On Saturday, Russia launched a massive wave of aerial strikes across Ukraine, involving roughly 500 drones and 40 missiles. The attack, which targeted critical infrastructure and residential areas, comes just 24 hours before President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss a deal to end the nearly four-year-old conflict.
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The strikes focused heavily on the capital, Kyiv, causing widespread damage and fear:
- Casualties: At least one person was killed in the Kyiv region, with 19 others wounded in the city, including two children.
- Energy Crisis: The strikes hit power facilities, triggering emergency blackouts for 320,000 households.
- The Winter Weapon: Ukraine’s Foreign Minister reported that one-third of Kyiv is currently without heat as temperatures drop to freezing.
- Regional Alarm: The intensity of the bombardment forced neighboring Poland to scramble fighter jets and temporarily shut down two airports.
Zelenskiy characterized the timing of the attack as Russia’s “response” to diplomatic efforts, calling for “truly strong steps” from the West to counter Moscow’s aggression during the holiday season.
Diplomacy in Motion: The 20-Point Plan
Despite the escalation on the ground, Zelenskiy indicated that a peace framework brokered by Washington is 90% complete. Key developments include:
- Security Guarantees: A proposed 15-year security agreement with the U.S. is nearly finalized. While Washington has offered a renewable deal, Kyiv is pushing for more “legally binding” provisions.
- Territorial Disputes: The primary hurdle remains the “line of contact.” The U.S. has proposed a Free Economic Zone as a compromise if Ukrainian troops withdraw from certain parts of the Donetsk region.
- The Referendum Clause: Zelenskiy told reporters that if he cannot secure a favorable land deal, he is prepared to put the 20-point plan to a national referendum—provided Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire first.
The Trump-Zelenskiy Meeting
The upcoming meeting in Florida is viewed as the “final mile” for the current peace push.
President Trump has asserted his central role in the process, stating that nothing is final until he approves it. Meanwhile, the Kremlin confirmed it has received U.S. proposals and has been in contact with the Trump administration, with Russian officials suggesting the conflict has reached a “turning point.”
Before heading to the U.S., Zelenskiy is scheduled to hold a final round of consultations with European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
