Kyiv residents after vast attack on Ukraine's capital: 'Russia pretends it wants peace'

Kyiv reels after overnight Russian missile and drone strikes, seen as a direct challenge to ongoing U.S.-brokered peace efforts.

Reuters

27 December 2025 at 14:31:11

FILE PHOTO: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy waits to welcome Cyprus' President Nikos Christodoulides, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine December 4, 2025.

Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters

Residents in Kyiv were irate after a Russian strike on the Ukrainian capital, saying on Saturday (December 27) that the attacks show Moscow had no intention of seeking peace.

Emergency crews worked early in the day to clear rubble from a shattered residential apartment, after a drone flew into the building, a witness told Reuters.

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

Zelenskiy cast the vast overnight attack, which he said involved about 500 drones, 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.

Production: Vladyslav Smilianets, Daria Smetanko/Reuters

Residents in Kyiv were irate after a Russian strike on the Ukrainian capital, saying on Saturday (December 27) that the attacks show Moscow had no intention of seeking peace.