, as Ukraine also faces critical infrastructure challenges including widespread power outages.
KYIV – Air raid sirens sounded across the Ukrainian capital early Tuesday morning as Russia launched a large-scale attack on multiple cities, coinciding with ongoing negotiations surrounding a potential peace agreement. The strikes underscore the continued threat to Ukraine despite diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, which has drawn international concern and reshaped geopolitical alliances.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned just before the attack that Russia would not ease its pressure on Ukraine. “We must be aware that Russia will not alleviate its pressure on Ukraine. In the coming days and weeks, it is essential to take air raid alerts and all similar threats very seriously,” he posted on X.
Explosions were heard in Kyiv as Russia deployed Shahed drones and Kinzhal missiles targeting cities throughout the country, according to early reports.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that several residential buildings in the Pecherskyi district sustained damage. A fire also broke out in a residential building in the Dniprovskyi district during the Russian assault. Assessing the full extent of the damage was still underway at the time of reporting.
“We clearly understand who we are dealing with, and all necessary orders have been issued within the Air Force and all other components of Ukraine’s Defense and Security Forces. We will react,” Zelenskyy stated.
The Ukrainian president also appealed to international partners, particularly the United States, to consider the threat posed by the ongoing attacks. “And it would be fair to all our partners – especially the American side – to take into account the threat that their own intelligence also sees. If there are negotiations, if there is constructive engagement, if we are truly ending the war – then there should be no missiles, no massive attacks against Ukraine, against our people. This can be effectively ensured by those who are truly strong in the world,” he said.
The air raid alert was activated at a central Kyiv hotel housing journalists and representatives from various international NGOs. Guests were immediately directed to seek shelter, with many Ukrainians anticipating a particularly intense attack and recommending others to do the same.
The attack comes at a challenging time for Ukraine, which is grappling with widespread power outages. A large generator was audible in Maidan Square, the focal point of political activity in Kyiv, as the area experienced a blackout alongside much of the city. Many Ukrainians are currently living with up to 16 hours of daily power cuts.
The renewed assault is also seen as a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin as Europe and the United States discuss revisions to a 28-point peace proposal initially brokered by former President Trump. The original agreement reportedly included significant concessions from Ukraine and has been met with resistance from the Ukrainian population, who view it as a form of surrender.
An analyst from an independent agency investigating Russian security services told reporters that the initial plan was drafted by Russia and intentionally leaked to the American press. The timing, coinciding with a corruption scandal involving Zelenskyy, may be a deliberate attempt by the Kremlin to destabilize Ukrainian politics and potentially trigger a change in government – a key objective of Moscow. The 28-point proposal included a call for elections in Ukraine within the next 100 days.
Oleksandra Romantsova, Executive Director of the Center for Civil Liberties, a human rights organization that won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022, expressed criticism of the peace agreement during a media briefing. She argued that Russia does not recognize Ukraine as an independent state and seeks to maintain political control. Therefore, any “peace” negotiated under such conditions would merely be a tactical pause for Moscow.
“We will never have the same resources as Russia, we can only have justice,” Romantsova said.
Romantsova explained that justice is crucial for Ukraine because Russian aggression is part of a colonial project that denies Ukrainian independence. “Ukraine and Russia have a lot of common history. If we demonstrate that we can live in democracy, that means Russians can too, and that is a threat to Putin,” she said. “That is why Russia especially persecutes civic leaders, journalists, and activists.”
