Russia launched missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and several other Ukrainian regions early Saturday, December 27, just ahead of a major meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and US President Donald Trump, which Zelenskiy described as crucial for shaping a potential end to the nearly four-year conflict. Before the overnight attacks, Zelenskiy said the discussions scheduled in Florida on Sunday would center on determining territorial control once fighting stops. The war began in February 2022 with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has since become Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two.

Explosions were heard across Kyiv as Ukrainian air defense systems intercepted incoming threats. The military reported missile activity on Telegram, while the air force confirmed that Russian drones were targeting the capital as well as northeastern and southern regions. Air raid sirens continued for several hours, though there were no immediate reports of casualties, infrastructure damage, or power outages. Moscow did not comment on the strikes. A day earlier, Russia had targeted Ukraine’s energy facilities and intensified attacks in the southern Odesa region, home to Ukraine’s main seaports.

Despite ongoing hostilities, diplomatic efforts are nearing completion, with territorial control remaining the primary obstacle. Zelenskiy told reporters that a 20-point peace framework backed by the United States is almost finalized. He added that negotiations over a security guarantee agreement between Kyiv and Washington were close to conclusion — a vital step given the failure of earlier assurances to protect Ukraine. “A lot can still be decided before the New Year,” Zelenskiy told Politico. Trump confirmed that Washington is leading the initiative, stating that no final agreement would proceed without his approval. He also said he expected Sunday’s talks to be productive and that he planned to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon.

Beyond territorial concerns, another major issue is control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest facility, which Russian forces captured early in the war. Moscow continues to insist that Ukraine withdraw from portions of eastern Donetsk not fully occupied by Russian troops, while Kyiv wants hostilities frozen along current front lines.

Under one US proposal, parts of Donetsk would become a free economic zone should Ukraine agree to territorial concessions, though the specifics remain unresolved. Zelenskiy told Axios he would consider putting the peace plan to a public referendum if Russia agreed to a 60-day ceasefire to allow Ukraine time to organize the vote. He also called for stronger international pressure on Moscow.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Kyivs version of the proposal differed from discussions between Moscow and Washington but expressed cautious optimism, describing the situation as approaching a “turning point.” The Kremlin confirmed that President Putin’s foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, recently held talks with members of the Trump administration after Russia received US peace proposals, though officials declined to reveal Moscow’s assessment of the documents.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.