Russia Launches Major Air Assault on Kyiv Amid Upcoming Zelenskyy-Trump Peace Talks

Russia launched a substantial missile and drone assault on Kyiv early Saturday, resulting in at least one death and 27 injuries, according to Ukrainian authorities. The attack involved ballistic missiles and drones, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, targeting multiple residential and infrastructure sites across the capital. The strikes caused fires and power outages, leaving parts of Kyiv without electricity and heating amid freezing temperatures.

Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that at least one civilian was killed, and more than 20 others were injured. Rescue teams are actively searching for individuals trapped under the rubble of damaged residential buildings.

The assault prompted neighboring Poland to scramble fighter jets and place its air defense systems on heightened alert, citing Russian long-range aviation activity targeting Ukraine. Poland's Operational Command stated that military aviation operations were launched to protect Polish airspace, adding that no violations had been detected, and the alert was subsequently lifted.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk commented on the situation, stating that the Russian strikes underscored the gap between diplomatic efforts and Moscow's actions on the ground. He noted that despite President Trump's expectations and Zelenskyy's readiness to make compromises, Russia attacked Kyiv's residential districts.

The airstrikes occurred as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares to travel to the United States for high-stakes talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on a revised peace proposal. Zelenskyy plans to discuss a nearly completed 20-point plan focusing on security guarantees and reconstruction for Ukraine. The meeting is expected to address sensitive issues, including territorial arrangements and security commitments.

Zelenskyy emphasized that the overnight attacks on Ukraine demonstrated why strong security guarantees are the most important consideration in discussing peace proposals. He also mentioned that the proposed 20-point peace plan is 90% ready, with the goal to bring everything to 100%.

The meeting with Trump in Florida is anticipated to focus on the newly revised peace plan, including proposals on security guarantees and territorial arrangements. Trump has publicly framed the negotiations as contingent on his approval, stating that Zelenskyy doesn't have anything until he approves it, adding, "So we'll see what he's got."