Russia targeted Kyiv with ballistic missiles and drones early on Sept. 8, ending a brief pause in aerial attacks during a U.S. diplomatic visit.

Russia launched a series of ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones at Kyiv in the early hours of Sept. 8. The attack caused fires across the city and damaged residential buildings, a school, and a warehouse. The assault followed a three-day pause in strikes on the capital that coincided with a visit by U.S. envoys.

Attack Details and Damage

Explosions began in Kyiv around 3:30 a.m. local time, followed by a series of at least six blasts reported shortly after 4:00 a.m. Monitoring channels indicated that at least 12 ballistic missiles targeted the city within one hour. The Kyiv City Military Administration confirmed damage to at least two multistory residential buildings and several vehicles. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that an educational institution caught fire and that there were reports of residents trapped in a damaged apartment building. Medics were dispatched to the scene, though information regarding casualties remains unavailable.

Context of the Truce

The strike marks the end of a three-day pause in aerial attacks on Kyiv, which Moscow announced on Sept. 6 during a visit by U.S. Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. While the precise expiration of the truce was not explicitly defined, Russia began firing drones at the capital immediately following the envoys' departure on Sept. 7. Air raid alarms also extended to other regions, including Rivne Oblast, amid warnings of cruise missiles launched from strategic bombers.