Zelenskyy Vows Ukraine’s Resolve to End War Ahead of Trump Meeting Amid Deadly Kyiv Attacks
KYIV, Ukraine — In the midst of a devastating overnight assault on Ukraine’s capital, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed his country’s unwavering commitment to ending the war with Russia, declaring that Ukraine is “willing to do whatever it takes” to achieve peace. The announcement came Saturday, just one day before Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida to discuss a comprehensive 20-point peace proposal aimed at halting the conflict.
Kyiv endured a relentless barrage involving nearly 500 Russian drones, including a significant number of so-called “shahed” drones, alongside 40 missiles, among them the hypersonic Kinzhals, targeting critical energy infrastructure and civilian areas. Local authorities confirmed the attack resulted in at least one death and 27 injuries, with rescue teams searching for individuals trapped beneath the rubble of damaged residential buildings.
In a series of posts on the social media platform X, Zelenskyy condemned the strikes as a stark demonstration of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s true intentions. “There are no other options here. And this is a risk for all countries in the world. Because Russia will not stop, regardless of any agreements, any eloquent messages from them,” Zelenskyy warned. He emphasized that the conflict extends beyond Ukraine’s borders, underscoring the global stakes involved.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Zelenskyy criticized Russia’s actions as contradictory to peace talks, stating that while Russian representatives engage in lengthy negotiations, their attacks speak louder than words. “Kinzhals and ‘shaheds’ speak for them. This is the true attitude of Putin and his inner circle,” he said, accusing Moscow of deliberately prolonging the war and inflicting greater suffering on Ukraine and its allies.
The timing of the attack, coinciding with the approaching Christmas and New Year holidays, was described by Zelenskyy as “sick activity” that targets not only military but also civilian infrastructure, including power plants and homes. He vowed that such aggression “can only be responded to with truly strong steps.”
President Zelenskyy’s upcoming meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago represents a critical moment in Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts. The former U.S. president has expressed a desire to broker peace, and Zelenskyy plans to present a detailed peace plan that could shape the future trajectory of the conflict. The meeting is closely watched by international observers as a potential turning point.
The conflict, which escalated dramatically since Russia’s invasion in 2022, has drawn sustained international attention and support for Ukraine from Western nations. The U.S. Department of State continues to coordinate aid and diplomatic pressure to support Ukraine’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization has reiterated its commitment to Ukraine’s defense and the broader security of Europe.
Humanitarian organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have reported increasing civilian casualties and displacement due to the ongoing hostilities. The recent attacks on Kyiv’s civilian infrastructure highlight the war’s toll on ordinary Ukrainians.
As Zelenskyy prepares to engage directly with Trump, the world watches closely to see whether this dialogue can pave the way for a cessation of hostilities. The stakes remain high, with millions affected by the conflict and the broader implications for international peace and security.
For now, Ukraine’s president remains resolute, calling on the global community to unite against aggression and support a peaceful resolution. “If the whole world – Europe and America – is on our side, together we will stop Putin,” Zelenskyy said, underscoring the critical role of international solidarity in ending the war.
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