Russian Drones and Missiles Hit Ukraine Ahead of Zelenskiy

Russia launched a fresh wave of drone and missile attacks across Ukraine overnight, striking multiple regions just days before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is expected to hold high-stakes talks with former U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian officials said on Friday.

Air raid sirens sounded across large parts of the country as Ukrainian air defence units scrambled to intercept incoming drones and missiles. Authorities reported explosions in several cities, including areas near key energy infrastructure, heightening concerns about renewed pressure on Ukraine’s already strained power grid as winter deepens.

Ukraine’s air force said Russia deployed a mix of Iranian-designed Shahed drones and cruise missiles in what officials described as a coordinated and sustained assault. While many projectiles were intercepted, debris caused damage to residential buildings and infrastructure, and emergency services were deployed to multiple locations. Casualty figures were still being assessed at the time of reporting.

The attacks come at a politically sensitive moment for Kyiv. President Zelenskiy is preparing for a crucial meeting with Donald Trump, who remains a dominant figure in U.S. politics and a potential future decision-maker on military aid to Ukraine. The talks are expected to focus on continued Western support, battlefield developments, and Ukraine’s long-term security guarantees.

Analysts say the timing of the strikes may be intended to strengthen Moscow’s negotiating position and signal its ability to sustain pressure despite Western sanctions and Ukraine’s improvements in air defence. Russia has not commented directly on the latest barrage, but it has previously said it targets military and energy facilities, a claim Ukraine disputes.

The escalation underscores the fragile state of the conflict as winter conditions complicate military operations and humanitarian needs grow. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned that Russia is attempting to exploit energy vulnerabilities to undermine civilian morale.

Western allies condemned the attacks, with several European leaders reiterating support for Ukraine and calling for continued military assistance. Markets reacted cautiously to the news, with energy prices edging higher amid fears of broader regional instability.

As Ukraine braces for further strikes, attention is turning to whether upcoming diplomatic engagements can influence the war’s trajectory or whether the conflict is entering another phase of intensified confrontation.

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