Major Russian Assault on Ukrainian Capital
A massive overnight Russian drone and missile attack on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv has left at least three people dead and dozens more injured, according to local officials. The assault, which took place in the early hours of Saturday, 29 November 2025, saw falling debris from intercepted drones strike residential buildings, causing significant damage and cutting power to the city's western districts.
President Volodymyr Zelensky described the bombardment as one of the largest in recent times, stating that over 600 drones and 35 missiles had targeted the nation. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the casualties and damage, highlighting the ongoing terror faced by civilians.
Political Turmoil as Top Aide Resigns
The deadly attack coincided with a major political scandal shaking the upper echelons of the Ukrainian government. Andriy Yermak, President Zelensky's chief of staff and right-hand man, resigned from his post after his home and offices were raided by anti-corruption authorities.
The investigation, led by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, involves an alleged $100 million embezzlement scheme connected to the state nuclear power company, Energoatom. In a message to the New York Post, Yermak insisted he was "an honest and decent person" and announced his intention to go to the front lines, stating he was "prepared for any reprisals."
In an evening address, President Zelensky acknowledged the resignation and vowed that the work of the government would continue, emphasising the need for national unity. "Russia is eager for Ukraine to make mistakes. We won’t make any. Our work goes on. Our struggle goes on," he declared.
Diplomatic Efforts Intensify Amid Violence
This escalation in violence comes at a critical diplomatic juncture. A second round of peace negotiations is set to begin, with a renewed US-led push to end the war gathering momentum this week.
A Ukrainian delegation, including senior security official Rustem Umerov, is reportedly heading to the United States for discussions with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. This follows reports that US envoy Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Russia next week to continue talks, amid speculation that a potential peace deal could involve ceding occupied Ukrainian territory to Russia.
Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Ukrainian commander Oleksandr Syrskyi has rejected Russian claims of full control over the northeastern city of Kupiansk, asserting that Ukrainian forces continue to defend their positions and hunt enemy sabotage groups daily.
