Russia initiates biggest air attack on Ukraine in a month as delegation from Kyiv travels for peace talks in the US

Russia launched its most intense wave of drones and missile attacks in a month across Ukraine, resulting in at least three fatalities, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday. The escalation coincides with a Kyiv delegation traveling to the United States to discuss new peace negotiations.

Diplomatic activity intensified after a peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump alarmed Kyiv due to its strong tilt toward Russia. Leading the Ukrainian delegation is Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defense Council, appointed by Zelensky following the resignation of his top aide on Friday. The delegation intends to build on progress made in Geneva, where Kyiv and European allies presented an alternative proposal.

A White House official confirmed to CNN that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner will meet the Ukrainian delegation in Miami, Florida this weekend. On Air Force One en route to Florida, Trump remarked, Id like to see it end You know what the deadline for me is? When its over.

Zelensky stated in his Saturday night address that the US approach is constructive ahead of the talks and noted, In the coming days it is feasible to flesh out the steps to determine how to bring the war to a dignified end.

On Friday night into Saturday, Moscow launched roughly 36 missiles and nearly 600 drones against Ukraine. Major sections of Kyiv are without electricity. The main targets of the assault were energy infrastructure and civilian sites, with significant damage and fires in residential buildings. We currently have reports of dozens injured and three killed, Zelensky said. The Ukrainian Air Force reported intercepting the majority of incoming projectiles, which included Iranian-made Shahed drones and Russian long-range Gerbera drones.

According to Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, the strikes damaged residential areas and critical energy infrastructure. Local authorities reported two deaths in Kyiv, including a 42-year-old man, and 38 injured, including a child. A 74-year-old woman died in the Kyiv region. Kyiv was under air raid alert for over ten hours, with drones and explosions audible throughout the city.

Images from Reuters showed emergency personnel responding to multi-story buildings with shattered windows and scorched facades. Poland deployed jets and air defense systems as a precautionary measure. Ukraines energy ministry reported that more than 600,000 consumers lost power due to the attack, including over 500,000 in Kyiv. Later updates indicated that approximately 360,000 households had electricity restored.

The Ukrainian delegation continues discussions on the US-drafted peace plan. Following the resignation of Zelenskys chief of staff Andriy Yermak amid an anti-corruption investigation, Umerov was appointed to lead the talks. Umerov will engage with the US, other international partners, and Russian representatives to pursue a just and lasting peace. Ukraine continues its systematic and constructive diplomatic work for the sake of a dignified peace, Zelensky emphasized.

Zelensky is scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday. Additionally, a US team is expected in Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin next week. Putin previously suggested the original proposal could form the basis for future agreements but indicated a deal would require Kyiv to withdraw from some eastern areas, warning military action otherwise.

Author’s Analysis: Escalation Amid Diplomacy

Russia’s latest wave of drone and missile attacks marks the most intense strike on Ukraine in a month, resulting in at least three civilian fatalities and widespread damage to energy infrastructure. The assault coincides with a critical moment for Kyiv, as its delegation, now led by Rustem Umerov, travels to the United States to negotiate on a new peace framework.

The timing underscores a troubling pattern: military escalation often intensifies alongside diplomatic efforts. Ukrainian officials report that around 600 drones and 36 missiles targeted both civilian and energy sites, leaving large parts of Kyiv without electricity and causing dozens of injuries. The Ukrainian Air Force intercepted most projectiles, but the scale of the attacks highlights Russia’s continued operational capacity.

Diplomatically, the US-drafted peace plan has prompted cautious engagement from Kyiv, with President Zelensky describing Washington’s approach as “constructive.” The delegation seeks to expand on prior proposals from Geneva, aiming for a just and dignified resolution. At the same time, high-level meetings—including planned talks with French President Macron and a US team in Moscow—signal continued international involvement, despite ongoing hostilities.

This juxtaposition of heightened military aggression and active diplomacy illustrates the complex environment in which Ukraine negotiates. The situation remains fluid, and any progress toward peace will need to account for Russia’s demonstrated willingness to escalate attacks even as talks proceed.

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• Russia launches largest aerial assault on Ukraine in a month as Kyiv delegation heads for US peace talks