Russia strikes central Kyiv with cluster-warhead missile, killing two

Russia struck central Kyiv overnight with an Iskander ballistic missile carrying a cluster warhead designed to maximize casualties, killing at least two people and injuring 34 others, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack, part of a large-scale aerial assault involving 21 missiles and 210 drones, hit residential areas, transport facilities, and medical infrastructure across five districts. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 181 drones, while strikes were recorded at 32 locations. The bombardment came hours after US envoy Steve Witkof met Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg, where Witkof described the Russian president as a "humanitarian" despite Putin's ICC warrant over alleged unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children.