Russia launched a major attack on Kyiv and other areas of Ukraine on Saturday, firing hundreds of missiles and drones just before a significant meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U. S. President Donald Trump aimed at negotiating peace after nearly four years of conflict. Zelenskiy described the overnight assault, which involved around 500 drones and 40 missiles, as a reaction from Russia to ongoing peace negotiations led by Washington. The discussions on Sunday in Florida were intended to address the territorial divisions that would follow the end of the war, triggered by Russia’s invasion in 2022.
The attack persisted through the morning, with air raid alerts in the capital lasting nearly ten hours. One person was killed, and at least 19 others, including two children, were injured in Kyiv. Zelenskiy criticized Russia for turning the holiday season into a time of destruction and urged the U. S. and Europe to escalate pressure on Moscow. Rescue efforts were ongoing in damaged residential buildings to find anyone trapped beneath the rubble. As a result of the attacks, many homes lost power and heat.
Explosions were heard across Kyiv as Ukrainian air defenses engaged attacking drones. Damage occurred in seven districts, with several high-rise buildings caught on fire. The Ukrainian state grid operator reported that energy facilities were targeted, leading to emergency power outages. A third of Kyiv’s residents were without heat due to the attacks, with temperatures at freezing levels. The strikes also affected Polish airports, prompting a military response.
Diplomatic discussions are hindered mainly by territorial issues. Zelenskiy mentioned that a 20-point draft plan for a peace agreement is nearly finished and highlighted the importance of a new security guarantee agreement with the U. S. Trump stated that he would approve any deal, emphasizing U. S. influence in the negotiations. Prior to his meeting with Trump, Zelenskiy had calls planned with European leaders to discuss the situation.
Alongside territorial disputes, the control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, captured by Russia early in the conflict, is a crucial topic. Russia demands Ukraine withdraw from parts of the Donetsk region, while Ukraine insists on halting fighting along current lines. A proposed U. S. compromise involves creating a free economic zone if Ukrainian troops pull back from certain areas, but specifics remain unclear. Zelenskiy indicated a willingness to hold a referendum on the 20-point plan if a 60-day ceasefire could be established. However, Russian officials claim discrepancies exist between Ukraine’s proposal and earlier discussions with the U. S., yet they remain hopeful for progress towards a settlement.
With information from Reuters
