Russia intensifies Ukraine attacks as Trump pushes peace talks

Kyiv came under fresh missile attack Wednesday night, with six people injured as houses were hit across the capital. The timing is striking: the assault occurred just hours after Russia signaled willingness to resume peace negotiations and US President Donald Trump claimed the world was “the closest we’ve been” to ending the war.

Diplomatic Push Meets Military Reality

Trump’s special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have been shuttling between Moscow and Kyiv in a high-profile peace initiative. Witkoff met with Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on Wednesday, a day after meeting Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky in Oslo. The three-hour conversation yielded vague diplomatic language about “constructive” talks and “real opportunity,” but little concrete detail about what either side is actually willing to concede.

Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov dismissed the proposals as not particularly “useful,” while suggesting talks could resume around November 10 in Abu Dhabi. He also reiterated Moscow’s claim that Russian troops are advancing everywhere and holding “strategic initiative” on the front line - a claim Ukraine and European allies dispute, pointing instead to a virtual stalemate.

The contrast between diplomatic pleasantries and battlefield reality couldn’t be starker. Russia has intensified its deadly missile and drone bombardment of Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, particularly targeting Kyiv. Ukraine’s military has complained of dwindling Western-supplied interceptors, leaving civilians increasingly vulnerable to attacks.

The Zelensky-Trump Tension

Behind the public optimism lurks a growing rift between Washington and Kyiv. Trump has suggested Ukraine needs “somebody else to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine,” and has repeatedly criticized Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries, blaming them for rising fuel prices. More controversially, Trump recently lifted sanctions on Russia, allowing it to release diesel onto global markets despite signing legislation just weeks earlier authorizing fresh sanctions on nations importing Russian oil and gas.

Zelensky has publicly rejected Trump’s overtures, and tensions escalated when Kyiv accused Washington of withholding critical intelligence about incoming Russian ballistic missiles. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the accusation “scandalous,” though Zelensky later claimed intelligence sharing “works now.”

Ukraine’s military has also complained about speed restrictions on Starlink, the US satellite internet network used for drone operations. US officials deny requesting slowdowns, but a bipartisan group of senators has demanded an investigation.

A Delicate Hostage Moment

Just before his Putin meeting, Witkoff oversaw the release of Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American teacher imprisoned in Russia for allegedly fighting on Ukraine’s behalf. Trump called it evidence of Putin being a “humanitarian,” while Witkoff praised the Kremlin leader’s cooperation. Vice President JD Vance defended the diplomatic flattery, arguing that securing an American hostage’s freedom justified the kind words.

What’s Actually on the Table?

Zelensky has indicated willingness to freeze the war along current front lines, calling it a “minimum” acceptable outcome. He’s also suggested security guarantees could be discussed afterward. But Russia continues advancing militarily while talking diplomatically - a time-honored tactic that keeps pressure on Ukraine while appearing reasonable to international observers.

Three-way talks paused in February after Ukraine’s attacks during Russian elections. Since then, Russia has ramped up military operations as Ukrainian air defenses weakened. The pattern suggests Moscow sees little urgency to negotiate seriously while it maintains battlefield momentum.

Trump’s claim that we’re “the closest we’ve been” to peace rings hollow when missiles are simultaneously striking civilian neighborhoods. Whether diplomatic engagement can actually produce results remains deeply uncertain.

Source: BBC News