Russian forces targeted Ukraine's capital with hypersonic missiles and drones overnight Saturday, killing two civilians and injuring 46, in one of the most intense attacks this month. The strike comes a day before Ukrainian and U.S. leaders are set to meet in Florida for peace talks scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
Escalation Before Diplomacy
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed a "massive strike" using Kinzhal hypersonic aeroballistic missiles and sea-based precision weapons, claiming it targeted energy infrastructure linked to Ukraine's military operations. Kyiv endured nearly 10 hours of air raid alerts, with residential buildings reportedly damaged despite Moscow's insistence on focusing on military sites.
Energy Infrastructure Crippled
Acting Energy Minister Artem Nekrasov reported over 500,000 residents in Kyiv and surrounding areas lost electricity, with 22,000 consumers in Chernihiv still without power. Critical energy facilities sustained heavy damage, compounding Ukraine's winter energy challenges.
Diplomatic Implications
Sunday's scheduled talks in Florida mark the first high-level U.S.-Ukraine meeting since October 2025, with security guarantees and postwar reconstruction expected to dominate discussions. Analysts suggest the timing of Russia's attack aims to weaken Kyiv's negotiating position ahead of the summit.
