Russian Strikes Target Kyiv Airfields Ahead of U.S. Envoy Visit

Ukraine’s airspace has remained strictly closed since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, making the planned arrival of the American delegation a logistical milestone. Zelenskiy stated that the coordination of these missile and drone attacks signals Moscow’s clear intent to disrupt the resumption of aerial diplomacy. The president specifically pointed to the tactical use of Russian-Iranian drones as a calculated move to intimidate the U.S. delegation and complicate transit logistics for the upcoming Sunday visit. By targeting the transit hubs, Russian forces are attempting to maintain the isolation of the Ukrainian capital while signaling their reach against foreign officials seeking to engage in peace talks.