Russian Airstrikes Hit Ukraine Amid Rising Tensions Before Zelenskyy Meets Trump

Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine on Saturday, just days before a key meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and US President Donald Trump aimed at ending the war.

Zelenskiy said Russia fired nearly 500 drones and 40 missiles, damaging energy infrastructure and cutting electricity and heating in parts of the capital. At least two people were killed and more than 40 injured, including children, Ukrainian officials said.

The Ukrainian president described the attack as Russia’s response to ongoing US-led peace efforts. He said talks with Trump in Florida would focus on security guarantees and territorial control after the war.

Air raid alerts lasted for nearly 10 hours in Kyiv, while energy companies reported that over one million homes lost power. Authorities said more than 40% of residential buildings were left without heating as temperatures dropped close to freezing.

Russia also reported shooting down eight Ukrainian drones heading toward Moscow.

During a stop in Canada, Zelenskiy met Prime Minister Mark Carney, who announced $1.8 billion in additional aid for Ukraine and said peace would only be possible if Russia was willing to stop the war.

Territory remains a major obstacle in negotiations, especially in eastern Donetsk, where fighting continues. Zelenskiy said a 20-point peace plan proposed by the United States is nearly complete, but strong and long-term US security guarantees are critical.

Trump said the US is leading peace efforts and expressed optimism about the upcoming talks, adding he expects to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon.

Zelenskiy warned that holding a referendum on territorial issues would be impossible while Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities continue.