Key Points:
- Russia fired several Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, four Iskander ballistic missiles, and Kalibr cruise missiles at Kyiv
- Power outages reported in Brovary and surrounding areas
- Air defense systems actively engaged, bright orange flashes illuminated the sky
- Meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump scheduled for Sunday in Florida to discuss 20-point peace plan
- Russia accuses Ukraine and European allies of undermining US-mediated peace efforts
The Ukrainian capital faced intense attacks in the early hours of Saturday as Russia launched a massive missile barrage targeting Kyiv and surrounding areas. The assault comes less than 24 hours before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump in Florida to discuss a potential peace agreement.
Missile Types and Impact
Ukrainian authorities confirmed that Russia deployed multiple advanced weapons systems in the attack, including several Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, four Iskander ballistic missiles, and a group of Kalibr cruise missiles. The Ukrainian Air Force issued a nationwide air raid alert immediately after detecting the incoming projectiles. Residents across Kyiv reported hearing powerful explosions and witnessing bright flashes of light that briefly turned the sky orange as air defense systems engaged the incoming threats.
Power outages affected Brovary, a suburban town east of Kyiv, and surrounding areas, indicating potential damage to electrical infrastructure. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the attacks via Telegram and urged citizens to seek immediate shelter while disregarding unverified information.
Air Defense Response and Civilian Safety
Ukrainian air defense forces actively engaged the incoming missiles, though officials have not yet released complete information about damage or casualties. The city’s public transportation system experienced partial disruptions, and residents in multiple districts remained in shelters for several hours during the attack. The assault represents another escalation in Russia’s campaign against Ukrainian urban centers, demonstrating Moscow’s continued ability to strike deep into Ukrainian territory despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Diplomatic Context and Trump Meeting
The timing of the attack carries significant diplomatic weight, occurring just before Zelenskyy’s critical meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida on Sunday. The Ukrainian president plans to discuss a 20-point peace proposal that he described as “about 90% ready,” focusing on security guarantees and economic agreements. The plan reportedly includes provisions for a ceasefire along current front lines and the potential creation of a demilitarized buffer zone in eastern Ukraine.[5][6][7]
Zelenskyy emphasized the urgency of the discussions, stating, “We are not losing a single day. We have agreed on a meeting at the highest level, with President Trump in the near future”. The meeting follows extensive talks between Ukrainian officials and Trump’s special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, on Christmas Day.
Russian Accusations and Peace Process Obstacles
Moscow has accused Ukraine and its European supporters of attempting to undermine the US-mediated peace initiative, claiming that Zelenskyy and his allies oppose any proposal that would freeze the conflict along existing front lines. Russian officials have demanded “radical changes” to peace plans despite American optimism about reaching an agreement. The Kremlin’s position creates additional complexity for the diplomatic process, as Russia continues military operations while simultaneously participating in peace discussions.
The attack on Kyiv demonstrates that despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the war shows little sign of immediate de-escalation, leaving Ukrainian civilians caught between continued Russian aggression and the hope for a diplomatic resolution.
