Russia Hits Kyiv in Heaviest Barrage in Months as Trump Lifts Diesel Sanctions

Russia launched a vast new wave of attacks on Kyiv on Saturday, the heaviest on the capital since the early days of the war. Drones flew over the city all day, and an afternoon missile strike on a restaurant wounded seven people. An apartment building was also damaged in an air strike on Zaporizhzhia. Parts of Kyiv and the surrounding region lost power, and metro trains stopped completely for the second time this week. Russia’s Defence Ministry said its drones hit a data-processing centre in Kyiv and a cargo ship carrying military supplies to Odesa.

Trump Lifts Sanctions on Russian Diesel Exports

Washington’s decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel comes as the administration tries to bring down fuel prices, which have jumped during the US conflict with Iran. Kyiv wanted more pressure on Moscow instead. Trump has also criticized Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, while Kyiv wants all energy strikes halted on both sides.

Ukraine Peace Talks Stall After Miami Meeting

Ukrainian, European and US officials met in Miami on Friday to shape a joint peace proposal. Zelenskiy said the diesel announcement, made during the talks, surprised Kyiv. Putin said peace talks are unlikely to resume soon, citing drone attacks on Moscow. Russian media reports that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner may visit Moscow within two weeks.

Russian-installed officials said four civilians died and five were wounded in Ukrainian attacks on Luhansk. That claim could not be independently verified.