Russia strikes Kyiv after US envoys Witkoff and Kushner leave

September 11, 2026 at 09:30 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Russia launched drone and missile strikes on Kyiv killing at least four civilians on September 8 and 9, immediately after US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner departed. The attacks followed a temporary pause in hostilities that allowed the envoys to travel between Moscow and Kyiv. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia intends to achieve all goals of its special military operation.

Key Facts

Russia killed at least four civilians in drone and missile strikes on Kyiv on September 8 and 9.
Ukraine halted strikes on Moscow from September 5 to 7 to allow US envoys' aircraft safe passage.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on September 8 that Russia intends to achieve all goals of the special military operation.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev told Vedomosti that nuclear weapons can be used in certain circumstances.
Witkoff and Kushner arrived in Kyiv on the fourth anniversary of Ukraine's Kharkiv offensive that reclaimed 11,500 sq km.

US Envoy Criticism

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner faced sharp criticism from European media after their latest ceasefire attempt. Slate magazine wrote that Kushner's incompetence was on full display, while the Daily Telegraph called the Witkoff-Kushner circus act an embarrassment. The Financial Times titled its story 'Kushner and Witkoff's blind amateurism'. Witkoff caused outrage after he openly flattered Russian President Vladimir Putin, telling him their meetings would be at the top of his incredible memories.

Russian Military Response

Russia showered drones and missiles on Kyiv killing at least four civilians on September 8 and 9, immediately after the envoys left. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov asserted on September 8 that Russia intends to achieve the goals of the special military operation. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev told Vedomosti newspaper two days later that the conflict must end on Russia's terms and that nuclear weapons can be used in certain circumstances. Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that without a strong position on the ground, there will only be ultimatums.