Russia pounded Kyiv with ballistic missiles in an hourslong overnight barrage on Thursday, October 22, as Ukraine pressed its partners for more air defense. The attack came only hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed “in principle” to resume three-way peace talks.
Key Highlights
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia fired 21 ballistic missiles at Kyiv in three waves; reports said at least two people were killed in the wider Kyiv area.
- Russian strikes across 12 regions killed at least four people and wounded dozens, according to the Associated Press.
- Zelenskyy is asking Washington for more Patriot ammunition, which U.S. officials say is in short supply.
- Russia said it downed 808 Ukrainian drones overnight.
What Happened in Kyiv
The AP reported that the missiles came in three waves and struck apartment buildings, energy facilities, a railway station, the subway system, shopping malls and businesses. Zelenskyy said three of the missiles carried cluster munitions, which open in the air and release smaller bomblets.
Serhii Beskrestnov, an adviser to Zelenskyy, said one cluster-munition missile targeted downtown Kyiv. Ukraine’s claims about the missile types have not been independently verified in the reporting reviewed.
Strikes Across Ukraine
Zelenskyy said the attacks hit 12 regions and wounded scores, including five children. In the northeastern Kharkiv region, two women, aged 50 and 60, were killed at a market in Lozova, according to regional official Oleh Syniehubov.
Zelenskyy said Russia has launched 170 strikes on Ukraine’s energy facilities since October 11. Ukraine says Russia is stockpiling ballistic missiles for a winter campaign aimed at the power grid.
The Air Defense Gap
Zelenskyy has asked Washington for more Patriot ammunition and tougher sanctions on Russia. The AP noted that U.S. officials say Patriot ammunition is in short supply, while President Donald Trump has agreed with Putin to import Russian diesel and waived sanctions on Moscow. See our report on the Russia sanctions waiver.
On October 15, CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the situation, that Ukraine had run out of Patriot interceptors. That claim comes from one unnamed source. CNN also said Zelenskyy told the Financial Times he could agree to halt energy strikes on Russia only if given more interceptors.
Zelenskyy said Russia is taking advantage of the slowdown in air defense deliveries, and that easing pressure on Moscow reinforces Putin’s belief he can reach his goals. He also said Russia “has not changed the way it wages this war.” Ukrainian officials have separately accused Washington of weakening Starlink service, as we reported in our earlier coverage.
Peace Talks Remain Uncertain
Putin agreed on Wednesday to resume talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States after meeting U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg, the AP said. No date has been set. Earlier technical talks in the United Arab Emirates and Switzerland produced little progress beyond prisoner exchanges.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Washington is doing a lot to help a peaceful settlement, while European capitals are provoking further escalation. That is Moscow’s position, not an independent finding.
Russia’s Claims on Drones
Russia’s Defense Ministry said it downed 808 Ukrainian drones overnight, and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said 630 were aimed at the capital. Moscow airports temporarily restricted flights. The ministry also said it hit drone and cruise-missile facilities in Kyiv. These are Russian claims that have not been independently confirmed.
What Remains Uncertain
Casualty counts may change, and the full damage in Kyiv is still being assessed. It is unclear when talks will resume or whether new air defense supplies will arrive before winter.
What to Watch Next
- Whether Washington or European partners announce more Patriot ammunition.
- A date for the three-way talks.
- Further strikes on Ukraine’s power grid as cold weather approaches.
Sources: The Associated Press (via PBS NewsHour), CNN. This article will be updated as more information is confirmed.