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Russia and Ukraine exchange strikes as diplomatic efforts continue

Russia and Ukraine exchanged strikes overnight on 21–22 October as diplomatic efforts continued. Russian missiles damaged Kyiv’s metro infrastructure, and Ukrainian officials reported civilian deaths and injuries. Russian officials said Ukrainian drones approached Moscow and hit the Lipetsk area. The attacks followed US envoy Steve Witkoff’s talks with Vladimir Putin.

From 23 October 2026 — Daily Brief

23 OCT 2026 · 24/25

Russia and Ukraine reported a new exchange of strikes overnight on 21–22 October, as US-led efforts to revive peace negotiations continued. Russian missiles struck Kyiv in the early hours, while Ukrainian drones approached Moscow and hit other Russian areas, officials said.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said strikes damaged metro infrastructure on the Southern Bridge over the Dnipro River, disrupting traffic. Ukrainian officials reported deaths and injuries across the country. In one attack in the Kharkiv region, a woman was killed and four people were injured, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said. Energy infrastructure in the Kremenchuk area of Poltava was also hit, a local official reported.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said two people were wounded near the Russian capital during the drone attack and that most incoming drones were intercepted at a distance. Lipetsk governor Igor Artamonov reported one injured man after strikes on apartment buildings and a medical facility.

The attacks followed US envoy Steve Witkoff’s 21 October meeting with Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin had expressed agreement in principle to resume US-mediated talks with Ukraine, while Kyiv also supported renewed negotiations.

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