Russia launched a major wave of missile and drone strikes across Ukraine on Saturday, targeting Kyiv and several other regions. The escalation comes just hours before a pivotal meeting in Florida between President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at drafting a deal to end the nearly four-year-old conflict.
Explosions were reported in Kyiv as air defenses engaged incoming missiles. The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that drones also targeted northeastern and southern regions.
These attacks follow a heavy strike on Thursday that damaged Ukraine's energy grid and targeted the strategic port city of Odesa.
While air raid alerts lasted for hours, there were no immediate reports of power outages or significant structural damage following the Saturday morning strikes.
President Zelenskiy revealed that a U.S.-driven peace plan is approximately 90% complete. However, several critical "stumbling blocks" remain:
Russia demands Ukraine's withdrawal from specific areas in Donetsk. Conversely, Kyiv seeks a cessation of hostilities at the current front lines.
The U.S. has proposed a 15-year security deal, but Zelenskiy is pushing for a longer-term, legally binding agreement to prevent future aggression.
A U.S. proposal includes the creation of a Free Economic Zone if Ukraine vacates parts of the Donetsk region.
Zelenskiy stated he might put the final peace plan to a national referendum, provided Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire to facilitate the vote.
President Trump emphasized that the U.S. is the primary driver of the process, stating, "He [Zelenskiy] doesn't have anything until I approve it." Meanwhile, the Kremlin confirmed it has received U.S. proposals and expressed cautious optimism, with Russian officials suggesting the conflict has reached a "turning point."
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