Joanna Kakissis

Russia attacked Kyiv and surrounding areas with hypersonic, ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as hundreds of strike drones.

Speaking to reporters via voice message, Zelensky said Russia showed what it thinks of intensive efforts to end this war.

They responded with a massive attack on Ukraine, he said.

If the American side wants to hold a wartime referendum or elections, we cannot do it under conditions like these.

Zelensky has said several times that he is ready to hold a referendum on the latest peace proposal

if security is guaranteed for voters.

Zelensky said that security guarantees are a main focus of talks with the Trump administration.

Joanna Kakissis, NPR News, Kyiv.

and Kyiv.

Zelensky wrote on social media that, quote, a lot can be decided before the new year.

Territorial issues remain the most sensitive.

Earlier this week, Zelensky said he was open to withdrawing Ukrainian troops from the eastern region of Donbass, as long as Russia also pulled back its troops.

Ukraine controls about a quarter of this region.

The Trump administration is proposing turning this portion into a free economic zone.

Volodymyr Polovyi, a soldier whose unit is stationed in Donbass,

says Russia has been trying to occupy the region for more than a decade.

And during that time, he says, Russia signed peace and ceasefire agreements and did not respect them.

Joanna Kakissis, NPR News, Kiev.

Zelensky wrote on social media that, quote, a lot can be decided before the new year.

Territorial issues remain the most sensitive.