Renewed Violence in Ukraine as Russia and Ukraine Exchange Drone Strikes

Tue Nov 25 2025 11:53:06 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia and Ukraine have exchanged drone strikes, leading to fatalities and destruction in both Kyiv and the Rostov region. The attacks come amidst ongoing discussions regarding a peace plan proposed by the US.

Overnight, both Russia and Ukraine engaged in drone strikes that resulted in at least five confirmed deaths, including two in Kyiv from Russian attacks and three in Russia as a result of a Ukrainian strike. The strikes have caused significant damage to residential buildings in Kyiv, prompting evacuations and widespread emergency responses. As the conflict intensifies, Ukrainian leaders express muted optimism towards a revised U.S. peace plan, while Russian officials dismiss these amendments. The situation remains fluid as military operations intensify in both regions.

Russia and Ukraine have conducted overnight drone strikes against each other, killing at least five people.

Officials in Kyiv said a massive overnight Russian drone strike on the city had killed at least two people and injured six more.

The attack in the early hours of Tuesday also hit at least two residential buildings, triggering fires and disrupting electricity and water supplies.

Meanwhile, Russian officials said at least three people had been killed in a Ukrainian strike in the Rostov region.

The latest attacks come after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed proposed changes to the controversial 28-point US peace plan for ending the war with Russia.

Kyiv's military administration chief, Tymur Tkachenko, said a fire had broken out at a high-rise residential apartment building in the Dniprovskyi district, forcing the evacuation of its residents. Emergency services on the scene said 18 people had been rescued, including three children, and the search for victims was ongoing after the fire had been contained.

A second high-rise apartment in the Pechersk district in the city centre was also set ablaze after being hit during the strikes, according to Kyiv's mayor. Vitali Klitschko said residents were evacuated and the building suffered damage to the upper floors, but the fire had been extinguished.

Ukraine's air defence units responded to the attack as explosions were heard across Kyiv and residents were urged to take shelter in underground car parks and bunkers.

Ukraine's Ministry of Energy also confirmed a massive, combined enemy attack on the country's energy infrastructure facilities, emphasizing the extensive impact of the drone strikes.

Also overnight, Russian officials in the Rostov region stated the death toll from a Ukrainian strike had risen to three, with reports indicating fatalities resulting from serious injuries sustained during the strikes.

In southern Krasnodar, Governor Veniamin Kondratyev described Ukraine's overnight bombardment as one of the Kyiv regime's most sustained and massive attacks. This escalation occurs as peace talks continue between US and Ukrainian officials, where an amended plan proposed by Ukraine's European allies aims to better reflect their security demands, contrasting with previous proposals favoring Russian positions.

Zelensky has expressed some optimism, indicating that many correct elements have been incorporated into the revised framework to potentially bring the conflict closer to resolution. However, Kremlin officials have labeled these amendments as completely unconstructive. In the US, the White House has stated that President Donald Trump is hopeful for a resolution as discussions proceed.