KYIV, Ukraine — Russia launched a massive pre-dawn missile barrage at Kyiv early this morning, triggering explosions across the capital as air defenses engaged cruise and ballistic threats, Ukrainian officials and witnesses said. The strike came two days before a planned meeting in the United States between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Donald Trump to refine a proposed security accord aimed at ending nearly four years of full-scale war.
Reuters eyewitnesses reported air defense activity over the city, and several unofficial Telegram channels carried reports of blasts. A Ukrainian military Telegram channel said both cruise and ballistic missiles were being deployed. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
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The attack underscored the stakes around the upcoming Zelensky–Trump talks, which Kyiv says are focused on finalizing a 20-point plan for security guarantees with the United States. Zelensky told reporters in a WhatsApp chat that the draft is “almost ready,” about 90% complete, and that “a lot can be decided before the New Year” as Washington drives efforts to halt Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II.
Trump, asked about the proposed accord, told Politico, “He doesn’t have anything until I approve it,” adding, “So we’ll see what he’s got.” Zelensky told Axios that the U.S. side offered a 15-year deal on security guarantees that could be renewed, while Ukraine is seeking a longer-term arrangement. Wary of failed assurances in the past, Kyiv insists any agreement be robust and legally binding to deter future Russian aggression.
Key territorial issues remain a central hurdle. Zelensky said he intends to discuss both the Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant at the meeting. Moscow is demanding Ukraine withdraw from parts of the eastern Donetsk region that Russian forces have not fully occupied as it seeks total control of the Donbas, which comprises Donetsk and Luhansk. Kyiv wants hostilities frozen at current lines.
Seeking a bridge, the United States has proposed a free economic zone if Ukraine agrees to leave parts of Donetsk, according to people familiar with the talks, though no operational details have been disclosed. Zelensky was quoted by Axios as saying that if he cannot secure U.S. backing for Ukraine’s stronger position on land, he would be willing to put the 20-point plan to a national referendum—provided Russia agrees to a 60-day cease-fire to allow for the vote.
European leaders could join the discussions online, Zelensky said. He spoke yesterday with several counterparts, including NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who is seen as close to Trump, about preparations for the talks. Zelensky said his goal with Trump is to “refine” the draft texts and discuss potential economic agreements alongside security guarantees. Trump has signaled he expects the meeting to go well and said he anticipates speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin “soon, as much as I want.”
Russia has signaled its own terms. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Interfax that Kyiv’s 20-point version differs radically from what Moscow has been discussing with Washington, but he suggested Dec. 25, 2025, could be remembered as a turning point bringing the sides closer to a solution. The Kremlin said Putin’s foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov has been in contact with members of the Trump administration after Moscow received U.S. proposals about a possible deal, without stating Moscow’s view of the documents. Kommersant reported that Putin told top business leaders he might consider exchanging some territory held elsewhere in Ukraine in return for the whole of the Donbas.
Even as diplomacy inches forward, the war grinds on. Russia has kept up strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and intensified attacks on the southern Odesa region, home to the country’s main seaports. A Russian strike on the northeastern city of Kharkiv yesterday killed two people, local authorities said. Zelensky said he plans to press Trump for additional pressure on Russia as the talks near.
By Abdiwahab Ahmed
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
