Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of Using Cluster Warheads in Deadly Strikes Hours After U.S. Prisoner Release

Updated on: October 22, 2026 / 12:55 PM EDT / CBS News

Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of Using Cluster Warheads in Deadly Strikes Hours After U.S. Prisoner Release

TL;DR

  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of using ballistic missiles with cluster warheads in overnight attacks on Kyiv.
  • At least four people were killed and 34 injured, including five children, according to Ukrainian officials.
  • Russia's Defense Ministry claimed air defenses downed 808 Ukrainian drones overnight.
  • Zelenskyy stated that the cluster munitions detonate in the air, striking everything within a 400-meter diameter.
  • More than 100 countries have banned cluster bombs under the Convention on Cluster Munitions, but Russia and the United States have not signed the treaty.
  • Zelenskyy noted that 12 regions were attacked, including the historic center of Kyiv, damaging civilian infrastructure.
  • The attacks occurred hours after U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
  • Zelenskyy suggested that if President Trump cannot control Putin, he should provide interceptor missiles to Ukraine.