Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held urgent talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Saturday, against a backdrop of a massive overnight Russian bombardment and fresh territorial gains by Moscow. The meeting came just hours before Zelensky's pivotal summit with former US President Donald Trump to discuss a Washington-brokered peace plan.
Overnight Onslaught and NATO Response
In a brutal show of force, Vladimir Putin unleashed a barrage of 673 missiles and drones across Ukraine overnight on December 27th. The assault, one of the heaviest of the war, targeted residential apartment blocks and critical energy infrastructure, knocking power and heating plants offline. At least two civilians were killed, including a four-year-old girl, with ten others injured.
The attack triggered an immediate response from NATO. Polish and allied fighter jets were scrambled, and air defence systems were placed on high alert along Ukraine's border. NATO member Romania also issued alerts after Russian drones struck Ukrainian port infrastructure near its frontier. Poland's operational command stated the moves were "preventive" and aimed at securing allied airspace.
Diplomatic Manoeuvres and Canadian Aid
En route to his meeting with Donald Trump in Florida, President Zelensky stopped in Halifax for talks with Canadian leader Mark Carney. Carney emphasised that achieving a durable peace would require a willing partner in Moscow. "We have the conditions of a just and lasting peace, but that requires a willing Russia," Carney stated, condemning the overnight "barbarism."
During the meeting, Carney announced a substantial new aid package for Ukraine. Canada will provide $2.5 billion (US$1.82 billion) in fresh economic assistance, funds intended to help unlock further international financing for the country's reconstruction.
Russian Gains and Stalled Negotiations
As diplomacy continued, Russia claimed further battlefield advances. The Kremlin announced on Saturday that its forces had captured two more towns in eastern Ukraine: Myrnograd in Donetsk and Guliaipole in Zaporizhzhia. This territorial claim came just a day before the scheduled Zelensky-Trump talks.
Ahead of the bombardment, President Zelensky had accused Putin of being "addicted to killing" and incapable of ending the conflict. The scale of the overnight strikes has raised profound questions about Moscow's genuine interest in peace. The Kremlin has signalled opposition to the proposed US plan, with officials accusing Kyiv and European backers of trying to "torpedo" negotiations.
Zelensky confirmed that the United States is acting as an intermediary, as there are no direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators. He indicated that any potential territorial concessions would require the approval of the Ukrainian people. The world now awaits the outcome of the Florida summit, which has been dramatically overshadowed by Russia's latest act of aggression.
