Russia launched a series of airstrikes on Ukraine early Monday, leaving two dead in the Kyiv region just as European leaders prepared for a major diplomatic summit in France.
Nationwide sirens rang after midnight, warning Ukrainians to take cover as air defenses sprung into action in several locations. In Kyiv, a Russian missile strike caused a fire at a private medical facility, killing one person and injuring three others, according to the State Emergency Service of Kyiv. Rescuers were seen carrying survivors out of the damaged building.
Meanwhile, another attack before dawn hit the nearby city of Fastiv, where a man in his seventies was killed, regional governor Mykola Kalashnyk confirmed. The strikes disrupted power in the area, forcing authorities to switch on backup systems to keep water and heating running as temperatures fell to -8°C.
These attacks came just before a crucial meeting with European leaders in Paris, who are pushing for progress on a peace plan that Kyiv claims is now “90 percent” complete. Security advisers from 15 countries, including Britain, France, Germany, as well as officials from NATO and the EU, met in Kyiv over the weekend to prepare for the summit. US special envoy Steve Witkoff joined virtually, but news of a US-led military operation in Venezuela overshadowed the gathering.
Adding to the tension, the Kremlin released footage of what it said was a downed Ukrainian drone targeting President Vladimir Putin’s residence in Novgorod. Russian officials said the building was unharmed and Putin was not present. Ukrainian leaders denied launching any such attack, and Europe’s top officials expressed doubt over Russia’s claims.
US President Donald Trump weighed in, admitting “something” did happen near Putin’s home, but after the evidence was reviewed, American officials said Ukraine likely wasn’t involved. “I don’t believe that strike happened,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
