Russian strikes on Kyiv injured at least 14 people, including four children, and damaged residential buildings, according to Ukrainian officials. Simultaneously, Russia reported destroying a drone targeting Moscow. These events occurred as US President Donald Trump commented on his efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, expressing conditions for meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin and announcing new sanctions. A Russian envoy also suggested a diplomatic solution might be near, referencing a recent statement from Ukrainian President Zelensky.
Kyiv Attacks and Casualties
Ukrainian officials reported that children were among those injured in recent Russian strikes on Kyiv. Dozens of people were injured this week, with at least 14 individuals, including four children, sustaining injuries in an overnight Russian air attack on the capital, according to Ukrainian officials.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that two high-rise residential buildings were impacted, though he did not specify if they were hit directly or by falling debris. Kyiv's military administration confirmed in a Telegram post that "everyone is receiving medical assistance, some have been hospitalised."
Moscow Drone Incident
Russian air defenses destroyed a drone heading towards Moscow, according to the city's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin.
US Diplomatic Engagement
US President Donald Trump stated he would meet his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, only if he was assured "we're going to make a deal." This statement followed the collapse of plans for the two leaders to meet in Budapest.
Speaking aboard Air Force One at the start of a week-long trip to Asia, Trump commented, "I've always had a great relationship with Vladimir Putin, but this has been very disappointing." He added, "I thought this would have gotten done before peace in the Middle East."
President Trump also expressed a desire for China to assist in efforts to end the war in Ukraine. He is scheduled to meet China's President Xi Jinping in South Korea on Thursday.
President Trump has consistently stated his focus on resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict in recent months, though a ceasefire agreement has not yet been achieved. A summit with President Putin in August concluded without any announced tangible results. Trump commented earlier this week that his talks with Putin "don't go anywhere."
This week, President Trump announced new sanctions targeting Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil.
Russian Envoy's Perspective
Senior Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who met with US officials in Washington, D.C., told CNN that he believed Russia, Ukraine, and the US were close to a diplomatic solution to end the war.
Dmitriev referenced Ukrainian President Zelensky's description of using current front lines as the starting point for negotiations as a "good compromise." Dmitriev stated, "It's a big move by President Zelensky to already acknowledge that it's about battle lines... his previous position was that Russia should leave completely so actually, I think we are reasonably close to a diplomatic solution that can be worked out."