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22:11
Russia launches early strike on Kyiv amid tense peace talks
Ukraine’s capital came under fire before dawn on Tuesday as Russian forces carried out another wave of air strikes while diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four-year conflict continued in parallel.
Pre-dawn attack on the capital
Explosions were reported across Kyiv as air defenses engaged Russian missiles and drones in the early hours. City authorities urged residents to remain in shelters until officials gave the all-clear. The attack marked one of the most intense bombardments in recent weeks, disrupting the uneasy calm that had settled over the capital.
Timur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv military administration, confirmed that Russian forces targeted multiple districts. Emergency services were deployed across affected areas, though casualties had not been immediately confirmed.
Follow-up to Christmas threat warnings
The strike followed a stark warning from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said Russia could attempt large-scale attacks during the Christmas period. In a recent address, Zelensky cautioned that December 23, 24, and 25 carried “the highest risk” and urged citizens to stay vigilant. He also repeated calls for more air defense systems to protect population centers.
His remarks came shortly after Moscow rejected a proposal for a temporary holiday ceasefire. Zelensky described the refusal as “a clear warning of new threats,” noting that Russia tends to escalate offensives during symbolic dates.
Peace negotiations under pressure
The assault coincided with a renewed push for peace led by U.S. and Russian negotiators. Talks held in Miami between Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev and U.S. representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were described as constructive but remained inconclusive. Ukraine’s lead negotiator Rustem Umerov said his government believed progress was possible, though significant challenges remained.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled that Moscow would not back down, insisting that Russian troops now held “the strategic initiative” on the battlefield. He said operations would continue despite Western diplomatic efforts, further clouding hopes of a breakthrough.
As Kyiv recovered from the latest bombardment, both sides appeared determined to strengthen their positions at the negotiating table, suggesting that diplomacy and warfare may continue side by side for the foreseeable future.
