What’s going on
- Russian forces launched a large barrage against Kyiv on Dec. 27. Ukrainian officials said the attack used air-delivered weapons, including drones and missiles.
- Ukraine's air defenses engaged targets over the capital. Local authorities reported impacts in Kyiv, along with damage from falling debris in several areas.
- Ukrainian energy officials said the attack struck energy infrastructure. Ukraine's power system has been repeatedly targeted since 2022, with strikes often timed around winter demand.
- Emergency services in Kyiv responded to fires and damaged buildings. City officials urged residents to use shelters during air-raid alerts and avoid damaged sites.
- Ukraine's national government said the strikes were part of Russia's ongoing campaign against cities and critical infrastructure. Kyiv continues to ask Western partners for more air-defense systems and interceptors.
- The attack came one day before planned talks between Zelenskiy and Trump. The agenda and format were not fully confirmed publicly.
Why it matters
- The strikes disrupted daily life in the capital and added pressure on air defenses and emergency services. Damage to energy facilities can trigger outages and complicate repairs during winter.
- The attack also comes at a sensitive political moment. Any meeting involving a wartime leader and a leading U.S. political figure draws attention, with U.S. military and financial support still central to Ukraine's defense.