By Harshit
KYIV, DECEMBER 27 —
Heavy Russian Strikes Hit Ukrainian Capital
Polish fighter jets were scrambled near the Ukrainian border overnight after Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults on Kyiv, killing at least one person and injuring 28 others, according to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service.
The attack involved nearly 500 drones and around 40 missiles, Ukrainian officials said, targeting civilian neighbourhoods and energy infrastructure as winter temperatures dropped below freezing.
Images from Kyiv showed apartment buildings torn open by explosions, homes ablaze, and firefighters battling blazes amid falling debris.
Poland Takes Preventative Military Action
In response to the scale of the overnight strikes, Poland placed its air force on high alert. The Polish Armed Forces said fighter jets, air defence units and radar reconnaissance systems were deployed in a “preventative” operation to protect Polish airspace, particularly along areas bordering western Ukraine.
Poland shares a 530-kilometre (320-mile) border with Ukraine and has previously experienced airspace violations during intense phases of the war.
Later on Saturday morning, Polish military officials confirmed there was no breach of Polish airspace, and aircraft were stood down after the threat subsided.
Widespread Power and Heating Outages
The missile and drone barrage caused extensive infrastructure damage across Kyiv. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said thousands of buildings were left without electricity, while many residents also lost heating as temperatures plunged.
Ukraine’s emergency services evacuated 68 elderly residents from a retirement home in the eastern Darnytskyi district after nearby strikes damaged surrounding buildings.
Firefighters reported that several residential blocks suffered partial collapses, while falling debris ignited secondary fires across multiple districts.
Zelensky Accuses Moscow of Undermining Peace Efforts
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, saying they demonstrated that Russia had no genuine interest in ending the war.
“Russian representatives are having long conversations, but in reality the Daggers and Shaheds are speaking for them,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram, referring to Russian Kinzhal missiles and Iranian-designed Shahed drones.
He added: “Russia does not want to end the war and is trying to use every opportunity to inflict more pain on Ukraine.”
Zelensky urged Ukraine’s allies to respond with stronger measures, saying the United States and Europe both had the capacity to deter further Russian aggression.
Russia Claims Drone Interceptions
Russia’s defence ministry said its air defence systems destroyed seven Ukrainian drones overnight, without commenting directly on the scale of the strikes against Kyiv.
Neither side’s claims could be independently verified.
Diplomatic Push Continues Despite Escalation
The escalation comes just days before Zelensky is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday, as Washington attempts to advance peace negotiations.
Zelensky, along with European Union leaders and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, is also expected to hold a phone call later on Saturday to discuss diplomatic options.
Ukraine has recently circulated a revised 20-point peace framework, replacing an earlier 28-point draft prepared with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, which Kyiv believed leaned too heavily in Moscow’s favour.
Security Guarantees and Donbas Remain Sticking Points
Zelensky has described the new draft as a “foundational document” for ending the war. It reportedly includes security guarantees from the US, NATO, and European allies, outlining a coordinated military response should Russia launch another invasion.
Control of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region remains one of the most contentious issues. Zelensky has suggested that the creation of a “free economic zone” in the region could be explored as a compromise, though details remain unclear.
Trump, speaking to Politico, cautioned that no agreement would move forward without his approval. “He doesn’t have anything until I approve it,” Trump said, adding that he expected talks with Vladimir Putin “soon”.
Winter Fighting Raises Humanitarian Fears
As air raids intensify during winter, humanitarian agencies warn that continued attacks on power and heating infrastructure could worsen conditions for millions of civilians.
With temperatures dropping and diplomatic talks still fragile, the overnight strikes underscored the widening gap between battlefield realities and efforts to secure a negotiated end to Europe’s largest conflict since World War II.