Russian Missile and Drone Strikes Hit Ukraine Ahead of Zelenskiy-Trump Talks

Post by : Saif Nasser

Russia launched missiles and drones on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine on Saturday, just hours before President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s scheduled meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The talks in Florida aim to negotiate a potential deal to end nearly four years of war, the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two.

Explosions were reported across Kyiv as Ukraine’s air defence systems responded to the attacks. Russian drones targeted the capital as well as northeastern and southern regions. An air raid alert remained active for several hours, and at least eight people were reported injured.

The strikes also forced the temporary closure of two airports in southeastern Poland, Rzeszow and Lublin, as Polish fighter jets scrambled. Russia has not commented on the attacks. Earlier this week, Russian forces also targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and increased assaults near Odesa, the country’s main port.

Territorial control remains the most difficult issue in the peace negotiations. Zelenskiy said that a 20-point U.S.-backed peace plan is nearly 90% complete. A security guarantee agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. is close to finalization, a crucial step after past guarantees failed to prevent further aggression. Zelenskiy expressed hope that key decisions could be made before the New Year.

Before the meeting, Zelenskiy and Trump are scheduled to hold a call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other European leaders. Kyiv is pushing for long-term, legally binding security guarantees, while the U.S. has offered a 15-year renewable agreement. Trump expressed optimism about the talks and said he hopes to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon.

Other major issues include control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, occupied by Russian forces, and the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Moscow wants Ukraine to withdraw from some areas in Donetsk, while Kyiv wants the fighting halted along current frontlines. A U.S.-proposed compromise includes creating a free economic zone if Ukraine withdraws from certain parts, though details are still being discussed.

Zelenskiy also said that if the U.S. does not fully support Ukraine’s territorial position, the 20-point peace plan could be put to a public referendum, provided Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire to allow preparations. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov noted differences with Ukraine’s version of the plan but said negotiations have reached a “turning point.” Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed talks with U.S. officials on the proposals without revealing Russia’s position.

The attacks underscore the urgency of the peace process. While diplomatic efforts continue, millions of Ukrainians remain at risk from ongoing missile and drone strikes. The Zelenskiy-Trump meeting is a critical step in determining whether diplomacy can finally bring an end to the long and destructive war.