Volodymyr Zelensky has launched a scathing attack on Vladimir Putin, accusing the Russian leader of shunning peace just hours before a pivotal meeting with US President Donald Trump. The accusation follows a brutal ten-hour aerial bombardment of Kyiv—the longest this year—as Ukraine fights to bolster its diplomatic leverage ahead of potential peace talks.
Kyiv battered by massive drone and missile swarm
The Russian assault on the capital and surrounding regions killed at least two people and wounded 44, including two children. Ukraine’s air force reported an onslaught of 519 drones and 40 missiles in a single night.
The strikes targeted energy and civilian infrastructure, cutting off heating to over 40% of homes in Kyiv during freezing temperatures. Emergency services reported fires in apartment blocks and car workshops, forcing the evacuation of an elderly care home while sirens wailed throughout the day.
“Putin wants war, not peace”
Speaking in Nova Scotia alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Zelensky stated the attacks prove Moscow has no interest in ending the conflict.
«We want peace. He is a man of war,» Zelensky declared. He noted that while Russian officials claim to be talking to the US, in reality, «it is the Kinzhal missiles and Shahed drones doing the talking.»
Security guarantees: The Trump meeting
Zelensky is flying to Florida to secure legally binding security guarantees to ensure Ukraine is not left vulnerable after any future peace deal. He is looking for a «clear signal» from Donald Trump that Ukraine will be protected.
Trump, speaking to Politico, expressed cautious optimism about the meeting but asserted his dominance in the negotiations, stating: «Zelensky has nothing if I don’t approve it.» Trump also confirmed he expects to speak with Vladimir Putin shortly.
Global diplomatic marathon
Zelensky has already coordinated with NATO and leaders in Germany, Finland, Denmark, and Estonia, stressing that European air defence support remains critical. In Canada, Mark Carney announced a fresh $2.5 billion (CAD) financial aid package, a move expected to unlock an additional $8.4 billion in IMF loans for Kyiv.
The peace plan deadlock
The Ukrainian leader admitted that the Kremlin has not officially responded to the latest peace proposal. Currently, talks are filtered through Washington. The original 28-point plan—widely criticised as too favourable to Russia—has been trimmed to 20 points. Zelensky described this as a «fundamental document» for ending the war.
However, Moscow’s demands remain immovable:
Ukraine must abandon its NATO ambitions.
Ukrainian forces must fully withdraw from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which Russia illegally annexed in 2022.
A NATO official summed up the tension surrounding the Florida summit, noting that «there is no low-risk scenario when dealing with Trump.»
(information from protothema.gr)
