On Saturday, Russia launched missile and drone strikes on Kiev and other Ukrainian regions just before President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s crucial meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, which he indicated would focus on negotiating an end to nearly four years of conflict.
Prior to the attacks, Zelenskyy mentioned that the discussions in Florida on Sunday would center around territorial control following a ceasefire that began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022, marking the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II.
Explosions were heard in Kiev as Ukraine’s air defense systems activated, with military officials communicating via Telegram about the deployment of missiles.
According to a Reuters observer, the assault continued as of 8 a.m., with air raid alerts still in effect for the city. Authorities in Kiev reported at least eight injuries from the strikes.
Territory Remains a Diplomatic Challenge
The attacks also led to temporary closures of Rzeszów and Lublin airports in southeastern Poland, where fighter jets were scrambled in response, as reported by the Polish Aviation Authority.
No immediate comments were made by Russia regarding the strikes.
Earlier in the week, Russia had targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, intensifying its assault on the southern Odessa region, where the primary Ukrainian port is located.
Controlling territory presents a significant diplomatic challenge as fierce fighting persists. Zelenskyy informed reporters that the 20-point draft of a peace plan, led by the U.S., was around 90% finished.
He indicated that a security agreement with the U.S. is nearly finalized, emphasizing that previous post-Soviet promises had not held up.
“A lot could be settled before the new year,” Zelenskyy mentioned in a social media post.
According to Trump, the U.S. plays a crucial role in this diplomatic process. “He can’t do anything until I sign off on it,” Trump explained, referring to Zelenskyy.
As the meeting approaches, Trump and Zelenskyy plan to hold a phone conversation on Saturday, which will also include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other European leaders.
Zelenskyy noted to Axios that the U.S. had proposed a 15-year security agreement, but Ukraine seeks a longer-term, legally binding deal to prevent further Russian aggression.
Trump expressed optimism about the upcoming meeting, mentioning his intention to meet with Putin “soon and as often as I want.”
Nuclear Power and Economic Zones Pose Additional Issues
Besides territorial disputes, the control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which Russia captured early in the war, remains a critical concern.
The Russian government demands Ukraine pull back from the eastern Donetsk region, which Russian forces have struggled to fully seize, in order to gain control over the entire Donbas region, including Luhansk.
Ukraine seeks to halt fighting along the current front. Under a proposed U.S. compromise, a free economic zone could be established if Ukraine concedes part of the Donetsk region, yet details are still under discussion.
Zelenskyy stated that if he failed to secure strong U.S. support regarding the territorial issues, he might resort to putting the 20-point plan to a public vote, contingent on a 60-day ceasefire allowing for preparations.
He expressed a desire to apply more pressure on Russia.
In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov noted that Ukraine’s 20-point plan differed from what Russia had previously discussed with the U.S., though he conveyed a sense of optimism about reaching a “tipping point” toward resolution.
Yuri Ushakov, an adviser to President Putin, had recent discussions with members of the Trump administration after the Kremlin received a U.S. proposal regarding a potential peace agreement, although the Russian government’s perspective on the documents remains undisclosed.
