Russian forces launched a combined missile and drone assault on Ukraine overnight, killing at least one person in Kyiv and injuring dozens more across the country, just hours after Trump envoy Steve Witkoff called President Putin a 'humanitarian'.
Children were among the injured in the attacks on the capital, which sparked a major backlash from fellow Republicans over Witkoff's comment. The strikes hit an ambulance station, a residential building, a restaurant, and a metro station, with emergency crews deployed amid fears people are still trapped beneath rubble.
Zelensky Condemns Attack After Talks
Ukraine's President Zelensky said: “Almost immediately after another round of talks, Russia launched a pointed attack. This means there has been no real change in its attitude toward everything that is happening.”
North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis responded to Witkoff's comment: 'WTF Steve. Look up the definition of 'humanitarian.' What an embarrassing and outrageous thing to say.'
Missiles and Drones Target Kyiv
Russian forces marked out Kyiv as the primary target, firing Iskander-M and S-400 missiles, Zircon weapons, and 210 strike drones, including jet-powered and decoy craft. A Ukrainian air force report said: “The primary target of the strike was Kyiv.”
Russian weapons struck 32 locations, while debris from intercepted drones fell at eight other sites. Ukraine responded with a 630-strong drone onslaught on Moscow, targeting mainly military structures, including a military repair factory in Serpukhov, sparking a major blaze.
Talks Possible Despite Violence
Despite the outbreak, Russia has indicated support for trilateral talks with Ukraine and the US. President Zelensky confirmed the meeting could take place no later than early November.
On Wednesday, US President Trump said: "The other day I was talking to Vladimir Putin about settling his war with Ukraine, which I think we're getting closer to, by the way, maybe now the closest we've been."
Russia Stockpiles Missiles for Winter
The attacks follow revelations that Russia is stockpiling a vast cache of weapons, including 700 ballistic missiles and 6,000 attack drones, in readiness for waves of strikes. Ukrainian intelligence believes Russia is producing at least 10,000 a month as it prepares to weaponise freezing conditions and step up winter attacks.
Ukraine is bracing for a winter of terrible suffering, with civilians preparing to face the brunt of the intensified campaign.
