Russia Bombards Kyiv Ahead of Zelenskyy–Trump Meet on Ukraine Peace Talks

Russia launched a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and multiple other Ukrainian regions on Saturday, escalating military pressure just ahead of a crucial diplomatic meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump aimed at exploring a possible breakthrough in the nearly four-year-long Ukraine war.

Explosions were reported across Kyiv as Ukraine’s air defence systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones. The Ukrainian military said air defence units were activated across the capital, which remained under air raid alert for nearly four hours. Russian drones also targeted regions in northeastern and southern Ukraine, according to the air force. No immediate reports of major damage or power outages were confirmed, and Russia did not issue an official comment.

The latest strikes followed Russian attacks earlier this week on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, including intensified bombardment of the southern Odesa region, home to the country’s key seaports.

Peace talks amid rising military pressure

The escalation comes as diplomatic efforts gain momentum. Zelenskyy said a US-backed 20-point framework for ending the war is close to completion, with around 90% of the plan finalised. However, territorial issues remain the biggest obstacle.

Ukraine has reiterated its position that the war should end along existing frontlines, while Moscow continues to demand that Kyiv relinquish remaining territory in the Donbas region — a condition Ukraine has firmly rejected. A US proposal reportedly includes the creation of a free economic zone if Ukraine cedes parts of Donetsk, though details remain unresolved.

Zelenskyy said discussions would also include a potential economic agreement with Washington, while noting that it was unclear whether any final deal would be reached in the immediate term.

Security guarantees and US role

A separate security guarantee agreement between Ukraine and the United States is nearing completion, Zelenskyy said, describing it as a critical step given the failure of past post-Soviet security assurances. “A lot can be decided before the New Year,” he said in remarks cited by international media.

Trump, however, asserted that Washington is firmly steering the peace process. “He doesn’t have anything until I approve it,” Trump said, adding that he expected the meeting with Zelenskyy to go well and that he hoped to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon.

Zelenskyy told Axios that while the US has offered a 15-year security guarantee with renewal options, Kyiv is pushing for a longer, legally binding framework to deter future Russian aggression.

Referendum option floated

Axios also reported that Zelenskyy is prepared to put the proposed peace plan to a national referendum if US support for Ukraine’s territorial position falls short. However, such a vote would be conditional on Russia agreeing to a 60-day ceasefire, allowing sufficient time for preparations.

Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Kyiv’s version of the peace plan differed from what Moscow had been discussing with Washington, highlighting persistent gaps between the two sides even as diplomatic engagement intensifies.