After plans for a Donald Trump–Vladimir Putin summit were postponed, Russia and Ukraine launched heavy overnight missile strikes, deepening humanitarian and diplomatic tensions.
Russia and Ukraine each launched sustained overnight missile strikes as diplomatic efforts to resolve their conflict remained stalled. Kyiv officials reported that six people, including two children, were killed in attacks around the capital, while blackouts spread across much of Ukraine.
Ukraine’s military said late Tuesday it struck a chemical plant in Russia’s Bryansk region using Franco-British Storm Shadow missiles. The barrage came as the White House confirmed that “there were no imminent plans for presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to meet,” following earlier summit planning.
Moscow continued to insist summit preparations were underway. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “The dates haven’t been set yet, but thorough preparation is needed before then, and that takes time.” Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov added: “Preparations for the summit are continuing … It’s a difficult process, I admit – but that’s precisely what diplomats are for.”
The delay follows Moscow’s reiteration of demands that Ukraine cede control of the entirety of southeastern Donbas — a position that conflicts with Trump’s suggestion that both sides hold at current front lines. European defence firms saw their shares rise amid concerns over the renewed escalation, while Ukraine called for increased power support from its international partners to stave off a looming humanitarian crisis.