Attacks come hours before expected breakthrough talks on ending war

Russia launched a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks across Ukraine on Saturday, striking Kyiv and several other regions just ahead of what President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has described as a crucial meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at charting a path toward ending nearly four years of war.

Explosions echoed across the Ukrainian capital as air defence systems were activated, with authorities confirming that missiles and drones were targeting Kyiv as well as areas in the northeast and south of the country.

Air Defences Activated as Missiles Strike

Ukraine’s military said on Telegram that Russian missiles were being deployed, while the air force warned that drones were moving toward the capital and other regions.

By 8:00am local time, air raid sirens were still sounding in Kyiv, and the attack was ongoing. City officials said at least eight people were wounded in the strikes.

Russia did not immediately comment on the assault.

Regional Impact Felt Beyond Ukraine

The escalation prompted neighbouring Poland to temporarily close Rzeszow and Lublin airports in its southeast after scrambling fighter jets, citing security concerns as Russian strikes intensified near Ukraine’s western border.

Earlier this week, Ukrainian authorities said Russia had also targeted energy infrastructure and stepped up attacks on Odesa, home to Ukraine’s key seaports.

Diplomacy at a Critical Juncture

The attacks came as Zelenskiy prepared for high-stakes talks with Trump in Florida on Sunday. Zelenskiy said discussions would focus heavily on territory — widely seen as the most difficult issue in negotiations to halt fighting that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

According to Zelenskiy, a U.S.-backed 20-point peace framework is about 90% complete, while a separate security guarantee agreement between Kyiv and Washington is close to finalisation.

“A lot can be decided before the New Year,” Zelenskiy said in a social media post.

Trump, meanwhile, said the United States was driving the peace effort. “He doesn’t have anything until I approve it,” Trump told Politico, referring to the proposed plan.

Territory, Security Guarantees Remain Contentious

A key dispute remains control of territory, particularly areas of eastern Ukraine occupied by Russian forces. Moscow demands that Ukraine withdraw from parts of Donetsk region still under Kyiv’s control, while Ukraine insists any ceasefire should freeze the conflict along current front lines.

Another sensitive issue is the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest — which Russia seized early in the war.

Under a proposed U.S. compromise, a free economic zone could be established if Ukraine relinquishes parts of Donetsk, though details remain unclear.

Zelenskiy has said he may put the peace plan to a national referendum if Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire, stressing that stronger pressure must be applied on Moscow.

Signs of a Possible Turning Point

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Kyiv’s version of the peace plan differed from what Moscow had discussed with Washington but suggested negotiations had reached a “turning point.”

The Kremlin confirmed that President Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy aide had spoken with members of the Trump administration after receiving U.S. proposals, though it did not disclose Russia’s response.

As diplomacy intensifies, Saturday’s strikes underscored the stark contrast between hopes for peace and the reality on the ground, a war still raging as leaders search for a way out.