Russia continued its intense assault on Kyiv, forcing Ukraine to respond on both the battlefield and the diplomatic front. As the attacks unfolded, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy began his journey to Florida, where he is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump to discuss a possible peace plan.

Before leaving for the United States, Zelenskyy said Russia launched nearly 500 drones and 40 missiles, including ballistic missiles, in an overnight attack on the Ukrainian capital.

He said the strikes focused mainly on civilian areas and key infrastructure.

Energy Sites and Civilian Areas Targeted

Zelenskyy described the damage in a post on X, saying, “The primary target is Kyiv – energy facilities and civilian infrastructure.”

Another Russian attack is still ongoing: since last night, there have been almost 500 drones – a large number of “shaheds” – as well as 40 missiles, including Kinzhals. The primary target is Kyiv – energy facilities and civilian infrastructure. Regrettably, there have been hits,… pic.twitter.com/OxBntAUgla

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 27, 2025

Ukrainian officials said the overnight assault lasted 10 hours. One person was killed, while two dozen others were injured. The attack added to the growing toll of a war that has now stretched close to four years and claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Zelenskyy is expected to hold a face-to-face meeting with Trump on Sunday. Trump has said he has a plan to end the prolonged conflict.

Stop in Canada Brings Fresh Financial Support

Before heading to Florida, Zelenskyy made a stop in Canada, where he met Prime Minister Mark Carney. During the visit, Carney announced $2.5 billion (£1.85 billion) in additional economic aid for Ukraine.

While addressing reporters, Carney strongly criticised the Russian assault and called the overnight attack on Kyiv “barbaric”.

He also spoke about the prospects of peace, saying, “We have the conditions, the possibility, for the just and lasting peace.” He added that this would require a “willing Russia”.

European Leaders Briefed Ahead of Trump Meeting

Zelenskyy also held a video conference with European leaders before his Florida talks. European capitals are closely watching the upcoming meeting, which is expected to take place at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence.

During the call, French President Emmanuel Macron pointed to what he described as a clear difference between the two sides. Elysee officials said Macron highlighted the “contrast” between “the willingness of Ukraine to build a lasting peace and Russia’s determination to prolong the war that it started”.

EU Reaffirms Long-Term Support for Ukraine

Senior European Union leaders also reiterated their backing for Ukraine. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa said the bloc’s support would remain firm.

Von der Leyen said on Saturday, “In 2026, the EU Commission will continue to keep up the pressure on the Kremlin, sustain our support to Ukraine, and work intensely to accompany Ukraine on its path toward EU membership,”

Zelenskyy said he plans to speak again with European leaders after his meeting with Trump.

Zelenskyy Says Pressure on Russia Is Not Enough

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy told reporters that the latest strikes show international pressure on Moscow is still falling short. He warned that Russia is even turning festive periods into moments of destruction.

“If Russia turns even the Christmas and New Year period into a time of destroyed homes and burnt apartments, of ruined power plants, then this sick activity can only be responded to with truly strong steps,” he said.

He added that the world has the tools to act, saying, “The United States has this capability. Europe has this capability. Many of our partners have this capability. The key is to use it,"

Russia Claims Drone Interceptions and Territorial Gains

Meanwhile, Russia’s Defence Ministry said it shot down 111 Ukrainian drones, calling it a response to Ukrainian actions. Moscow also claimed on Saturday that its forces had captured two more towns in eastern Ukraine, Myrmorod and Guliaipole.

These claims came as fighting continued along multiple frontlines.

Peace Plan Nearly Finalised, Says Zelenskyy

Zelenskyy said his meeting with Trump is “specifically intended to refine things as much as we possibly can."

Speaking on Friday, he revealed that a proposed 20-point peace plan is close to completion. “Our goal is to bring everything to 100%,” Zelenskyy said.

“As of today, our teams – the Ukrainian and American negotiating teams – have made significant progress.”

Ukraine Says Russia Responds to Peace With Violence

After Saturday’s strikes, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Moscow’s actions show its attitude toward peace efforts.

He said Russia’s “only response to peace efforts” was “brutal attacks using hundreds of drones and missiles against Kyiv and other cities and regions”.

Sybiha added that one-third of Kyiv was left without heating. At the time, temperatures in the city hovered around 0°C (32F).

Diplomatic Push Continues Ahead of Florida Meeting

The current peace push follows intense diplomacy last weekend in Miami. During those talks, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner separately met Russian and Ukrainian representatives to explore the possibility of a negotiated settlement.

With expectations running high, attention is now focused on the Florida meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, which could shape the next phase of the conflict and future peace efforts.