Poland Scrambles Jets Amid Russian Attacks on Kyiv as Peace Talks Advance
Poland scrambled fighter jets along its 530 km border with Ukraine in a preventative move to secure its airspace; no airspace violation was reported.
Overnight, Kyiv was hit by Russian missiles and drones, resulting in at least one death and 28 injuries. The attacks caused power outages and heating disruptions affecting thousands, amid dropping temperatures. In response, 68 people were evacuated from a retirement home in Kyiv's Darnytskyi district.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia directed approximately 500 drones and 40 missiles at Kyiv, targeting energy and civilian infrastructure. Meanwhile, Russia's defence ministry claimed its air defenses destroyed seven Ukrainian drones overnight.
Regarding diplomatic efforts, Zelensky, European Union leaders, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen planned calls to discuss the peace process. A revised 20-point draft plan, developed from an earlier 28-point proposal by US envoy Steve Witkoff, includes security guarantees from the US, NATO, and European allies and contemplates a possible free economic zone in the Donbas region.
Former US President Donald Trump stated he expects to see the new draft on Sunday and plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon.
