Russia Launches Missile and Drone Attacks on Kyiv Ahead of Zelenskiy–Trump Talks on Ending War

Russia launched a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and several other regions of Ukraine early on Saturday, intensifying pressure ahead of what President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described as a critical meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at finding a pathway to end nearly four years of war.

The strikes came just hours after Zelenskiy confirmed that he would travel to Florida on Sunday for talks with Trump, where discussions are expected to focus on a potential ceasefire framework, including sensitive questions about territorial control once hostilities are halted. Zelenskiy said the negotiations would address which areas would remain under Ukrainian or Russian control following any agreement to stop the fighting that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Residents in Kyiv reported hearing loud explosions overnight as Ukraine’s air defence systems were activated to intercept incoming threats. The Ukrainian military said on the Telegram messaging app that Russia had fired missiles toward the capital, while the air force confirmed that swarms of Russian drones were also targeting Kyiv, along with regions in northeastern and southern Ukraine.

Air raid sirens sounded across the capital, and the alert remained in place for more than four hours, underscoring the scale and persistence of the attack. While authorities said there were no immediate reports of major damage, casualties, or power outages, emergency services remained on high alert and continued to assess the situation.

The latest assault highlights Russia’s continued use of long-range strikes as the conflict drags on, even as diplomatic efforts appear to be gaining momentum. With Ukraine’s leadership signaling openness to discussions on a negotiated settlement, the timing of the attacks has raised concerns about escalating military pressure ahead of key political talks that could shape the future course of the war.