Following overnight Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv, Poland activated its air force along its border with Ukraine. Poland's military stated this was a "preventative" measure to secure its airspace. The attacks resulted in at least one fatality and 28 injuries in Kyiv, according to Ukraine's State Emergency Service.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Telegram that approximately 500 drones and 40 missiles were directed towards Kyiv, primarily targeting energy and civilian infrastructure. Images depicted damaged apartment buildings and residences on fire. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported power outages in thousands of buildings, with many also lacking heating amidst sub-freezing temperatures. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine facilitated the evacuation of 68 individuals from a retirement home in Kyiv's Darnytskyi district.
President Zelensky also commented on ongoing diplomatic efforts, asserting that Russia "does not want to end the war and is trying to use every opportunity to inflict more pain on Ukraine." He further stated, "Russian representatives are having long conversations, but in reality the Daggers [missiles] and Shaheds [drones] are speaking for them," emphasizing his view that President Vladimir Putin seeks to continue the conflict. Zelensky called for "strong steps" from international partners, including America and European nations, in response to Russian actions.
In response to the strikes, Poland, which shares a 530km (320-mile) border with western Ukraine, deployed fighter jets, ground-based air defense systems, and radar reconnaissance. Poland's Armed Forces described this action as being "aimed at securing and protecting the airspace, especially in areas adjacent to the threatened regions." By Saturday morning, Poland's military concluded that no violation of its airspace had occurred.
Concurrently, Russia's Ministry of Defense reported that its air defenses intercepted seven Ukrainian drones during the night.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday, amidst these developments.