In brief
In the wake of Moscow’s announcement to restart talks, Ukrainian forces reported a third assault on the capital involving more than two dozen rockets. President Volodymyr Zelensky labeled the attackers as "Russian humanitarianists" in a tense exchange with the U.S., where envoy Steve Witkoff had just called President Vladimir Putin a humanitarian. Russia said it was ready in principle to resume discussions with both the U.S. and Ukraine. A BBC crew captured footage of a destroyed retail park in Kyiv, illustrating the civilian toll. The incident underscores the fragile nature of the cease‑fire and the continuing cycle of violence.
Kyiv endured a third wave of missile strikes just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a willingness to resume peace talks with Ukraine and the United States.
The attacks, which targeted several districts in the capital, came as Ukraine’s defence forces spun the event into a political statement, accusing Russian operatives of continuing aggression under the guise of humanitarian conduct.
President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the strikes as an act by “Russian humanitarians,” a remark made in a televised address that added another layer to the diplomatic spat.
Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Russia Steve Witkoff had earlier praised Putin as a humanitarian in a meeting in St. Petersburg, a comment that seemed at odds with the continuing violence now unfolding.
Russia confirmed that it was ready in principle to resume peace negotiations, stating that it would treat the talks as a new phase in a long‑standing conflict. The statement came amid mounting international pressure for a lasting ceasefire.
Footage from the BBC shows the aftermath of one of the missile impacts—a destroyed retail park in Kyiv—highlighting the civilian cost of the ongoing conflict. For more details, visit the BBC report.
