Russia strikes Kyiv with ballistic missiles hours after diplomatic talks; Trump says peace closer than ever

At least one killed, 34 wounded in attack on capital; Ukrainian forces report record Russian casualties

By LineZotpaper

Published22 October 2026

Updated22 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Sources2 outlets

At least one person was killed and 34 wounded in Kyiv early Thursday as Russian forces launched a massive attack with ballistic missiles and drones across 12 Ukrainian regions, just hours after US envoy Steve Witkoff concluded talks with President Vladimir Putin. Despite the assault, US President Donald Trump said the war may be closer to ending than ever.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia used 21 ballistic missiles in three waves against Kyiv, hitting residential buildings, energy infrastructure, a railway station, the metro, shopping centers, industrial sites, and even a monastery. Kyiv's prosecutor's office reported the casualty figures. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 181 of 210 drones but none of the ballistic missiles, according to Ukrainian authorities.

The attack began "almost immediately" after Witkoff's talks with Putin ended on Wednesday. Witkoff left St. Petersburg praising Putin as a "humanitarian" - a term Vice President JD Vance later suggested related to the release of detained American Stephen Hubbard. "We're getting close to ending the war. We may be closer now than ever before," Trump said shortly after.

On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces claimed to have killed or wounded 2,250 Russian soldiers in 24 hours, the highest daily total since 2022, per the Ukrainian Army General Staff. Russia's defense ministry said it shot down 808 Ukrainian drones across 17 regions, including occupied Ukrainian territory.

The competing reports underscore the intensity of the conflict as diplomatic efforts continue.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The attack demonstrates that Russia continues its military campaign despite ongoing diplomatic engagement, undermining claims of imminent peace.
The strike on civilian infrastructure in Kyiv and other regions may escalate humanitarian concerns as winter approaches.
Trump's contradictory statements (expressing peace optimism even as attacks intensify) highlight the complexity of negotiations.

Background

The Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022 and has seen numerous diplomatic attempts to end it. The latest round of talks between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and President Putin was seen as a potential step forward, but this attack reveals the gap between negotiation and battlefield reality.

Key Perspectives

[Ukrainian Government]: Ukraine condemns the assault as a violation of any understandings, noting the attack came immediately after talks. President Zelenskyy sarcastically referred to the attackers as "humanitarians" in light of the destruction. [Russian Government]: Russia's defense ministry described its actions as defensive, reporting the downing of hundreds of Ukrainian drones across multiple regions, including occupied territories. [U.S. Administration]: President Trump focused on the peace process, claiming the war is closer to resolution than ever, while his envoy's characterization of Putin has drawn scrutiny.

What to Watch

Whether further diplomatic meetings are scheduled or cancelled in response to the attack.
International reaction, particularly from European allies, to the continued strikes on Kyiv.
Military indicators: whether Ukrainian losses or Russian advances shift following this surge in fighting.

Sources

Checked

11 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 7 supported.

Show each claim

Partly supportedThe Kyiv strike came hours after diplomatic talks between Steve Witkoff and Vladimir Putin.Politico Europe: “Zelenskyy said Russia launched its attack “almost immediately” after talks between U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin ended Wednesday.”
Partly supportedTrump said peace was closer than ever.Politico Europe: ““We’re getting close to ending the war. We may be closer now than ever before,” U.S. President Donald Trump said shortly after the talks.”
SupportedAt least one person was killed and 34 wounded in the Kyiv attack.Politico Europe: “At least one person was killed and 34 wounded in Kyiv as the Russian army attacked Ukraine with ballistic missiles and attack drones overnight, the capital city’s prosecutor’s office reported on Thursday.”
SupportedRussian forces attacked with ballistic missiles and drones across 12 Ukrainian regions.Politico Europe: “At least one person was killed and 34 wounded in Kyiv as the Russian army attacked Ukraine with ballistic missiles and attack drones overnight, the capital city’s prosecutor’s office reported on Thursday. Overall, 12 Ukrainian regions were under bombardment, authorities said.”
Partly supportedZelenskyy said Russia launched 21 ballistic missiles in three waves, hitting the listed sites in Kyiv.Politico Europe: ““Russian ‘humanitarians’ have launched three waves of ballistic missile strikes against Kyiv, using a total of 21. Unfortunately, the city has sustained significant damage and multiple hits, affecting residential buildings, energy infrastructure, a railway station and the metro, shopping centers, and industrial enterprises. Even a monastery is among the damaged sites,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said”
SupportedUkrainian air defenses shot down 181 of 210 drones and none of the ballistic missiles.Politico Europe: “Ukrainian forces reported shooting down 181 out of 210 Russian drones but none of the ballistic missiles.”
SupportedTrump said, “We're getting close to ending the war. We may be closer now than ever before.”Politico Europe: ““We’re getting close to ending the war. We may be closer now than ever before,” U.S. President Donald Trump said shortly after the talks.”
SupportedWitkoff praised Putin as a “humanitarian,” and Vance later suggested the word was related to Stephen Hubbard’s release.Politico Europe: “Witkoff left St. Petersburg after praising Vladimir Putin as a “ humanitarian ,” a word U.S. Vice President JD Vance suggested was tied to the release of Stephen Hubbard , a U.S. citizen detained by Russia since 2022.”
SupportedUkrainian forces said they killed or wounded 2,250 Russian soldiers in 24 hours, the highest daily total since 2022.Politico Europe: “Ukrainian forces said they killed and wounded a record 2,250 Russian soldiers – the largest number of Russian casualties in 24 hours since 2022, Ukrainian Army General Staff said in a press statement sent to POLITICO on Thursday.”
SupportedRussia’s defense ministry reported shooting down 808 Ukrainian drones over 17 regions, including occupied Ukrainian territory.Politico Europe: “Russia’s defense ministry reported shooting down 808 Ukrainian drones over 17 regions, including Ukrainian occupied territories.”
Partly supportedThe competing reports underscore the conflict’s intensity as diplomatic efforts continue.Politico Europe: “Zelenskyy said Russia launched its attack “almost immediately” after talks between U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin ended Wednesday.”