Zelenskyy: "Almost immediately after" peace talks Russians struck Kyiv with 21 missiles

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Thursday, 22 October, 2026, 14:48

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reported that shortly after a meeting with the US special representative and discussions regarding peace and negotiations, the Russians attacked Kyiv with 21 missiles, killing at least two people and injuring more than 30.

"Three waves of ballistic missiles have been launched at Kyiv by Russian 'humanitarians' since yesterday evening. They used 21 missiles. Unfortunately, numerous sites across the city have been hit and damaged: ordinary residential buildings, energy facilities, infrastructure at one of the railway stations and the metro, shopping malls and businesses. Even a monastery is among the damaged sites."

Zelenskyy added that a total of 12 oblasts came under Russian strikes overnight.

"In Kyiv and across the regions, 34 people were injured, including five children. As of now, two people have been confirmed killed."

He described the Russian missile strike as "pointed".

"Almost immediately after another round of talks, Russia launched a pointed attack. This means there has been no real change in its attitude toward everything that is happening. It is important to keep trying to find the right solutions to end this war. But when Russia responds to negotiations with ballistic missiles, real pressure on Russia is needed to bring about different steps – steps towards ending the killing."

On 21 October in Saint Petersburg, a meeting took place between Donald Trump's special representative Steve Witkoff and Kremlin leader Putin. It lasted for about 3 hours.
During the meeting on 21 October, Witkoff called Putin a "humanitarian".

Three waves of ballistic missiles have been launched at Kyiv by Russian “humanitarians” since yesterday evening. They used 21 missiles. Unfortunately, numerous sites across the city have been hit and damaged: ordinary residential buildings, energy facilities, infrastructure at one of the railway stations and the metro, shopping malls, and businesses. Even a monastery is among the damaged sites. Our emergency services are working at all the affected locations. Twelve of our regions came under Russian attack overnight. In Kyiv and across the regions, 34 people were injured, including five children. As of now, two people have been confirmed killed. My condolences to their families and loved ones. Almost immediately after another round of talks, Russia launched a pointed attack. This means there has been no real change in its attitude toward everything that is happening. It is important to keep trying to find the right solutions to end this war. But when Russia responds to negotiations with ballistic missiles, real pressure on Russia is needed to bring about different steps – steps toward ending the killing. Stronger air defenses and the rapid delivery of missiles, the ability to destroy ballistic missile launchers, sanctions over the war – all of this must be in place. I am grateful to everyone who sees the situation for what it is and acknowledges the reality. The aggressor deserves to be treated accordingly. Ukraine deserves support. People's lives deserve protection. Thank you to everyone who stands with Ukraine!
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 22, 2026