500 Drones Before Peace Talks: Russia Pounds Ukraine Ahead of Trump-Zelenskyy Summit

They're talking peace, but the sky is falling. Just as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares for a high-stakes meeting with Donald Trump in Florida, Russia has delivered a brutal response to the ongoing diplomatic efforts. According to Reuters, an overnight barrage of hundreds of drones and missiles has left a million households in the dark and the capital shivering.

A Million Homes in the Dark

On December 27, 2025, Russia launched approximately 500 drones and 40 missiles targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The 10-hour air raid left 2 people dead and at least 46 wounded in the Kyiv region. With temperatures hovering at 0 degrees Celsius, over 40% of the capital's residential buildings are currently without heat.

Zelenskyy framed the attack as a clear signal from Moscow regarding the upcoming negotiations brokered by the United States. "Today, Russia demonstrated how it responds to peaceful negotiations," he told reporters. Meanwhile, in Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged $2.5 billion Canadian dollars in aid, calling the strikes a display of "barbarism."

The 20-Point Gamble

The diplomatic focus now shifts to a 20-point draft document that is reportedly 90% complete. This plan, a cornerstone of the U.S. push to end the war, hinges on two major sticking points: security guarantees and territorial control in the Donetsk region.

• Security Gaps: The U.S. has offered a 15-year deal, but Kyiv is holding out for a longer, legally binding agreement.
• Territorial Concessions: Trump has proposed a free economic zone if Ukraine pulls back from parts of Donetsk. Zelenskyy suggests a referendum may be necessary if a 60-day ceasefire can be secured first.