Zelenskyy Says Fresh Russian Strikes Show ‘No Change’ in Kremlin Position
Source reports published 22 Oct 2026, 9:44 pm – 23 Oct 2026, 2:43 am AEST
Following a meeting between US envoy Steve Witkoff and President Putin, Russia launched a series of ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv, killing at least two and wounding 34. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this demonstrated a lack of change in Russia’s attitude towards the ongoing conflict.
What happened
- Russian forces conducted a series of missile strikes against Kyiv overnight, beginning almost immediately after US envoy Steve Witkoff concluded hours-long talks with President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg.
- The attacks targeted residential areas, energy sites, a shopping mall, and a monastery, resulting in at least two deaths and 34 injuries.
- Ukrainian authorities reported damage to numerous buildings, including a crowded market in Lozova, where two women were killed.
- Simultaneously, Russia downed 808 Ukrainian drones, according to the Russian defense ministry, and reported two injuries in Moscow.
- Following the attacks, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the strikes indicated ‘no real change’ in Russia’s attitude.
- He called for continued pressure from allies and increased air defense supplies.
Original reporting
- ABC: Zelenskyy says fresh Russian strikes show 'no change' in Kremlin position
2026-10-22T13:38:45+00:00 - Deutsche Welle: Russia's war in Ukraine: Life near the front line in Sloviansk
2026-10-22T11:44:20.308000+00:00 - France 24 English: ‘No change’ in Russia’s attitude on war shown by deadly attacks, Zelensky says
2026-10-22T16:43:59+00:00