Deadly Russian Strikes Hit Ukraine as Trump Cancels Putin Summit

A fresh wave of Russian drone and missile strikes across Ukraine has claimed the lives of at least six people, including two children, and injured another 21, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday. The attacks underscore Moscow’s continued military aggression, which Zelensky said persists due to insufficient international pressure.

The strikes hit Kyiv and surrounding regions, marking the first major bombardment of the capital since September 28. Among the victims were a couple in their 60s killed in their high-rise apartment, a six-month-old baby, a 12-year-old girl, and a woman in the wider Kyiv area. Rescue teams spent the morning battling fires and searching debris as the city remained under ballistic missile alerts overnight.

Strategic Ukrainian Response
Ukraine’s military announced a targeted strike on a Russian chemical plant in Bryansk, near the border, using UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles. Officials described the operation as a “successful hit”, noting the plant produces gunpowder, explosives, and rocket fuel components used in attacks on Ukrainian territory. The strike reportedly penetrated Russian air defense systems.

Zelensky, who had recently returned from Washington after talks with US President Donald Trump, reiterated that Ukraine’s push for long-range Tomahawk missiles had been rebuffed. “As soon as the issue of long-range missiles became a little further away for us, Russia became less interested in diplomacy,” he said.

Trump Cancels Budapest Summit
Hours before the attacks, Trump announced that plans for a summit in Budapest with Putin had been shelved, citing concerns about a “wasted meeting.” Kremlin officials have also rejected ceasefire proposals along current frontlines, including those made by Trump and European leaders.

Impact on Civilians and Infrastructure
Russian strikes continue to target energy infrastructure across Ukraine, prompting emergency power outages in multiple regions. Zelensky condemned the attacks, emphasizing that civilians—including children—remain vulnerable as the conflict stretches into its third year.

The renewed wave of attacks comes amid escalating tensions over diplomatic efforts and military support for Ukraine, highlighting the persistent volatility along the frontline and the humanitarian toll of the war.