Russia Strikes Ukraine Ahead of Zelenskiy-Trump Peace Talks

Post by : Saif

Russia launched drone and missile attacks on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine on Saturday, just before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s scheduled meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The talks in Florida are aimed at negotiating a possible deal to end the nearly four-year war, which began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

Explosions were reported in Kyiv as Ukrainian air defence systems went into action. Missiles targeted the capital and regions in the northeast and south, while drones struck multiple areas. Authorities kept an air raid alert in place for several hours. So far, there have been no immediate reports of damage or power outages.

Territory control remains the most difficult issue in peace negotiations. Zelenskiy said a 20-point draft peace plan, prepared with U.S. support, is nearly 90% complete. The plan includes security guarantees between Ukraine and the United States, which are considered crucial after past agreements in the region failed to prevent further aggression. Zelenskiy emphasized that “a lot can be decided before the New Year.”

Trump confirmed the U.S. is driving the peace process. He said he expects productive discussions with Zelenskiy and hopes to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon. Kyiv is pushing for long-term, legally binding security guarantees, while the U.S. has offered a 15-year deal that could be renewed.

Other key issues include control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, currently under Russian occupation, and the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Moscow wants Ukraine to withdraw from certain areas of Donetsk, while Kyiv insists fighting should stop along the current frontlines. The United States has proposed creating a free economic zone if Ukraine agrees to leave parts of Donetsk, though details are still being worked out.

Zelenskiy has also suggested that if the U.S. does not support Ukraine’s position on territory, the peace plan could be put to a public referendum, provided Russia agrees to a temporary 60-day ceasefire to allow for voting preparations.

Russian officials have acknowledged differences with Ukraine’s version of the peace plan but expressed cautious optimism. Sergei Ryabkov, Russia’s deputy foreign minister, described the negotiations as reaching a “turning point,” while Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed discussions with U.S. officials over the proposals.

The attacks underscore the urgency of the peace talks. While diplomacy moves forward, millions of Ukrainians continue to face danger and uncertainty as fighting and missile strikes disrupt daily life. The upcoming Zelenskiy-Trump meeting will be closely watched worldwide, as it could shape the next steps toward ending the conflict and securing lasting stability in the region.

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