Russia and Ukraine exchange heavy strikes despite plans for peace talks

The attacks took place on Thursday, 22 October 2026, following fresh diplomatic efforts involving US officials and the leaders of both countries.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia fired at least 21 ballistic missiles at Kyiv in three waves. He reported damage to residential buildings, energy infrastructure, railway facilities, metro infrastructure, shopping centres and businesses. Ukrainian authorities said the attacks killed and injured civilians, including children, while emergency teams worked to assess the damage and assist those affected.

In response, Russia said Ukraine launched 630 drones towards Moscow during the night. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said two people were wounded in the drone attacks, adding that most of the drones had been intercepted before reaching the capital. Russian authorities also reported drone-related damage in other parts of the country, although details varied by location.

The renewed attacks came as Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that Moscow was prepared to resume US-mediated negotiations with Ukraine in November. Putin said discussions should address security guarantees for Russia and Ukraine, as well as the wider European security framework. However, the two sides remain divided over territorial questions, with Russia demanding Ukrainian concessions in the Donbas region and Kyiv rejecting any settlement that would require it to surrender territory.

The latest developments have raised further questions about the prospects for a ceasefire, despite Washington’s renewed diplomatic push. US envoy Steve Witkoff has held meetings with both Putin and Zelenskyy as part of efforts to revive negotiations. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine have exchanged the remains of fallen military personnel, with reports saying Moscow handed over 252 bodies and Ukraine returned 25. The exchange represents a limited area of cooperation even as the fighting continues.