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Kyiv Under Siege: Drone and Missile Strikes Intensify as Zelensky Seeks Peace Talks with Trump
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A massive wave of Russian drone and missile strikes pummeled Kyiv for nearly 10 hours on Saturday, targeting civilian infrastructure and the capital’s energy grid just days before Ukrainian President volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet with former President Donald Trump for peace negotiations.
The attacks, described by Zelensky as a purposeful attempt to inflict suffering and exert pressure, involved approximately 500 drones and 40 missiles. At least two people were killed, and dozens more were wounded, including two children, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported that roughly one-third of Kyiv was left without heating as freezing temperatures and snow blanketed the city.
“they do not want to end the war and seek to use every opportunity to cause Ukraine even greater suffering and increase their pressure on others around the world,” Zelensky wrote on X following the attacks. He urgently appealed to the United States and European allies for a forceful response, stating, “if Russia turns even the Christmas and New Year period into a time of destroyed homes and burned apartments, of ruined power plants, then this sick activity can only be responded to with truly strong steps.” Zelensky emphasized the capacity of the U.S. and Europe to act, adding, “The key is to use it.”
Counterclaims and Continued Clashes
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted and destroyed 111 Ukrainian drones on Saturday afternoon, with some reportedly falling over Moscow. Together, Ukrainian officials confirmed ongoing clashes along the front lines, indicating a continued escalation of hostilities.
While addressing the crisis at home, Zelensky also engaged in diplomatic efforts abroad.He met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Canada on Saturday, alongside virtual discussions with other European allies, focusing on potential peace negotiations. Carney expressed optimism, stating, “we have the conditions and possibility for a just and lasting peace,” but underscored the necessity of “a willing Russia.” Canada also announced $2.5 billion in economic assistance for Ukrainian reconstruction. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is also expected to participate in the talks.
A Revised Peace Plan on the Table
The upcoming discussions in Canada and Florida are expected to center on crucial issues including Ukrainian security guarantees, a point emphasized by United Kingdom prime Minister Keir Starmer as essential for any agreement with Russia, as well as territorial considerations regarding the Donbas region and plans for postwar reconstruction.
Ahead of his meeting with trump, Zelensky revealed that the peace-plan proposal is “90% ready,” with the goal of reaching “100%” completion. “Our teams, the Ukrainian and american negotiating teams, have made important progress,” he stated Friday.However,the path to peace remains uncertain. A previous 28-point peace proposal drafted during the Trump administration, which heavily favored Russia, faced strong opposition from Ukraine and Europe. The current draft, consisting of 20 points, reportedly proposes fewer territorial concessions. Despite multiple meetings between Ukrainian and U.S. delegations to refine the revised proposal, Moscow has yet to signal any willingness to sign the deal.
