Russia resumes missile strikes on Kyiv, killing at least two, as diplomatic tensions rise in Europe

On Tuesday morning Russia broke a three‑day cease‑fire on its air campaign against Kyiv, unleashing a barrage of missiles and drones that killed at least two people and set off several fires across the capital.

Renewed bombardment shatters a brief calm

The attack came shortly after US peace envoys left the city, underscoring Moscow’s willingness to resume pressure even as diplomatic channels are being explored. Ukrainian officials said the strikes targeted civilian infrastructure, reigniting fears of a protracted conflict that has already lasted over four years.

European capitals push back

In a parallel development, Hungary ordered ten members of the Russian diplomatic mission in Budapest to leave, accusing them of activities that breach the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations. The move marks a clear shift from the previous government’s more Moscow‑friendly stance.

"This decision protects Hungary’s security and sovereignty," wrote Foreign Minister Anita Orbán in a statement.

Russia’s foreign ministry warned of an "appropriate response" but did not elaborate on the next steps.

Meanwhile, Romania announced the detention of a 40‑year‑old Russian citizen suspected of gathering intelligence on NATO facilities for a sabotage operation. Prosecutors said the suspect photographed military sites between February and July, prompting the Romanian Intelligence Service to describe the foiled plot as a coordinated effort by the Russian Federation.

Peace talks remain fragile

At the same time, US President Donald Trump spoke with Vladimir Putin by phone, urging a swift end to the war and hinting that restored US‑Russia ties could follow a settlement. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said the leaders discussed recent US peace‑negotiator visits to Moscow and Kyiv, with both sides rating the talks positively.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed "very good, worthwhile ideas" presented by the US envoys, while Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov claimed Moscow was close to achieving its military objectives. Western analysts, however, continue to view the conflict as stalled on the battlefield.

Looking ahead, the combination of renewed strikes, diplomatic expulsions and high‑level phone calls suggests a volatile mix of military and political pressure. NATO allies are likely to maintain or increase support for Kyiv, while Russia may retaliate against the diplomatic actions taken by Hungary and Romania. Any meaningful peace settlement will need to address both the security concerns on the ground and the broader geopolitical rifts that have deepened over the past year.