Russian Attacks Hit Ukraine Ahead of Zelenskiy-Trump Peace Talks

Post by : Saif

Russia carried out drone and missile strikes on Kyiv and other regions of Ukraine on Saturday, hours before President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was set to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss a potential deal to end nearly four years of war. The attacks come as the war, Europe’s deadliest since World War Two, continues to devastate civilian areas and infrastructure.

Explosions were reported across Kyiv, triggering Ukraine’s air defence systems. The Ukrainian air force confirmed that Russian drones were targeting the capital, as well as the northeast and southern regions. An air raid alert remained in place for several hours, and at least eight people were reported injured.

The strikes also caused the temporary closure of two airports in southeastern Poland, Rzeszow and Lublin, as Polish fighter jets scrambled in response. Russian authorities did not immediately comment on the attacks. On Thursday night, Russia also targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and intensified attacks near Odesa, the site of the country’s main seaports.

Territory remains the main challenge in the peace negotiations. Zelenskiy stated that a 20-point peace plan, driven by the U.S., is nearly 90% complete. A security guarantee agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. is almost finalized, aimed at preventing further Russian aggression. Zelenskiy expressed hope that significant progress could be achieved before the New Year.

Before the meeting, Zelenskiy and Trump will hold a call on Saturday with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other European leaders. The U.S. has proposed a 15-year security guarantee for Ukraine, while Kyiv seeks longer, legally binding agreements. Trump expressed confidence that the upcoming talks would go well and indicated that he expects to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon.

Other critical issues include control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, currently occupied by Russian forces, and the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Moscow demands that Ukraine withdraw from certain parts of Donetsk, while Kyiv wants the fighting to stop along current frontlines. A U.S.-led compromise suggests creating a free economic zone if Ukraine leaves specific areas, though details are still under discussion.

Zelenskiy also indicated that if the U.S. does not fully support Ukraine’s territorial position, the peace plan could be put to a public referendum, provided Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire for preparations. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Ukraine’s version of the peace plan differs from Russia’s discussions with the U.S., but he expressed optimism that negotiations have reached a “turning point.” Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed talks with U.S. officials over proposed peace agreements, without detailing Moscow’s stance.

The attacks highlight the urgency and fragility of ongoing peace efforts. While diplomacy continues, millions of Ukrainians remain at risk from missile and drone strikes. The upcoming Zelenskiy-Trump meeting is a crucial step in determining whether a negotiated settlement can bring an end to the long and destructive conflict.

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