By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday has called Russian leader Vladimir Putin a “man of war,” after Russia unleashed a fresh wave of air strikes on Kyiv and nearby regions, as per media reports.
Zelensky was speaking in Halifax, Nova Scotia, alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, linked the prolonged assault to Russia’s intentions, a day before his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday.
“We want peace,” Zelensky said. “And he’s a man of war.”
Zelensky made a stop in Canada as he prepared for talks with Trump on Sunday in Florida, where he is expected to present a 20-point peace plan to end 4 years long conflict.
Trump has stated that any peace proposal would require his “approval.”
Zelensky held discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during his stopover as well as leaders from NATO and the European Union.
He urged strong positions on both the battlefield and the diplomatic front to stop Russian President Vladimir Putin from manipulating and evading a real and just end to the war.”
Zelensky wrote in a post on X, “Strong positions are needed both at the front and in diplomacy to prevent Putin from manipulating and evading a real and just end to the war. The world has sufficient strength to guarantee security and peace.”
The remarks came hours after Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults on Kyiv, and surrounding regions, killed at least 2 people and injured 4 others.
Zelensky alleged that Russia fired over 500 drones and over 40 missiles during the attack.
According to media reports the assault lasted over 10 hours, disrupted daily life in Kyiv and caused widespread power outages that lasted for several hours.
Zelensky said on X, “Another Russian attack is still ongoing: since last night, there have been almost 500 drones – a large number of ‘shaheds’ – as well as 40 missiles, including Kinzhals. The primary target is Kyiv – energy facilities and civilian infrastructure. Regrettably, there have been hits, and ordinary residential buildings have been damaged. Rescuers are searching for a person trapped under the rubble of one of them. In some districts of the capital and the region, electricity and heating are currently unavailable. Firefighting efforts are underway. Repair crews have already begun work at some energy facilities; at others, personnel remain in shelters, and rescuers and repair teams will start work as soon as the air raid alerts stop.”
The attack came a day after Zelensky confirmed his upcoming meeting with Trump on Sunday.
Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida on Sunday, December 28, 2025, where discussions will focus on the peace plan and potential US security guarantees.
