Russian Airstrikes on Kyiv Resume After Diplomatic Pause
On the morning of September 8, 2026, at least two individuals lost their lives in Kyiv due to Russian airstrikes. This marks the resumption of attacks on Ukraine, following a diplomatic pause after President Trump’s emissaries visited the region.
During the previous days, a temporary halt in combat had been ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The pause allowed for meetings with Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff, who acted on behalf of President Trump. They met separately with both leaders in an attempt to mediate the ongoing conflict.
Reports from Russia’s state news service, TASS, confirmed that the airstrikes recommenced with loud explosions heard throughout Kyiv. City officials verified that at least two fatalities occurred, with seven others injured. The damage included destruction to various buildings, notably a five-story apartment structure in the Solomianskyi district, and cars ablaze in the Podilskyi district. Kyiv’s Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, indicated that rescue efforts were underway as individuals were trapped in damaged residential structures.
Meanwhile, the Polish air force announced preventive operations in response to Russian missile activities. Consequently, all flights from Lublin Airport were suspended temporarily.
Kushner and Witkoff noted that their discussions in Kyiv were constructive, with positive exchanges aimed at resolving the conflict. The duo began their diplomatic mission in Moscow, in a renewed effort to broker peace in a war that has persisted for over four and a half years.
Witkoff expressed optimism after the meetings, yet he acknowledged the necessity for both Russia and Ukraine to make concessions to achieve peace. Their visit was aligned with President Trump’s statement about introducing a potential peace plan. Trump hinted at the plausibility of achieving peace if their plan is implemented effectively.
A senior Ukrainian official, who requested anonymity, shared that the discussions included strategic considerations for the upcoming winter and potential measures to be executed beforehand.
Furthermore, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov mentioned that the American delegation had thoroughly prepared for their visit and proposed various potential settlement solutions. However, Ushakov did not provide specific details regarding those solutions.