Russia resumes airstrikes on Kyiv following diplomatic visit

On September 8, 2026, air raid alerts were triggered in Kyiv as Russia resumed missile strikes on the Ukrainian capital. The renewed offensive marks the end of a three-day moratorium on hostilities that had been observed during the visit of American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow and Kyiv.

Ukrainian authorities reported that air defense systems were activated across the capital. Earlier strikes targeted industrial buildings in the Boryspil and Fastiv districts, leading to fires and the destruction of several vehicles. Both Ukrainian and Russian sources, including the state news agency TASS, confirmed that the mutual pause, which also involved a halt to Ukrainian drone strikes on the Moscow region, concluded following the completion of the diplomatic mission.

Steve Witkoff indicated that the discussions held in both capitals during the weekend resulted in significant progress toward organizing potential tripartite talks. The primary goal of these ongoing diplomatic efforts is to secure a path for terminating the armed conflict.