UPDATE: Kyiv has been struck by one of the most intense attacks in months, as Russian forces launched an estimated 500 drones and 40 missiles, including powerful Kinzhal missiles, early Saturday morning. This devastating assault comes just ahead of a crucial meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former U.S. President Donald Trump, scheduled for Sunday in Florida.
The strikes targeted critical infrastructure, including power stations and residential buildings, resulting in at least 22 injuries, including two children, with 12 individuals hospitalized. Tragically, in the wider Kyiv oblast, a woman has been reported dead, as rescue workers continue to search for individuals trapped under debris from damaged apartment buildings.
More than 2,600 apartment buildings and numerous schools are without heating, and around 320,000 homes in the region have lost electricity. The TPP-5 power plant in Kyiv and the Bila Tserkva plant were also hit, marking a concerted effort by Russia to undermine Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during the harsh winter months.
Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, labeling them as Russia’s “answer” to ongoing peace efforts. He urged Western nations to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, emphasizing the urgent need for support.
Earlier this week, the situation escalated further, with at least seven fatalities and 39 injuries reported after a night of intense drone exchanges between Russia and Ukraine. Zelenskyy expressed his distress over the relentless strikes, stating, “Unfortunately, even on Christmas Eve and during Christmas night, the Russian army did not stop its brutal strikes against Ukraine.”
As the Ukrainian President prepares for his meeting with Trump, discussions will focus on significant territorial issues and security guarantees, pivotal topics in the ongoing conflict. This diplomatic engagement is part of a broader U.S.-led initiative to seek resolution, despite the backdrop of escalating violence.
The international community is closely monitoring this situation, as the ramifications of these attacks extend beyond immediate casualties, affecting the stability of the region and the prospects for peace.
With the urgency of the situation escalating, all eyes are now on the upcoming Trump-Zelenskyy talks, which aim to forge a path toward de-escalation and recovery for Ukraine.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
