Poland deploys fighter jets after Russian attack on Kyiv ahead of US-Ukraine talks

Poland placed its air force on high alert near the Ukrainian border overnight. This happened after Russia launched a major missile and drone attack on Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said.

Poland’s armed forces confirmed the activation of fighter jets. Air defence systems and radar units were also activated. These measures were precautionary to protect national airspace. Later on Saturday, military officials said there was no violation of Polish territory.

Ukrainian emergency services reported that at least one person was killed in Kyiv. Dozens were injured following the strikes. The strikes hit residential areas and critical infrastructure. Several apartment buildings were badly damaged, while fires broke out across multiple districts of the capital.

Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia launched hundreds of drones during the overnight assault. They also launched dozens of missiles. He accused Moscow of deliberately targeting civilian and energy facilities. This happens as winter temperatures fall below freezing.

Posting on social media, Zelensky said thousands of homes had been left without electricity or heating. He added that evacuations occurred from a care home in Kyiv’s eastern Darnytskyi district.

Kyiv’s mayor said emergency crews were working throughout the city to restore services. He warned that damage to the power grid leave residents without heat for days.

The Russian defence ministry said its air defences intercepted several Ukrainian drones overnight. It did not comment on the strikes on Kyiv.

Tensions rise before diplomatic talks

The latest escalation comes just days before planned talks between Ukraine and the United States. These talks are aimed at exploring a possible path toward ending the war. Zelensky is expected to meet former US president Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday.

Zelensky said the attacks demonstrated Russia’s lack of genuine interest in ending the conflict. He urged the US and European allies to take stronger action to deter further aggression.

Poland shares a long border with western Ukraine. It said its response was designed to ensure the safety of civilians in regions closest to the fighting.

Later on Saturday, Zelensky is also expected to hold a call with European leaders. This includes European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. They will discuss diplomatic options and security guarantees.

Peace proposal under discussion

Ukrainian officials are currently promoting a revised peace proposal. This proposal includes security assurances from the US, Nato and European partners. It also has provisions for economic reconstruction. Control of eastern Ukraine remains a central sticking point. Kyiv has signalled flexibility by floating the idea of a special economic framework for contested regions.

Trump said he expected to review the proposal soon. He indicated he was open to speaking with Russian president Vladimir Putin in the near future.

As diplomacy continues, overnight attacks on Kyiv and the mobilisation of air defences across the region underline how fragile the situation remains, with both military and political tensions still running high