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Russia Strikes Kyiv with Drones and Missiles Ahead of US-Ukraine Talks
Russian drones and missiles hit Kyiv, killing at least one and cutting heat for a third of the city, hours before President Zelenskyy’s key meeting with US President Trump on peace talks.
MH
by Muhammad Hashir
2025-12-27
Russia Strikes Kyiv with Drones and Missiles Ahead of US-Ukraine Talks

Russian forces launched a massive assault on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv on Saturday, targeting energy facilities and civilian infrastructure with ballistic missiles and drones, killing at least one person and injuring over 20 others, including two children. The attacks came on the eve of a crucial meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump aimed at advancing peace negotiations.

Local authorities reported that the strikes began early in the morning and lasted nearly 10 hours. Kyiv’s Mayor and Regional Governor confirmed that a 47-year-old woman was killed, and at least 22 people were wounded. According to Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s City military administration, “some 500 drones and 40 missiles” targeted the city’s energy and civilian infrastructure.

The attacks left approximately a third of Kyiv without heat amid freezing temperatures around 0°C. In the broader Kyiv region, around 320,000 households were left without electricity. Ukrainian officials condemned the strikes as attempts to deprive citizens of essential resources.

President Zelenskyy, who departed Ukraine on Saturday for international meetings, condemned the Russian leadership, stating that “their drones and missiles speak louder than any lengthy talks.” He accused Moscow of using the attacks to inflict maximum suffering on Ukrainians while pressuring the international community.

The strikes occurred just ahead of Zelenskyy’s planned talks with Trump in Florida, which are expected to focus on security guarantees and territorial disputes over the eastern Donetsk region, including the Donbas. Russia has demanded that Ukraine withdraw from parts of Donetsk under Ukrainian control, while Kyiv insists on maintaining current frontlines. The US has proposed a compromise, including the creation of a free economic zone if Ukraine cedes certain territories, though Zelenskyy has indicated that any agreement could be subject to a national referendum.

Prior to the US trip, Zelenskyy is scheduled to hold calls with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other European leaders. He is also expected to stop in Canada to meet Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The attack highlights ongoing tensions in the region as Ukraine continues to seek a peaceful resolution to the nearly four-year conflict, while Russia maintains pressure on Kyiv through military operations.
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