The war in Ukraine has entered another tense phase after Russian ballistic missiles struck Kyiv following a temporary lull that coincided with the visit of US peace envoys.

The attack injured six people, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

Residential buildings were damaged by falling debris, while fires were reported in several parts of the Ukrainian capital.

The Kyiv Military Administration said a five-storey apartment building and a three-storey residential block were affected.

Residents were urged to take shelter during the attack.

The strikes came shortly after US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff left Kyiv.

The pair had met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as part of Washington’s renewed effort to create momentum towards negotiations.

Their Kyiv visit followed talks in Moscow with President Vladimir Putin.

The Kremlin subsequently said it was not ruling out renewed three-way discussions between Russia, Ukraine and the United States.

The temporary reduction in attacks during the diplomatic mission had offered a brief opening for negotiations.

But the latest strikes have shown that the pause was not a lasting ceasefire.

Poland also activated military aviation operations after the Kyiv attack, citing the need to protect its airspace against a possible violation.

The response demonstrated how Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to carry security risks beyond the two countries.

Ukrainian forces also conducted drone strikes against Russia.

According to the governor of Saratov, Ukrainian drones damaged civilian infrastructure and injured people in the city.

The attacks occurred near a region containing a major Rosneft oil refinery and several industrial and military facilities.

The latest developments have reinforced the uncertainty surrounding the diplomatic process.

The Trump administration has been seeking to bring Moscow and Kyiv towards negotiations, while Russian officials have signalled that discussions could resume.

However, the continuation of attacks makes the prospect of an immediate ceasefire difficult.

The diplomatic effort remains significant because it represents one of the most direct attempts in recent months to engage both sides.

But the Kyiv strikes show that political discussions have yet to translate into a sustained reduction in military operations.

The coming days could determine whether the latest US initiative develops into formal negotiations or remains another temporary diplomatic opening amid continuing war.