Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, came under a powerful and widespread missile and drone attack overnight on December 27, shaking the city and nearby regions with loud explosions and air raid sirens. The attack happened just one day before US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy planned to meet, and observers are closely watching the meeting as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the long-running war.
The overnight strikes once again highlighted the intense pressure facing Ukraine as fighting continues alongside international talks aimed at stopping the conflict.
Kyiv rocked by missiles and drones overnight
According to the Kyiv Independent, Russia launched a large-scale aerial attack on Kyiv and nearby areas overnight, using a mix of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, Iskander ballistic missiles, Kalibr cruise missiles, and drones.
Residents across the capital reported hearing repeated explosions through the night, with blasts also heard in parts of Kyiv Oblast. Ukrainian air defence systems were activated as forces attempted to intercept incoming missiles and drones.
Brovary, a town about 20 kilometres northeast of Kyiv, was among the affected areas. Local authorities reported power outages that left parts of the town and nearby settlements without electricity. Emergency crews were sent to assess damage and restore services.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the attack on Telegram, urging residents to stay in shelters as air defence systems were operating. Ukraine’s Air Force also issued urgent alerts, warning of drones flying over Kyiv, nearby regions, and parts of the Chernihiv region, advising people to take cover.
Attack comes ahead of key Trump-Zelenskyy meeting
The assault drew attention because it occurred just a day before President Zelenskyy plans to meet US President Donald Trump in Florida. Zelenskyy confirmed the meeting earlier this week, saying he would focus on efforts to bring the war closer to an end.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Zelenskyy said the talks could help move discussions toward a settlement, though he cautioned that they should not expect a final agreement immediately. He stressed that both sides would try to resolve as many outstanding issues as possible during the meeting, according to CNN.
Zelenskyy also revealed that a 20-point peace plan developed by US and Ukrainian officials is around 90 per cent ready. He said discussions with Trump would centre on long-term security guarantees for Ukraine and the role of allied countries in maintaining stability once the war ends.
However, Trump has made it clear that he sees himself as a key decision-maker in any peace deal. In an interview quoted by Politico, Trump said that any agreement between Ukraine and Russia would require his approval.
“He doesn’t have anything until I approve it,” Trump said, referring to the proposed deal. “So we’ll see what he’s got.”
The comments underline the high stakes surrounding the meeting, which comes at a time when military actions on the ground continue at full intensity.
Russia claims advances and defends strikes
As Kyiv came under missile and drone attacks, Russia’s Ministry of Defence released a statement describing its recent military operations in Ukraine. According to the ministry, Russian forces have continued advancing along frontlines in southern parts of the country.
In a message posted on Telegram, the ministry said units from the Vostok Group of Forces pushed deeper into Ukrainian defensive positions and captured the settlement of Kosovtsevo in the Zaporizhzhia region. The advance was described as the result of what Russia called “decisive actions” by its troops.
“The Vostok Group’s units continued to advance to the depths of the enemy’s defence and, as a result of decisive actions, liberated the settlement of Kosovtsevo in Zaporozhye region,” the statement said.
The Russian Defence Ministry also outlined a series of large-scale strikes carried out between December 20 and December 26. According to the statement, Russian forces conducted one “massive” strike and five “group” strikes during this period. These attacks reportedly included the use of Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched ballistic missiles.
Azerbaijani Embassy damaged as Kyiv hit by night of terror in massive missile and drone strike
Russia said it launched the strikes in response to what it described as Ukrainian attacks on civilian infrastructure inside the Russian Federation. The ministry said its forces targeted enterprises linked to Ukraine’s defence industry and the energy facilities supplying those operations.
The statement added that Russian forces also struck transport networks, airfields, ports, and depot infrastructure that the Ukrainian Armed Forces allegedly used. Russia also said it targeted assembly sites and storage areas for long-range strike drones, fuel and military equipment depots, and temporary deployment areas used by Ukrainian forces and foreign fighters.
The developments highlighted the continued intensity of military activity as diplomatic efforts to address the conflict remained underway.