A fresh Russian strike using drones and missiles has hit Kyiv and several other Ukrainian regions, just hours before President Volodymyr Zelensky is due to hold what he has described as a “decisive” meeting with US President Donald Trump.
The attack underlines how fragile diplomatic efforts remain as the war, now Europe’s deadliest conflict since the Second World War, approaches its fourth year.
What happened in the latest Russian strike on Ukraine?
In the early hours of Saturday morning, Russia launched a coordinated missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, as well as parts of the north-east and south of the country.
According to Ukrainian military officials, air defence systems were activated across Kyiv after explosions were heard shortly before 8am local time.
The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that Russian drones were targeting multiple regions simultaneously, indicating a wide-scale operation rather than a single strike.
This follows a pattern of intensified attacks seen in recent weeks, including Russia’s strikes on Ukraine overnight with hypersonic missiles, which have placed a growing strain on Ukraine’s air defence systems.
Kyiv’s city authorities reported at least eight people injured, while an air raid alert remained active throughout the morning. As of Saturday afternoon, there was no official Russian comment on the attack.
Why is the timing of this Russian strike significant?
The Russian strike comes just before a planned meeting between President Zelensky and President Trump in Florida on Sunday.
Zelensky has said the talks will focus on a potential framework to end the fighting that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Speaking earlier in Kyiv, Zelensky said discussions would centre on:
- Which territories would each side control after a ceasefire
- Long-term security guarantees for Ukraine
- The role of the United States and Europe in enforcing any deal
In a social media post, Zelensky suggested that a lot can be decided before the New Year, raising expectations of a possible breakthrough.
How did the Russian strike affect Europe?
The impact of the attack spread beyond Ukraine’s borders. Polish authorities temporarily closed Rzeszów and Lublin airports in south-eastern Poland after Russian missiles and drones were detected near NATO airspace.
Poland’s armed forces scrambled fighter jets as a precaution, according to the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency.
While flights later resumed, the incident highlighted ongoing concerns in Europe about the conflict spilling over into neighbouring countries.
For the UK, which is a leading NATO member and a major supporter of Ukraine, such incidents reinforce fears of wider regional instability.
What are the main sticking points in peace talks?
Is territory the biggest obstacle?
Yes. Control of land remains the core diplomatic stumbling block.
Russia is demanding that Ukraine withdraw from parts of the Donetsk region, even areas that Russian forces have not fully captured. Ukraine, by contrast, wants any ceasefire to freeze fighting along the current front lines.
As President Zelenskyy once again is set meet Trump in the U.S to talk about Peace, russia has relentlessly been bombing Kyiv all throughout the night with several rounds of missiles & UAV’s. There’s residential buildings & private houses currently burning after being hit.… https://t.co/vy90g3v4zm pic.twitter.com/8Ijcq9zw42
— Їne Back Їversen (@IneBackIversen) December 27, 2025
Zelensky revealed that a 20-point US-backed peace draft is around 90% complete, but land ownership remains unresolved.
What about security guarantees?
Ukraine is pushing for strong, legally binding security guarantees after previous post-Soviet assurances failed to prevent invasion.
Zelensky told US media outlet Axios that Washington has offered a 15-year security guarantee deal, with an option to renew. Kyiv, however, wants a longer agreement with clearer legal enforcement to deter future Russian aggression.
President Trump, speaking to Politico, said: “He doesn’t have anything until I approve it. So we’ll see what he’s got.”
Why is the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant so important?
Another key issue is control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, Europe’s largest nuclear facility. Russia seized the plant in the opening weeks of the war, and its status remains unresolved.
Any agreement involving the site carries major safety implications, not just for Ukraine but for the wider European continent, including the UK.
Could Ukrainians vote on a peace deal?
Zelensky has said he may put the proposed peace plan to a national referendum, but only if Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire to allow time for campaigning and voting.
This proposal reflects the political sensitivity of territorial concessions among the Ukrainian public, many of whom oppose giving up land under any circumstances.
What are Russia and the US saying?
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Kyiv’s version of the peace plan differs from discussions Russia has held with the US, but he also suggested talks had reached a “turning point”.
The Kremlin confirmed that President Putin’s foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, has already spoken with members of the Trump administration about US proposals, though details remain undisclosed.
Trump has also said he expects to speak with Putin soon.
