Intense Russian Missile Barrage Hits Kyiv and Other Cities; Ukraine Launches Mass Drone Attack on Moscow
Heavy aerial assaults followed recent diplomatic agreements, with both sides reporting casualties and damage as trilateral peace talks loom after November 10.
The day on the war
The conflict saw a significant escalation in aerial attacks over the past 24 hours, with Russia launching a massive ballistic missile strike on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, while Ukraine responded with a large-scale drone assault targeting Moscow. Kyiv reported being hit by at least 21 ballistic missiles in three waves, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stating some carried cluster munitions.
Russian strikes also impacted a market in Lozova near Kharkiv, killing two and injuring 36, and caused three fatalities in Zaporizhzhia and one in Dnipropetrovsk region. Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have intercepted 630 Ukrainian drones headed towards Moscow, with Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reporting two people wounded near the capital.
This intense exchange of strikes occurred despite recent agreements to resume trilateral peace talks involving the US, Ukraine, and Russia after November 10, underscoring the ongoing volatility of the conflict. Separately, a significant exchange of war dead took place, with Moscow handing over 252 bodies and Ukraine returning 25, according to Belarusian state news agency Belta.
Along the front
| Sector | Development | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Vovchansk | Ukrainian forces advanced south of Vovchansk. | ISW |
| Kostyantynivka | Ukrainian forces advanced in southern Kostyantynivka. | ISW |
| Huliaipole | Ukrainian troops destroyed a Russian Buk-M1 air defense system. | Ukraine's Defense Ministry |
| Hulyaipole | Russian forces claimed to have seized Myrivka. | Russian MoD |
Strikes & the grid
Kyiv
What: Russia launched at least 21 ballistic missiles in three waves, some with cluster munitions, hitting residential buildings, energy facilities, and infrastructure.
Toll: One person killed, 22 injured (including four children) in Kyiv, according to Ukraine's State Emergency Service.
Lozova (Kharkiv region)
What: Russian strike on a market.
Toll: Two people killed and 36 injured.
Zaporizhzhia
What: Russian strike.
Toll: Three people killed.
Moscow and surrounding region
What: Ukraine launched 630 drones towards the capital region, with most reportedly downed by air defenses.
Toll: Two people wounded near Moscow, according to Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.
Odesa region
What: Russia carried out a "massive strike" on port infrastructure and vessels used by the Ukrainian military.
Toll: Details on casualties or specific damage not immediately available.
Diplomacy & talks
Prisoner Exchange. Russia handed over 252 bodies of war dead, while Ukraine returned 25, in an exchange reported by Belarusian state news agency Belta.
Ukraine–US–Russia Talks. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that upcoming trilateral talks would focus on security arrangements for a final peace deal, not a "short" truce.
Ukraine's Peace Stance. President Zelenskyy indicated openness to freezing current front lines for a ceasefire but ruled out ceding territory or recognizing Russian-occupied areas.
Kremlin Assessment of Oslo Proposals. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov noted that proposals from US Envoy Steve Witkoff's meeting with Zelenskyy in Oslo "contained little of real value" but were a "step in the right direction."
Aid & sanctions
EU
Measure: Discussions on frozen Russian assets
Detail: EU leaders resumed discussions on using €210 billion in frozen Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine, despite continued opposition from Belgium.
EU
Measure: New energy sanctions against Russia
Detail: The EU responded to US President Trump's Russian diesel deal by unveiling new energy sanctions targeting Russia's oil processing, refining, and exporting capacity.
Finland
Measure: Financial aid package
Detail: Finland announced over $336 million in aid for Ukraine to boost its energy system and satellite development.
What we'll be watching next 72h
- The resumption of trilateral peace talks between the US, Russia, and Ukraine, expected to begin after November 10.
Reporting + analyst voices: grounded via Google Search at publish time.