Ukrainian drones struck deep inside Russian territory overnight, including near the Moscow region, as Kyiv simultaneously signaled growing optimism about a potential peace agreement to end the nearly three-year war. The parallel developments — intensified drone warfare and renewed diplomatic signals — underscore the fragile and contradictory moment facing the conflict.
On Tuesday, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he believes the United States is pushing toward a comprehensive settlement, adding that Ukraine is fully prepared to cooperate.
“We sense that America wants to reach a final agreement, and from our side, there is full cooperation,” Zelenskyy said. “Ukraine has never been, and will never be, an obstacle to peace.”
Drone Attacks Reach Moscow Region
Even as diplomatic discussions gained momentum, military operations continued unabated. Russia’s Defense Ministry said its air defense systems intercepted at least 195 Ukrainian drones overnight into Wednesday, including five over the Moscow region. Two of those drones were reportedly flying toward the Russian capital.
Authorities in Moscow temporarily imposed flight restrictions at two of the city’s four major international airports — Domodedovo and Vnukovo — according to Rosaviatsiya. Additional restrictions were introduced at airports in Volgograd, Yaroslavl, Orenburg, Ufa and Orsk, highlighting the scale of disruption caused by the drone incursions.
Russia has increasingly faced Ukrainian long-range drone attacks targeting military infrastructure, energy facilities and symbolic locations deep within its borders, including the Moscow region.
Russia Launches Overnight Drone Barrage on Ukraine
Ukraine, meanwhile, reported a fresh wave of Russian aerial assaults. The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia launched 116 drones overnight, of which 60 were either shot down or electronically suppressed. However, 48 drones impacted targets across 19 locations, causing damage to infrastructure.
Zelenskyy said emergency repair crews were working around the clock after a major Russian missile and drone attack earlier in the week targeted Ukraine’s energy system.
“Throughout the day, repair crews have been working at energy facilities — putting in maximum effort to ensure that Ukrainians have electricity for Christmas,” he said.
“Of course, the Russians are trying to ruin this holiday, this sacred day, as well. No surprise there.”
Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s power grid during winter months, a strategy Kyiv says is aimed at weakening civilian morale.
Peace Framework Nearing Completion
Despite the escalation, Zelenskyy revealed that negotiations mediated by Washington have reached an advanced stage. Speaking to journalists in Kyiv, he said a 20-point peace framework negotiated with the U.S. is now under review by Moscow.
“All sides are much closer to finalizing the documents,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Kyiv expected a formal response from Russia on Wednesday.
According to Ukrainian officials, the proposed framework includes security guarantees from the U.S., NATO, and European partners. While territorial disputes remain unresolved, the plan reportedly outlines mechanisms to prevent future Russian aggression.
Under the draft, Ukraine would hold a presidential election as soon as possible after any agreement is signed — a provision aimed at reinforcing democratic legitimacy in the post-war period.
Security Guarantees Without NATO Membership
One of the most sensitive elements of the proposal concerns security guarantees. Zelenskyy said the plan envisions Article 5-style protections — similar to NATO’s collective defense clause — even if Ukraine does not immediately join the alliance.
“If Russia attacks again, the guarantees would automatically come into force,” Zelenskyy said.
However, he reiterated that Kyiv categorically rejects any permanent ban on NATO membership, a long-standing demand from Moscow.
“Ukraine will not accept limitations on its sovereign right to choose its alliances,” he stressed.
Kremlin Response: Cautious but Engaged
In Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Vladimir Putin has been briefed on recent U.S. diplomatic contacts.
“We now intend to formulate our future position based on the information received by the head of state and continue our contacts in the very near future through the existing channels,” Peskov said, as quoted by the state-run Tass news agency.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov added that Moscow and Washington have found “significant similarities” in their positions on a possible settlement — a rare note of convergence after months of hardened rhetoric.
A War at a Crossroads
The juxtaposition of escalating drone warfare and accelerating diplomacy illustrates the war’s current paradox. While both sides continue to inflict damage through long-range attacks, political leaders are increasingly acknowledging that a negotiated end may be approaching.
Analysts caution, however, that unresolved territorial issues, security guarantees and mutual distrust could still derail progress.
For now, Ukraine’s message is clear: it is ready for peace, but not at the cost of its sovereignty or long-term security. As drones continue to cross borders and negotiators exchange draft texts, the coming days may prove decisive for Europe’s most devastating conflict since World War II.
