By: Margaret Oluwole

Russia has resumed attacks on Kyiv following the expiration of a three-day halt in strikes, with Ukrainian authorities reporting drone attacks and explosions across parts of the capital and surrounding areas.

The temporary pause in Russian strikes on Kyiv was ordered by President Vladimir Putin to coincide with a visit by United States President Donald Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who travelled to the Russian and Ukrainian capitals over the weekend as part of efforts to advance negotiations aimed at ending the war.

Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said late Monday that Russian drones had targeted the Boryspil and Fastiv districts, while authorities in Kyiv issued an air raid alert warning residents of an incoming drone threat.

Residents were urged to immediately seek shelter as Ukrainian authorities monitored the situation.

Early Tuesday, a series of powerful explosions was heard across Kyiv, according to AFP journalists in the city. The blasts reportedly triggered car alarms in central Kyiv shortly after the city’s military administration announced the air raid alert.

Ukrainian authorities said buildings were struck in Kyiv as well as in the Boryspil and Fastiv districts. An AFP journalist reported seeing plumes of smoke and the glow of a fire following the explosions.

The renewed attacks come as Washington continues diplomatic efforts to bring Russia and Ukraine back to negotiations.

US envoy Steve Witkoff has described recent discussions with both sides as showing progress, raising the possibility of reviving three-way peace talks involving the United States, Russia and Ukraine.