Russia and Ukraine exchange massive strikes following US-mediated diplomatic talks

Massive missile and drone attacks struck Ukraine and Russia immediately after US envoy Steve Witkoff met with Vladimir Putin, undermining early optimism for a ceasefire. While President Donald Trump claimed the world was "never closer" to ending the war, the Kremlin stated it was only "in principle" willing to resume trilateral negotiations in mid-November, after US midterm elections.

The Attacks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski reported that Russian forces launched 21 ballistic missiles and over 200 drones against Kyiv and other regions during the night of October 21–22. The strikes hit residential areas, energy infrastructure, and transport hubs, including the Antonov aircraft factory and a bridge in Kyiv. At least two people were killed and 34 injured in Ukraine, though some reports cite higher casualty figures across multiple regions. In response, Ukraine fired hundreds of drones toward Moscow; Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that air defenses intercepted most, but two people were wounded.

Diplomatic Stalemate

Witkoff’s visit followed meetings in Oslo with Zelenski and European leaders. While Witkoff described talks as "constructive," Kremlin advisor Yuri Ushakov dismissed proposals from Kyiv and Europe as lacking substance. Russia insisted negotiations focus on post-war security systems rather than immediate ceasefires. Zelenski criticized the timing of the attacks, stating they proved Russia had not changed its attitude toward peace talks.

Evacuations and Casualties

Amidst the aerial bombardment, Ukraine ordered the mandatory evacuation of all families with children from Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, the last major urban centers held by Kyiv in the Donetsk region. This marks the latest escalation in a gradual withdrawal from eastern strongholds under sustained Russian pressure.