Russian attack strikes Kyiv while Zelensky plans to meet with Trump.

KYIV — In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia conducted a massive early morning assault on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine on Saturday, targeting the energy grid in the Kyiv region, which left about one-third of the capital without heating amid freezing temperatures. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported the extensive impact of this attack, which also included widespread power outages throughout Kyiv.

This aggressive military action occurred shortly before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The meeting aims to discuss the latest draft of a peace plan intended to end the ongoing conflict, a proposal to which Russia has not indicated any willingness to consent.

Responding to the latest attacks, Zelensky announced his travel plans to Canada, where he is expected to confer with Prime Minister Mark Carney and hold virtual discussions with European leaders prior to his meeting with Trump. Topics anticipated for discussion between Trump and Zelensky include Ukraine’s territorial integrity, future U.S. security assurances for Ukraine, and the significant investment necessary for the country’s reconstruction.

In a statement released via social media platform X, Sybiha accused President Vladimir Putin of calculating the timing of the bombing campaign to undermine peace efforts. He stressed that further rejections of peace proposals would come with severe consequences for the Russian leadership.

According to Zelensky, by mid-morning Saturday, approximately 500 Shahed drones and 40 missiles, including the advanced Kinzhals, had been launched towards Ukraine. Tragically, the assault resulted in the death of one individual and injuries to 28 others in Kyiv, including two children. A further casualty was reported in the nearby city of Bila Tserkva. The bombardment lasted around ten hours and was characterized by resumed air raid alerts throughout the afternoon as additional drones targeted the city.

This latest attack is part of a broader strategy by Russia, which has relentlessly targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The strategic objective appears to be to weaken the resolve of the Ukrainian populace during the harsh winter months. As a result, many areas, including Kyiv, have been subjected to scheduled blackouts and emergency outages due to the recent onslaught.

The Kremlin has categorically rejected Ukraine’s calls for a Christmas ceasefire, with fighting persisting along the frontlines in the eastern and southern regions of Ukraine. Reports indicated that Denis Kapustin, the commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps, which is comprised of Russian forces fighting alongside Ukraine, lost his life in a Russian drone attack in southeastern Zaporizhzhia.

In this context, Zelensky reiterated the essential need for advanced air defense systems from European allies, framing the Russian aggression as a direct response to ongoing diplomatic negotiations between Ukraine and the United States designed to halt Russia’s military campaign.

As part of the ongoing peace discussions, U.S. pressure has mounted for Ukraine to organize elections, including a presidential vote that has been delayed, primarily due to martial law in effect since the onset of the conflict. In contrast, Putin has made constitutional changes in Russia to extend his presidency indefinitely.

Zelensky acknowledged the readiness to discuss electoral framework but underscored the necessity of establishing a secure environment prior to holding any elections, emphasizing that security must be assured across Ukrainian territory, especially during any vote.

Despite a firm refusal to concede territory to Russia, Ukraine has expressed a willingness to discuss the creation of a demilitarized zone in the Donbas region, contingent on the withdrawal of Russian troops. Nevertheless, Moscow’s insistence on retaining control over the entire Donbas region complicates potential negotiations.

As the international community observes the unfolding situation, Zelensky criticized the lack of constructive responses from Russia regarding peace proposals presented by the United States and other nations. He asserted that military actions, such as the recent drone and missile strikes, reveal Russia’s intentions to continue exacerbating the conflict rather than seeking a resolution.

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