KYIV, Ukraine — A deadly barrage of Russian missiles and drones struck Ukraine’s capital in the early hours of Saturday, resulting in multiple casualties and infrastructure damage just as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict intensified. According to Kyiv’s military administration, the assault killed at least two civilians and wounded 29 others, with falling debris from intercepted drones causing significant damage to residential structures in the western districts.
The attack coincided with preparations for high-stakes peace negotiations between Ukrainian and American officials scheduled for the weekend. An anonymous official from Ukraine’s presidential administration confirmed that diplomatic teams were set to meet in the United States, followed by anticipated talks between U.S. representatives and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow later next week.
This diplomatic push follows former President Donald Trump’s recently unveiled 28-point peace proposal, which has drawn criticism for its perceived favorability toward Russian interests. The proposal prompted urgent consultations from European leaders concerned about the implications of potential concessions to Moscow.
In a related development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the resignation of his chief of staff Andrii Yermak, who also served as lead negotiator with U.S. counterparts. The departure followed an unprecedented anti-corruption search of Yermak’s residence, creating potential complications for Ukraine’s negotiating position during a period of intense diplomatic pressure.
Trump confirmed the deployment of special envoys Steve Witkoff and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to facilitate discussions with Russian and Ukrainian officials respectively, while suggesting the possibility of direct leader-level talks pending progress in preliminary negotiations.