BREAKING: Kyiv has been struck by one of the heaviest attacks in recent months, with Russian forces launching an estimated 500 drones and 40 missiles, including powerful Kinzhal missiles. The assault began early Saturday morning, just hours before a critical meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida.
The strikes targeted power stations and residential buildings across Kyiv, resulting in at least 22 injuries, including two children, with twelve requiring hospitalization. Tragically, in the wider Kyiv oblast, one woman has been reported dead, and multiple apartment buildings were damaged, leading to fires and rescue efforts for those trapped in the rubble.
This devastating attack comes amidst ongoing tensions surrounding peace efforts, with Zelenskyy stating it was Russia’s “answer” to Ukraine’s attempts for dialogue. He is now urgently calling on Western nations to supply more air defense systems to protect against further assaults.
According to officials, critical infrastructure has been severely impacted, with over 2,600 apartment buildings and numerous schools losing heating. An estimated 320,000 homes in the region are currently without electricity. Key facilities, including Kyiv’s TPP-5 power plant and the Bila Tserkva plant, were directly hit, indicating Russia’s strategy to dismantle Ukraine’s energy capabilities as winter sets in.
Earlier in the week, Ukraine experienced further violence with at least seven fatalities and 39 injuries reported from a series of drone strikes exchanged between Russia and Ukraine. Zelenskyy condemned the continued aggression, emphasizing the relentless targeting of Ukrainian cities even during the holiday season.
As the world watches, critical discussions are set to unfold between Zelenskyy and Trump regarding a potential 20-point peace framework and security guarantees for Ukraine. This meeting is seen as a pivotal moment in efforts to resolve the nearly four-year conflict, with both leaders addressing territorial issues that have stalled negotiations.
The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. As rescue operations continue in Kyiv, the need for immediate international support and effective air defense systems is paramount. Zelenskyy’s upcoming discussions with Trump could shape the future of Ukraine’s security and stability in the face of escalating Russian aggression.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
