RUSSIA ATTACKS KYIV WITH MISSLES AND DRONES, KILLING 1 AND WOUNDING MANY AHEAD OF UKRAINE-US TALKS

Zelensky made the assertion based on an intelligence report he received from Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service.

“Russia’s task is outlined like this: to bring up that a large number of people live there and supposedly have the right to vote, and all of this is only so that later they say that Russia does not recognize these elections,” he explained on X. “Russia does not care how to convey the message of the alleged illegitimacy of the Ukrainian authorities. Russia itself is illegitimate, and therefore it will convey messages regarding the illegitimacy of Ukraine’s authorities.”

The newly revealed intelligence comes after Zelensky told Axios he would call a national referendum on the peace framework if Russia agrees to honor a 60-day ceasefire. The prospect of a referendum depends on the outcome of Zelensky’s planned Sunday meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort.

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The purpose of the meeting is to finalize the 20-point peace plan and a potential ceasefire timeline.

Ukrainian negotiators view the idea of territorial concessions given to Russia as a clear “red line” that may delay any discussions on ending the war. Meanwhile, Ukraine is pushing for major security guarantees that the United States would provide to discourage future Russian aggression.

Both demands have remained key sticking points during the peace process with Russia. On Friday, Zelensky said he will raise the issues in his upcoming meeting with Trump.

Ukraine is skeptical of Russia’s commitment to ending the war in light of the latter nation’s series of strikes into Ukrainian territory. Russia launched its latest strikes against Ukraine early Saturday morning, firing nearly 500 drones and 40 ballistic missiles.

Reports indicate the overnight strike targeted Kyiv’s energy facilities and civilian infrastructure, killing at least one person and wounding more than two dozen other people.

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In a plea to his European allies, Zelensky argues Ukraine needs more air defense systems supplied to counter the continued Russian strikes.

“Today, Russia showed how it reacts to the peace negotiations between Ukraine and the United States regarding ending Russia’s war against Ukraine,” he said. “They massively attacked Ukraine. Precisely on the way to peace negotiations, Russia shows its response. Today, our most important consideration – if we take certain steps – is that security guarantees should be strong and we should be protected.”

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The wartime leader also makes the case that additional air defense systems are necessary to protect Ukraine if a referendum moves forward.

“The skies must be safe, and security ensured throughout our territory, at least for the duration of the elections or a referendum,” Zelensky said. “And it is very important that observers are present everywhere.”