Poland activated fighter jets along its border with Ukraine after Kyiv was hit by an intense wave of Russian missile and drone attacks overnight. Ukraine’s State Emergency Service reported that the strikes left at least one person dead and 28 others injured.
The Polish military described the deployment as a precaution to secure its skies, using jets, radar systems, and ground air defenses near areas considered at risk.
By Saturday morning, authorities confirmed that Poland’s airspace had not been breached.
The Russian offensive targeted Kyiv’s civilian and energy infrastructure, with President Volodymyr Zelensky reporting almost 500 drones and 40 missiles aimed at the capital.
Images circulating online showed apartment buildings with large holes and fires consuming homes, while thousands of residents were left without electricity and heating amid freezing temperatures.
In Kyiv’s Darnytskyi district, 68 residents were evacuated from a retirement facility as emergency services scrambled to provide relief. Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned that a growing number of households were now facing life-threatening conditions without power or heat.
Zelensky criticized Moscow in a Telegram post, stating, "Russian representatives are having long conversations, but in reality the Daggers [missiles] and Shaheds [drones] are speaking for them."
He added, "This sick activity can only be responded to with really strong steps. America has this opportunity, Europe has this opportunity, many of our partners have this opportunity."
Diplomatic efforts continue despite the attacks. Zelensky is scheduled to meet former US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday, while also joining EU leaders and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in discussions over Ukraine’s path to peace.
The Ukrainian president has unveiled a new 20-point draft for peace, revising an earlier 28-point plan prepared by US envoy Steve Witkoff, which faced criticism for favoring Russian demands.
Zelensky described the draft as “a foundational document on ending the war,” including possible security guarantees from the US, NATO, and European partners in the event of future Russian aggression.
Trump, speaking to Politico, said he had not yet seen the updated draft but expressed optimism, saying, "I think it's going to go good with him. I think it's going to go good with [Vladimir] Putin," and indicated he will speak with the Russian leader soon.
Russia’s defence ministry claimed its air defenses shot down seven Ukrainian drones during the night, underlining the ongoing military tension as both sides continue their negotiations.
