Russia launched a major attack on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities with hundreds of missiles and drones on Saturday, ahead of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's crucial meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss a plan to end nearly four years of war.
Zelenskyy described the overnight strike, involving around 500 drones and 40 missiles, as Russia’s response to ongoing peace efforts led by Washington. The attack caused power and heating outages in parts of the capital and left dozens injured, with reports of two fatalities.
“The primary target is Kyiv – energy facilities and civilian infrastructure. Regrettably, there have been hits, and ordinary residential buildings have been damaged,” Zelenskyy said in an update posted on X.
The assault persisted all morning, prompting an almost 10-hour air raid warning for the capital. Officials reported that two individuals lost their lives in Kyiv and its vicinity, while at least 46 others were injured, including two children.
“This is the true attitude of Putin and his inner circle. They do not want to end the war and seek to use every opportunity to cause Ukraine even greater suffering and increase their pressure on others around the world,” Zelenskyy said.
According to Ukrenergo, the state grid operator, Russia targeted several energy facilities, leading to emergency power outages in Kyiv. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stated that approximately 600,000 homes in and around Ukraine's capital experienced power loss. Reuters reported that airports in Rzeszow and Lublin, located in southeastern Poland, were temporarily shut down and subsequently reopened.
Russia's Defense Ministry claimed responsibility for a large-scale attack using precision missiles and drones, targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Despite hitting residential buildings, Russia said the strike was in response to Ukraine's assault on civilian objects. Air defenses also downed 154 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions.
The attacks come a day before Zelenskyy’s meeting with U.S. President Trump to discuss ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Zelenskyy also met with Canadian PM Mark Carney on Saturday. Zelenskyy informed reporters on Friday that a draft document consisting of 20 points aimed at securing a peace agreement is 90% finished.