Russia launched a devastating bombardment of Ukraine early Saturday morning. The assault struck Kyiv and surrounding regions with approximately 500 drones and 40 missiles. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the scale of the attack in a statement on social media. The strikes targeted energy facilities and civilian infrastructure across the nation.
Widespread Damage and Casualties Reported
The offensive killed at least one woman, aged 47 years old. Authorities reported approximately 22 additional casualties, including two children. Kyiv’s military administration confirmed the death toll and injury statistics. The strikes forced air raid alerts lasting nearly ten hours across the capital.
Officials stated that roughly one-third of Kyiv lost heating following the assault. Kristina Zelenyuk, a Kyiv-based journalist, told Al Jazeera that Russian forces attempted to “cut all Ukraine from our resources just freeze us.” Energy infrastructure suffered critical damage throughout the city. Explosions resonated across multiple residential neighbourhoods during the early morning hours.
russia’s “#Christmas gift” to Ukraine: Direct drone strikes on #Kyiv homes over the holiday weekend. Civilians killed, many hurt.⁰No military targets — just deliberate murder of innocents.⁰That’s the point: They enjoy the suffering. pic.twitter.com/hPwACWi0mf
— EMPR.media (@EuromaidanPR) December 27, 2025
Zelenskyy Denies Russian Commitment to Peace
The Ukrainian leader issued a stark assessment following the assault. He stated that Russia’s leadership “does not want to end the war.” Zelenskyy remarked that Russia’s drones and missiles communicated more than any lengthy discussions conducted with Moscow. He asserted that Russia’s leadership seeks “to exploit every opportunity to inflict greater suffering on Ukraine and intensify their pressure globally.”
Zelenskyy emphasised that diplomacy cannot succeed without security measures in place. He urged the United States and European partners to implement “truly decisive actions” against Moscow. The Ukrainian president demanded accelerated provision of air defence resources. He stressed that immediate military support remained essential for Ukraine’s position in negotiations.
Another Russian attack is still ongoing: since last night, there have been almost 500 drones – a large number of “shaheds” – as well as 40 missiles, including Kinzhals. The primary target is Kyiv – energy facilities and civilian infrastructure. Regrettably, there have been hits,… pic.twitter.com/OxBntAUgla
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 27, 2025
Strategic Timing Raises Questions
The assault occurred mere hours before Zelenskyy prepared to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida. Trump scheduled the meeting for Sunday at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Both leaders planned to discuss a 20-point draft peace proposal developed by Ukrainian and American officials. The Russian strikes underscored Moscow’s apparent unwillingness to pursue a peaceful resolution.
Polish airports temporarily suspended operations following the Russian assault. Polish air defence forces deployed fighter jets in response to the strikes. Poland’s Air Navigation Services Agency confirmed the temporary closures of Rzeszów and Lublin airports. Air raid alerts affected neighbouring regions during the ongoing bombardment.
Putin has order continuous waves of terrorist attacks on Kyiv, targeting primarily residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. This comes ahead of the US meeting with Zelenskyy, again, in the latest round of Trump’s campaign to help Russia force Ukraine to surrender. pic.twitter.com/n0skh96Okm
— Anonymous (@YourAnonCentral) December 27, 2025
Key Discussion Points for Florida Meeting
Zelenskyy indicated that the upcoming meeting would address multiple critical issues. Security guarantees for Ukraine remained a primary concern. Territorial control of eastern regions represented another major sticking point in negotiations.
The Ukrainian leader previously stated that “most elements of a U.S.-Ukraine agreement have been resolved.” Zelenskyy expressed hope to finalise a comprehensive framework before the New Year begins. He noted that “a lot can be decided before the New Year” on social media on Friday.
However, Saturday’s assault dampened the optimism. Zelenskyy’s tone shifted following the bombardment. He emphasised that Russia’s continued aggression demonstrated Moscow’s true intentions regarding peace discussions.
WATCH: Russia attacked Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine with reportedly hundreds of missiles and drones ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s crucial meeting with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/vG0ORiQSnM
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 27, 2025
Trump Administration’s Stance on Peace Negotiations
Trump expressed confidence about the upcoming Sunday meeting with Zelenskyy. He stated to Politico on Friday that there existed “a good chance” both Ukraine and Russia possessed willingness to negotiate. Trump remarked, “I believe they want to do it, and I believe that Russia is on board.”
However, Trump also asserted his authority over the negotiating process. He stated, “Zelenskyy doesn’t have anything until I approve it.” Trump added, “So we’ll see what he’s got.” Trump conveyed optimism whilst maintaining a cautious position regarding Ukraine’s proposals.
Russia’s Maximalist Demands Continue
Moscow maintains its demands for Ukrainian territorial concessions and withdrawal from eastern regions. Russia insists that Ukraine withdraw from areas within Donetsk that Russian forces have not yet occupied. Moscow aims for complete dominance over the Donbas region, encompassing Donetsk and Luhansk.
Kyiv advocates for a cessation of hostilities along current front lines. The United States has suggested establishing a free economic zone if Ukraine agrees to relinquish portions of Donetsk. Zelenskyy previously expressed willingness to consider putting the American-backed proposal toa referendum if necessary.
Also Read: Northern Monsoon Threatens Weekend Chaos Across Queensland and Territory
European Leaders Engage in Diplomatic Efforts
Zelenskyy scheduled a phone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for Saturday. He planned to discuss Ukraine’s position ahead of his Florida meeting. Zelenskyy also arranged discussions with Canadian officials prior to his United States visit.
European leaders remained largely sidelined from principal negotiations between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia. The diplomatic process centred primarily on trilateral discussions between these three parties.
Broader Context of the Conflict
The war commenced in February 2022 when Russia launched its comprehensive invasion. The conflict represents Europe’s deadliest war since World War Two. Nearly four years of fighting have devastated Ukraine’s infrastructure and displaced millions.
The Russian assault Saturday morning demonstrated Moscow’s continued disregard for peace initiatives. Previous attacks in September deployed over 800 drones, marking the largest aerial assault of the entire war. Russia remains committed to military objectives despite international diplomatic efforts.
Zelenskyy’s journey to Florida represents a critical moment in ongoing peace negotiations. The success of Sunday’s meeting with Trump may determine the trajectory of future diplomatic discussions. Russia’s continued aggression suggests that negotiation pathways remain uncertain and fraught with complications.
