Russia Bombards Kyiv Soon After Witkoff, Kushner Leave

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Financial Intelligence • Markets • World News • Independent Analysis
Published: 2026-09-08 • Permanent link

Diplomatic relations between Russia and Ukraine have been strained for years, but a recent visit by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, both high-profile American figures, brought a temporary respite from the tensions. During their visit, Russia agreed not to bomb Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, sparking hopes for improved relations. However, the respite was short-lived, as Russia launched a barrage of missiles on the city just hours after the pair departed.

The sudden escalation has sent shockwaves through global markets, with investors scrambling to reassess their positions. The Russian ruble has plummeted in value, while the Ukrainian hryvnia has seen a significant surge. The oil market has also been affected, with prices rising sharply in response to the increased tensions. Goldman Sachs, one of the world's largest investment banks, has revised its forecast for oil prices upwards, predicting a 10% increase by the end of the year.

Historically, Russia's actions in Ukraine have been a major concern for the international community, with many fearing the potential for widespread conflict. The situation has been compared to the annexation of Crimea in 2014, which led to significant sanctions being imposed on Russia. However, experts note that the current situation is more complex, with multiple factions within Russia and Ukraine vying for power.

As the situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate, investors are bracing themselves for a potentially volatile year ahead. The US and European Union have already imposed sanctions on Russia, and it remains to be seen how these will be enforced. In the meantime, markets will be closely watching developments in Ukraine, with a potential escalation of the conflict seen as a major catalyst for further market volatility.