Renewed Russian strikes on Kyiv follow diplomatic visit

On September 8, 2026, Russian forces resumed air strikes on Kyiv and surrounding areas after a three-day de facto pause. This period of relative calm had coincided with a visit to Moscow and Kyiv by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The resumption of hostilities marks an end to the temporary moratorium on attacks, which also saw Ukraine suspend its own strikes against the Moscow region.

Ukrainian authorities reported that air defense systems were activated in the capital to intercept the incoming threats. According to the state emergency services, the strikes caused damage to industrial buildings in the Boryspil and Fastiv districts, leading to vehicle destruction and subsequent fires. Officials are currently assessing the impact of the renewed aerial campaign.

Steve Witkoff stated that the recent diplomatic mission to both Russia and Ukraine made significant progress toward organizing tripartite talks aimed at ending the armed conflict. While the strikes represent an escalation, the envoys maintain that the engagement efforts remain a priority for future diplomatic de-escalation.