Russian attack on Kyiv as Zelenskyy's advisers head to US for negotiations

LONDON and KHARKIV, Ukraine In the early hours of Sunday, Russia carried out a lethal aerial assault on Ukraines capital, resulting in at least one fatality, 19 injuries, and significant damage to residential areas, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"Emergency teams are actively responding in Vyshhorod in the Kyiv region following the drone attack," Zelenskyy posted on social media. "Numerous residential buildings were struck and damaged."

The incident occurred as Zelenskyys senior advisors headed to the United States for critical discussions with the Trump administration about a proposed peace framework between Russia and Ukraine. White House special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to visit Moscow next week to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Ukrainian delegation is expected in Florida on Sunday, where Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Witkoff, and Jared Kushner are slated to lead negotiations. Ukraine aims to secure its strongest position ahead of Witkoffs meeting with Putin. Skepticism remains over whether Putin would agree to any deal acceptable to Kyiv, as he has publicly dismissed talks with Zelenskyy as "pointless."

High-Stakes Negotiations Resume

Sunday marks the first major U.S.-Ukraine discussions since their previous session in Geneva. The U.S. had initially proposed a 28-point plan, later reduced to 19 points through negotiation, though key issues remain unresolved, including potential territorial concessions and Ukraines future NATO aspirations.

Leading the Ukrainian delegation is Rustem Umerov, head of the National Security Council. His role follows the resignation of Zelenskyys Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak amid a corruption controversy, leaving the president without a close aide at a critical moment.

Umerov has been questioned by investigators regarding the scandal but faces no formal charges, according to Reuters and local media reports.

On Sunday morning, Zelenskyy reported that in the past week Russia launched approximately 1,400 drones, 66 missiles, and over a thousand aerial bombs against Ukraine, highlighting the intensification of the Russian air campaign during ongoing peace negotiations.

"This underscores the urgent need to strengthen Ukraines resilience every day," Zelenskyy said. "Missiles and air-defense systems are vital, alongside active engagement with our partners for peace. Real, dependable solutions are essential to ending this war. I thank all who are contributing."

Author: Sophia Brooks