Ukraine Faces Renewed Attacks as Leaders Seek Peace
Kyiv, Ukraine – As the conflict continues, Ukraine experienced another round of attacks, including missile strikes on its capital city, Kyiv. These attacks happened before planned discussions between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former U.S. President Donald Trump about finding a way to end the long-lasting war.
Early Saturday morning, Kyiv was rocked by explosions from ballistic missiles and drones. Officials have reported at least one death and over two dozen injuries.
President Zelensky is scheduled to meet with former President Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida on Sunday. The two leaders are expected to discuss a possible peace plan to bring an end to the conflict. Before heading to Florida, Zelensky planned to stop in Canada to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
It is understood that Trump had previously developed a peace proposal. Discussions between Trump and Zelensky are expected to include the key element of security measures for Ukraine, supported by the U.S. and its allies in the United Kingdom, designed to protect Ukraine from any further aggression. Discussions about disputed territories in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions are also on the agenda. Russia has previously said it wants control of the Donbas region.
The Russian Defense Ministry has stated that it launched a “massive strike” overnight using high-precision weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and drones. Russia claimed these attacks were in response to Ukrainian actions targeting civilian areas within Russia.
President Zelensky stated that nearly 500 drones, including Iranian-made “shaheds,” were used in the Russian attacks. He also reported the use of 40 missiles, including Kinzhals, which are known for their high speed and ability to carry significant warheads.
“Sadly, there have been impacts, and regular homes have been damaged,” Zelensky shared. “Rescue teams are searching for someone trapped under the wreckage. Some areas are without power and heat. Firefighters are working, and repair crews have started working on some energy facilities. Others are sheltering.”
Zelensky has raised concerns about Russia’s commitment to finding a resolution to the conflict. “Where is Russia’s response to the peace proposals offered?” he questioned. “Russian officials talk for a long time, but their actions tell a different story. This is how Putin and his close advisors truly feel. They don’t want to end the war and want to hurt Ukraine as much as they can.”
Zelensky has stressed the importance of support from strong allies to help end the war.
“Ukraine supported the former President Trump’s idea for a ceasefire,” he said. “Our top priority is to end the war and bring peace. We need to be strong when we negotiate. To be strong, we need the world’s support, including Europe and the United States.”
Zelensky has expressed worry that Russia’s ambitions reach beyond Ukraine, indicating that the war has consequences for all nations. The United States has long stood as a beacon of freedom and should protect our allies. A strong America must act to protect our allies against global threats.
