URGENT: Ukraine and Russia Exchange Strikes Ahead of Trump Deadline

UPDATE: Ukraine and Russia are reeling from a series of deadly strikes as negotiators rush to finalize a peace framework before a pivotal deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump. The deadline, November 27, coincides with the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, and Kyiv is under intense pressure to respond to Trump’s controversial plan aimed at ending nearly four years of conflict.

In the latest developments, both nations reported casualties following overnight strikes. Russia’s acting governor of the Rostov region confirmed that at least three people were killed due to Ukrainian bombardments. “Tonight’s enemy attack brought great grief,” stated Yuri Sliusar, while in Taganrog, Mayor Svetlana Kambulova vowed to implement “necessary response measures.”

Ukrainian authorities reported at least one death and seven injuries in the capital, Kyiv, after a wave of missiles and drones targeted critical infrastructure. Eyewitnesses described powerful explosions and chaotic scenes as residents scrambled for safety amidst air raid sirens. President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized the moment as “critical,” warning that ongoing Russian pressure would not relent.

The urgency of the situation is underscored by Trump’s plan, which many view as favoring Russia’s terms. The original proposal included controversial demands for Ukraine to cede territory and reduce its military size, conditions that Kyiv has labeled unacceptable. However, an updated version aims to uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and is currently under negotiation.

Coinciding with this turmoil, a video call is scheduled for today among countries supporting Kyiv, part of the “coalition of the willing.” This follows emergency talks held over the weekend in Geneva involving U.S., European, and Ukrainian officials. The outcome was a joint statement announcing an “updated and refined peace framework,” emphasizing that any agreement must fully respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

Despite the progress, skepticism remains. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed doubts about reaching a deal by Trump’s deadline, indicating that discussions could take much longer than anticipated. The urgency is palpable, as the war—which has resulted in tens of thousands of military and civilian casualties—continues to ravage the region.

The stakes are high. Russia currently occupies about one-fifth of Ukraine, much of which has been devastated by ongoing conflict. President Vladimir Putin has threatened to escalate military actions if Kyiv does not engage constructively in the negotiations. The White House has pushed back against criticisms of Trump’s approach, asserting that the U.S. is engaging both sides fairly in an effort to bring this war to an end.

As the clock ticks down to the November deadline, the world watches closely. The pressure on Ukraine to accept terms it deems unfavorable is immense, and the implications of its decision could shape the future of European security and stability.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.