New Russian attack hits Kyiv
Several people were killed and wounded in Kyiv in the overnight attack, according to Ukrainian authorities.
Follow-up to: Zelensky: US warnings of missiles working again Wednesday, 21 October 2026, 01:41
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Russian missiles and drones attacked Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities overnight from Wednesday to Thursday. According to Ukrainian authorities, three people were killed and twelve injured in Kyiv; a further two people were killed in the Kharkiv region.
The attack followed shortly after an air-raid warning had sounded in Kyiv. According to the Associated Press (AP), loud explosions were heard in the capital. Kyiv’s city authorities also reported damage to ten residential buildings.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi said that energy infrastructure in Kyiv and three other cities had been targeted. In the Kharkiv area, he said, two people were killed and eleven others injured by drone attacks in a residential area.
The Russian attack came on the same day that Moscow agreed to resume talks with Ukraine and the United States. According to an adviser to President Vladimir Putin, those talks could begin after 10 November. Russia says the talks should address a security system for Russia and Ukraine after the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Kyiv supported the talks, but had earlier warned that allies had not always reported previous attacks in time. The new attack highlights the contrast between diplomatic signals and the continuing military conflict.
Russia says its forces hit, among other things, a warehouse and an electricity substation. Ukraine speaks of attacks on energy infrastructure and residential areas. These statements about the targets hit come from the warring parties.
The attack is particularly relevant to the Netherlands because of its implications for European security and diplomatic efforts to end the war. There is no indication that the attack had any direct consequences for the Netherlands.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Russian attacks hit Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.
- Ukrainian authorities reported deaths, injuries and damage to homes.
- Russia and Ukraine are showing interest in new diplomatic talks at the same time.
Left
Arguments The attack shows that military pressure on Ukraine and support for Ukraine’s defence remain necessary. Diplomacy is important, but must not lead to pressure on Ukraine to give up territory or security under threat.
Values The international rule of law, the protection of civilians and solidarity with an attacked country.
Consequences According to this approach, concessions made too quickly could encourage new aggression; continued support could, however, make the war longer and more costly.
Centre
Arguments The talks should resume, but be tied to verifiable agreements on attacks, security and humanitarian protection. European countries should support both diplomacy and deterrence.
Values Stability, international cooperation and workable agreements.
Consequences A step-by-step process could limit risks, but without a willingness from both sides, any agreement would remain vulnerable.
Right
Arguments From a right-wing perspective, the attack proves that only credible military power can move Russia towards serious negotiations. European countries should strengthen their defences and continue to offer clear support to Ukraine.
Values National security, deterrence and responsibility towards allies.
Consequences More military support could improve the negotiating position, but would also increase the risk of further escalation and higher spending.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The article’s central claims are confirmed by AP and Reuters and concern an attack within the past 48 hours. Casualty figures and targets are clearly attributed to Ukrainian or Russian authorities.
- confirmed Kyiv was attacked with Russian missiles and drones overnight from Wednesday to Thursday. — AP describes the air-raid warning and explosions in Kyiv; Reuters reports the Russian attack on the capital. source
- confirmed Three people were killed and twelve injured in Kyiv. — AP attributes these figures to Kyiv’s city authorities. source
- confirmed Two people were killed and eleven injured in the Kharkiv area. — AP quotes Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi. source
- confirmed Ten residential buildings in Kyiv were damaged. — AP reports this based on Kyiv’s military administration. source
- confirmed Russia agreed to resume talks with Ukraine and the United States after 10 November. — AP quotes Putin’s adviser Yuri Ushakov. source
- confirmed Russia says it hit, among other things, a warehouse and an electricity substation. — AP mentions this Russian claim and does not present it as an independently established fact. source
Editor's note
The attack took place overnight on 21–22 October. The casualty figures and damage are based on Ukrainian authorities and reported by AP; Russian claims about targets have not been fully independently verified.Sources
- Russia agrees to resume three-way talks on Ukraine war — Associated Press
- Russian strike on Kyiv leaves dead and injured, emergency services say — Reuters via MarketScreener
The story so far
- Wednesday, 21 October 2026, 01:41 Zelensky: US warnings of missiles working again
- Thursday, 22 October 2026, 02:56 New Russian attack hits Kyiv (this article)
More on this in Dutch media
- De Telegraaf — „oekraïne kyiv”
- AD — „oekraïne kyiv”
- de Volkskrant — „oekraïne kyiv”