Russia launched a daytime ballistic missile attack on Kyiv on October 10, 2026, a day after US President Donald Trump announced a deal with Vladimir Putin allowing Russia to sell petroleum products to the United States and global markets.
Strike on Obolonskyi district
Ukrainian air defences intercepted some of the missiles, but one hit a restaurant building in Kyiv’s Obolonskyi district and set it on fire, while debris fell into a residential courtyard nearby. Local reports described three to four explosions. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said four people were injured, one of them seriously. The missile attack followed repeated Shahed drone strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
“Russia’s choice is war”
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy linked the attack directly to the sanctions relief. “What allowing Russia to sell petroleum products means was heard most clearly in Kyiv today,” he said. “Every additional billion dollars they can earn from exports will be spent precisely on this.” He added: “Russia’s choice is war.”
The diesel deal
Trump announced the agreement with Putin on October 9. Under it, Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel, with further shipments planned, and the US Treasury issued a temporary licence easing sanctions on Russian diesel exports.
A test for allies
The deal raised questions among Ukraine’s partners about whether they would follow Washington’s lead. Kyiv has argued that energy revenue is the main source of funding for Russia’s missile and drone campaign, and that any easing of restrictions translates into more strikes on Ukrainian cities.
Sources
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