### Escalating Tensions: Russia's Missile Assault on Kyiv Ahead of Zelensky-Trump Peace Talks On December 27, 2025, Russia launched a significant missile and drone attack on Kyiv, resulting in at least one death and injuring 27 others. This assault occurred just hours before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida to discuss a potential peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The attack targeted residential buildings and key energy facilities, leading to widespread power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of residents in the capital [https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/world/kyiv-attacked-zelenskyy-trump-peace-talks-q06aq0ub][https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/12/27/russia-strikes-kyiv-overnight-killing-one-person-and-knocking-out-power-to-hundreds-of-thousands_6748870_4.html]. ### Structure of the Response: Key Segments 1. **Overview of the Attack**: Details of the missile and drone strikes on Kyiv, including casualties and damage. 2. **Context of the Peace Talks**: Background on the upcoming meeting between Zelensky and Trump, including its significance. 3. **Reactions and Implications**: Responses from Ukrainian officials and the potential impact on diplomatic efforts. 4. **Broader Military Context**: Insights into the ongoing conflict and Russia's military strategy. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Casualties**: At least **1 dead** and **27 injured**, including children, due to the missile strikes [https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/zelenskys-strong-warning-after-putins-36461313][https://www.rediff.com/news/report/russian-missiles-hit-kyiv-ahead-of-trump-zelenskyy-meet/20251227.htm]. - **Power Outages**: Hundreds of thousands left without electricity following the attacks [https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/russian-barrage-on-kyiv-kills-one-leaves-hundreds-of-thousands-without-power]. - **Military Assets Used**: The attack involved **over 500 drones** and **40 missiles**, including advanced Kinzhal hypersonic weapons [https://moneycontrol.com/world/zelensky-heads-to-us-to-meet-trump-as-russia-bombards-kyiv-article-13745117.html]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Attack Overview**: Russia's missile and drone assault on Kyiv resulted in significant casualties and infrastructure damage, highlighting the ongoing violence in the region. 2. **Context of Peace Talks**: The timing of the attack, just before Zelensky's meeting with Trump, raises questions about Russia's intentions regarding peace negotiations. 3. **Reactions**: Zelensky condemned the attack, asserting that it demonstrates Russia's lack of interest in ending the war [https://firstpost.com/world/zelensky-says-russia-has-no-intention-to-end-war-as-kyiv-reels-from-deadly-drone-strike-13963342.html]. 4. **Military Strategy**: The scale and coordination of the attack suggest a calculated military strategy by Russia to assert dominance and disrupt diplomatic efforts [https://www.kyivindependent.com/russias-mass-missile-attack-targets-kyiv-ahead-of-upcoming-trump-zelensky-meeting]. In conclusion, the recent missile strikes on Kyiv not only underscore the ongoing conflict but also complicate diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving peace between Ukraine and Russia. The situation remains fluid, with significant implications for both regional stability and international relations.