Russian missiles pound Kyiv as Moscow says over 800 Ukrainian drones downed

Key Points:

• Russia launched a prolonged nighttime missile barrage on Kyiv, killing at least four people and injuring dozens, including children, targeting residential buildings, energy facilities, and transportation infrastructure.
• Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin agreeing "in principle" to resume tripartite peace talks with Ukraine and the U.S., Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticized Russia for continuing aggressive attacks, particularly on Ukraine's power grid, with 170 strikes in just over a week.
• Russia claimed to have intercepted over 800 Ukrainian drones aimed at Moscow and other cities, while retaliating with strikes on Ukrainian drone production sites, transport infrastructure, and military vessels.
• The Trump administration's envoy to Russia, Steve Witkoff, faced criticism for praising Putin as a "humanitarian" following the release of an American prisoner, amid ongoing skepticism about Russia's intentions and continued conflict escalation.
• Putin has been invited to the G20 summit in Miami but has not yet decided to attend; meanwhile, Ukraine urges increased Western support, including more Patriot missile supplies and sanctions, to counter Russia's intensified winter campaign.