Russia launched a major wave of missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine early on Saturday, just hours before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is due to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida for peace discussions aimed at ending nearly four years of conflict. The strikes involved hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles, triggering air-raid alerts and engagements by Ukrainian air defenses. Local authorities reported at least one person killed and dozens injured as explosions rocked residential neighborhoods and infrastructure across the capital.
The assault caused widespread disruption, cutting electricity and heating to large parts of the city and leaving residents sheltering under persistent air alerts. Eyewitnesses reported loud detonations and flashes across multiple districts, while the mayor of Kyiv urged civilians to remain in shelters as air defenses worked to intercept incoming targets.
The timing of the attack — occurring just before Zelenskyy’s high-stakes meeting with Trump — has drawn international attention, with analysts and Ukrainian officials suggesting the bombardment may be intended to influence or overshadow the diplomatic efforts. The talks between Zelenskyy and Trump are expected to focus on proposals to end the war and establish security guarantees for Ukraine.
Ukraine’s leadership condemned the strikes as a stark reminder of the ongoing human and material cost of the conflict. Emergency crews continue to respond to damage and assist affected residents while diplomatic efforts continue in Florida.
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