Zelenskyy Alleges Russian Cluster Munition Strikes Following U.S. Prisoner Swap

POLICY WIRE — Kyiv, Ukraine — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has leveled accusations against Russia, claiming the military utilized cluster munitions during overnight aerial assaults on Kyiv and various other regions.

According to the Ukrainian foreign ministry, the attacks resulted in at least four fatalities. Zelenskyy reported that 34 individuals sustained injuries, a group that includes five children.

The strikes occurred shortly after the release of American citizen Stephen Hubbard and a meeting between U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which Witkoff referred to the Russian leader as a humanitarian.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy stated: Last night, the Russians used, among other weapons against Kyiv, three ballistic missiles with cluster warheads. He further explained that these missiles are designed to detonate mid-air, impacting everything within a 400-meter radius.

Cluster munitions are prohibited by an international treaty adopted in 2008, which has been signed by over 100 nations. These weapons are controversial because they scatter small bomblets over expansive areas, often causing indiscriminate damage to civilian zones. Neither Russia nor the United States is a signatory to this convention.

Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed its air defense systems intercepted 808 Ukrainian drones throughout the night. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin noted that more than 600 of those drones were directed at the capital, with two people reported injured in the process.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that Moscow is reviewing proposals regarding the war brought to St. Petersburg by Witkoff, though he cautioned that any potential negotiations would be a lengthy process.

Zelenskyy characterized the timing of the strikes as a deliberate provocation. “Almost immediately after another round of talks, Russia launched a pointed attack,” he said. “This means there has been no real change in its attitude toward everything that is happening.”

The overnight offensive targeted 12 regions, including the historic Pechersk district in Kyiv. The strikes caused damage to monastery buildings, residential homes, local shops, and cafés.

The president noted that since October 11, Ukraine has endured 170 strikes specifically targeting energy infrastructure. Earlier this week, Zelenskyy suggested that if President Trump cannot influence Putin, he should supply the interceptor missiles necessary for Ukraine to defend itself.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed these concerns, stating that President Trump has expressed frustration over claims that he is intentionally harming Ukraine. Rubio maintained that no resources have been deliberately withheld, citing a need to balance obligations to other partners with domestic requirements.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)