Russia launched a fierce wave of missile and drone strikes across Ukraine early Monday, hitting residential buildings, schools, and nurseries in the capital, Kyiv—only days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered to restart peace negotiations.
The renewed violence, which Ukrainian authorities described as “an assault on humanity,” underscores the deepening crisis and the growing urgency of stalled diplomatic efforts to end the war.
At least two people were killed and 15 others injured in the attacks, which targeted six districts of Kyiv, igniting fires at a supermarket, residential buildings, and a nursery.
Among the wounded was a 12-year-old boy. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who was visiting the Ukrainian capital at the time of the strikes, condemned the bombardment while touring one of the affected areas.
“This is not just an attack on infrastructure,” Barrot stated. “It is an attack on people, on the very idea of peace, coming at a time when Ukraine has extended a hand for renewed negotiations.”
Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched over 450 drones and missiles in the latest assault, one of the most intense in recent weeks. Strikes were also reported in the western region of Ivano-Frankivsk and in the eastern cities of Kharkiv and Sumy.
The attacks caused widespread damage, with debris and shattered glass littering the streets of the capital. Emergency responders were still sifting through the rubble as the day progressed.
President Zelensky, who recently offered to resume stalled peace talks, lashed out at the attacks in a public address. “This is a blatant rejection of diplomacy,” he said. “Our offer was sincere, yet it was met with fire and blood.”
The timing of the strike was particularly notable. Just days earlier, Zelensky had expressed openness to restarting peace talks with Russia, which had largely stalled following unproductive discussions in Istanbul over a month ago. Those talks resulted only in limited prisoner exchanges, with no breakthrough on a ceasefire.
The Kremlin has not officially responded to Zelensky’s proposal, nor to a separate ultimatum issued by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has reportedly given Russia 50 days to strike a peace deal or face “massive sanctions.”
In June, Russia presented a list of non-negotiable demands at the Istanbul talks, including Ukraine ceding more territory and abandoning Western military alliances—conditions Kyiv has described as unacceptable.
French Foreign Minister Barrot’s presence in Kyiv amid the chaos highlighted international support for Ukraine.
During his visit, he also condemned the targeting of metro stations, which have served as bomb shelters throughout the conflict. One of the entryways to the Lukyanivka metro station was damaged in the latest round of airstrikes.
“These shelters are the last safe havens for many civilians,” Barrot said. “Targeting them shows a cruel disregard for human life.”
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Barrot reaffirmed the European Union’s recent move to implement its 18th round of sanctions on Russia. The new package includes restrictions on Russian banks and a lowered cap on the price of Russian oil exports.
According to Barrot, the EU’s goal is to increase the economic pressure on Moscow and push President Vladimir Putin toward the negotiating table.
Meanwhile, in Russia, domestic unrest is growing. Over the weekend and into Monday, drone attacks originating from Ukraine disrupted travel in Moscow.
The Vnukovo Airport, a major hub for government officials, was forced to suspend operations temporarily. While the Kremlin has downplayed the significance of these incursions, they mark an escalation in Ukraine’s ability to project force beyond its borders.
The ongoing war, now in its third year, continues to devastate civilian life in Ukraine and strain international relations. Despite mounting calls for dialogue, both sides appear entrenched.
Zelensky’s administration has insisted that any peace deal must include a full withdrawal of Russian forces and restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
As of now, there are no official dates scheduled for the next round of talks. Both Ukrainian and Western officials have expressed concern that Russia is using negotiations as a stalling tactic while continuing to escalate its military campaign.
For many Ukrainians, Monday’s strikes served as yet another grim reminder of the human toll of war. “We hoped the bombs would stop,” said a Kyiv resident near the blast site. “Instead, they came back harder.”
With international pressure mounting and the frontlines showing little change, the path forward remains uncertain—yet the human cost continues to rise.
Vanguard
