Russia Launches 21 Ballistic Missiles at Kyiv After US Envoy Meets Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched 21 ballistic missiles at Kyiv in three waves, striking residential buildings and critical infrastructure, shortly after US envoy Steve Witkoff met with Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy noted the attack began almost immediately after the negotiations, indicating no real change in Russia's stance. He called for stronger air defense, faster missile deliveries, and sanctions to pressure Russia into ending the war. Witkoff had praised Putin as "humanitarian" after the release of American Stephen Hubbard, drawing sharp criticism from Republican senators and congressmen who called Putin a "cold-blooded killer." The praise followed Trump's recent decision to cancel new US sanctions against Russia.