Ukraine, Russia trade deadly strikes as negotiators hammer deal

Kyiv (AFP) — Russia rained missiles and drones overnight on Kyiv, killing six people, authorities said Tuesday, as three people died in Russia’s Rostov region in massive Ukrainian strikes.

The heightened attacks came after United States President Donald Trump initially gave Kyiv until 27 November — the American holiday of Thanksgiving — to respond to his proposal to end the fighting, a timeline and blueprint that European leaders have baulked at.

The overnight barrage was Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s “terrorist response” to the US proposal, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said on social media.

Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, said four people died and at least three were wounded in the Svyatoshynsky district. Emergency services earlier said two people died in a strike on an apartment building in the eastern Dniprovsky quarter.

Before dawn Tuesday, Russia’s defense ministry said it had intercepted and destroyed 249 Ukrainian drones — one of the highest figures reported.

In Russia’s Rostov region, acting governor Yuri Sliusar said at least three people were killed, adding: “Tonight’s enemy attack brought great grief.”