Russia considers escalation of ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv

As of August 26, 2026, diplomatic efforts regarding the war in Ukraine have reportedly reached a deadlock, following a surprise visit to Moscow by CIA Director John Ratcliffe. Sources close to the Kremlin suggest that peace negotiations have failed, leading Russia to reconsider its tactical approach to the conflict.

Bloomberg reports, citing three Kremlin-aligned sources, that Russia is now evaluating the potential for intensified attacks using conventional ballistic missiles. These strikes would target critical infrastructure across Ukraine, with specific focus on central areas of the capital, Kyiv. The Russian leadership remains steadfast against Western economic sanctions and ongoing Ukrainian drone strikes on domestic refineries and logistics networks.

Furthermore, the current perception in Moscow is that Ukrainian attacks are effectively being conducted by NATO member states due to the supply of Western weaponry. Consequently, Russia has signaled that the conflict will not conclude under current economic or military pressures, effectively returning diplomatic negotiations to a standstill.