Kyiv: Ukraine’s capital experienced a tense night after a wave of missile and drone strikes triggered explosions across Kyiv and nearby areas, coming just a day before a planned meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump. The attack added fresh urgency to diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the prolonged conflict.
Local and international monitoring groups reported that multiple types of missiles were launched toward Kyiv during the overnight assault, accompanied by unmanned aerial vehicles. Air defence systems were activated across the city as blasts were heard in several districts and surrounding parts of Kyiv region.
Authorities confirmed that parts of Brovary, a city northeast of Kyiv, were hit by the strikes, resulting in electricity outages that affected residents and nearby communities. Emergency services were deployed to assess damage and restore essential services.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko alerted residents through social media, urging them to remain in shelters as air defence units worked to intercept incoming threats. Ukraine’s Air Force also issued repeated warnings throughout the night, cautioning of drones moving over the capital and neighbouring regions, including parts of Chernihiv and eastern Kyiv Oblast.
The escalation unfolded shortly after President Zelenskyy confirmed that he would meet President Trump in Florida to discuss pathways toward a possible settlement. Zelenskyy has indicated that while immediate breakthroughs are unlikely, the talks could help narrow differences, particularly on long-term security guarantees and post-war stability.
US officials have previously suggested that a draft peace framework is nearing completion, though Trump has maintained that any final agreement would require his approval. The timing of the attack has raised concerns about further destabilisation as diplomatic discussions intensify.
Meanwhile, Russia’s defence ministry claimed its forces continue to make gains on southern fronts and said the latest strikes were carried out in response to alleged Ukrainian attacks inside Russian territory. Moscow stated that military infrastructure and defence-linked facilities were among the targets, using a combination of advanced missile systems.
As air raid sirens fade and daylight reveals the extent of the damage, Kyiv remains on high alert, with residents bracing for further developments both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.
