In a stark escalation, Russia launched a barrage of strikes on Ukraine early Saturday, leaving at least one person dead and several others injured. This assault preceded anticipated peace negotiations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The air raid began at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time, filling the night with the wailing of sirens, as reported by The New York Times. Russian forces unleashed nearly 500 drones and 40 missiles, primarily targeting energy infrastructures and civilian areas in Kyiv, as detailed by President Zelensky on the social media platform X.

Ukraine’s Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko, confirmed via Telegram that the assault damaged 10 residential buildings and injured over 20 individuals. The Associated Press further noted that among the 27 injured, two were children, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the attack.

This violent episode unfolds mere days after President Zelensky unveiled a comprehensive 20-point peace proposal. These developments occur amidst ongoing dialogues with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. In the wake of these strikes, Zelensky condemned Russia for perpetuating hostilities, even as diplomatic efforts gain momentum.

The attack comes days after Zelensky announced a 20-point peace plan amid talks with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Zelensky accused Russia of keeping the war going even as peace talks further develop.

“Russian representatives engage in lengthy talks, but in reality, Kinzhals and ‘Shaheds’ speak for them,” Zelensky wrote. “This is the true attitude of [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and his inner circle. They do not want to end the war and seek to use every opportunity to cause Ukraine even greater suffering and increase their pressure on others around the world.”

The Ukrainian leader added that the U.S. and Europe have the capability of using “truly strong steps” in responding to Russia’s attacks, with “no delays in protecting lives.”

“Many of our partners have this capability,” he continued. “The key is to use it. It is equally important to continue supporting Ukraine’s defense — our protection of life. Supplies for air defense must be sufficient and timely, especially now, when we need them most.”

Zelensky said Thursday that he and Trump would meet in the “near future” before the end of the year before confirming with reporters that Sunday was the day they plan to meet. He said that Ukrainian and American negotiators agree to 90 percent of the current plan.

This plan includes establishing a “fortress belt” in the Donetsk region against future invasions, a vote on the peace deal’s terms through a referendum and setting up a demilitarized zone for both sides to withdraw their troops.

However, Trump on Friday downplayed Zelensky’s optimism about the plan and said his Ukrainian counterpart “doesn’t have anything until I approve it.”

Putin has also warned of continuing military operations if Ukraine and the West do not satisfy Moscow’s demands.

The Russian leader said during a speech last week that he hopes the war will end through diplomacy, “but if the opposing country and its foreign patrons refuse to engage in substantive discussions, Russia will achieve the liberation of its historical lands through military means.”