Explosion reported in Russian-occupied Melitopol

The attack has killed at least three people and injured 16 others, according to local officials. The strike signals a definitive end to Kyiv's brief respite while hosting U.S. envoys.

In a separate message, Vladimir Putin pledged continued close cooperation with Pyongyang under their "comprehensive strategic partnership."

Zelensky and other international leaders are expected to attend the funeral ceremony in Oslo on Sept. 9.

The defense minister cautioned that the contracted missiles would take time to arrive.

Ukraine relies on the American-made Patriot PAC-3 air defense system for its defense against Russian ballistic missiles.

Spanish F/A-18 fighter jets, deployed as part of a NATO air-policing mission, were scrambled.

Ukraine's EU membership could lead to "another Wirtschaftswunder ('economic miracle') in Europe," provided the country delivers on reforms, said EU enlargement chief Marta Kos.

The assassination attempt reportedly targeted Nikolay Varpakhovich, a Russian Aerospace Forces general and commander of the 22nd Heavy Bomber Aviation Division, according to Russian independent media outlet Astra.

Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined his vision for the peace process and gave U.S. President Donald Trump his assessment of the war, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters.

As of 8:30 a.m., with the attack still ongoing, air defenses had downed or suppressed two ballistic missiles, 31 cruise missiles, and 142 drones. Strikes were recorded at 29 locations, while debris from intercepted drones and missiles fell at nine additional sites, the Air Force said.

A day before a U.S. delegation arrived, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had deliberately targeted the runways at Kyiv's Zhuliany airport and Boryspil International Airport.