Russia unleashed a barrage of attacks on Kyiv early Tuesday, pounding Ukraine's capital just hours after high-level talks on a US-brokered peace plan. Local authorities reported that both residential areas and critical energy infrastructure were struck, with dramatic video footage on social media depicting flames engulfing a nine-story apartment block in Kyiv's densely populated Dniprovskyi district.
Civilians Caught in the Crossfire
"The fire spread through multiple floors," confirmed Mayor Vitalii Kitschko, who added that another residential building in the city's Pechersk district also suffered extensive damage. Emergency crews rushed to aid victims as four people were reported injured in the assault, according to Tymor Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's city administration.
Ukraine's energy ministry announced that key energy infrastructure had been targeted, declining to elaborate on the scale or specific facilities impacted.
Diplomatic Hopes Under Strain
The attacks follow peace discussions between Ukrainian and US officials in Geneva on Sunday concerning a new US-backed plan aimed at ending the conflict. "The talks were very constructive, and both sides discussed most points," Ukrainian delegate Oleksandr Bevz told The Associated Press.
However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, "We have not seen the updated plan," signalling persistent diplomatic hurdles.
Russia's renewed strikes on Kyiv underscore the fragile nature of diplomatic efforts and leave civilians facing mounting dangers even as new peace initiatives are discussed on the international stage.