Russia pummels Ukraine ahead of key Zelensky-Trump meeting

Russia attacked Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine with hundreds of missiles and drones on Saturday, ahead of what President Volodymyr Zelensky said would be a crucial meeting with US President Donald Trump to work out a plan to end nearly four years of war, Reuters reported.

- Agencies

A drone hits an apartment building during a Russian missile and drone strike, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Saturday.

(REUTERS)

Zelensky cast the vast overnight attack, which he said involved about 500 drones and 40 missiles and knocked out power and heat in parts of the capital, as Russia's response to the ongoing peace efforts brokered by Washington.

The Ukrainian leader has said Sunday's talks in Florida would focus on security guarantees and territorial control once fighting ends in Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two, started by Russia’s 2022 invasion of its smaller neighbour, Reuters reported.

The attack continued throughout the morning, and a nearly 10-hour air raid alert for the capital only ended at 11:20 local time (0920 GMT). Authorities said two people were killed in Kyiv and the surrounding region, while at least 46 people were wounded, including two children. “Today, Russia demonstrated how it responds to peaceful negotiations between Ukraine and the United States to end Russia’s war against Ukraine,” Zelensky said.

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