At least one person died and 15 were injured as Russian forces launched attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv, targeting residential areas even as international mediators worked to broker peace. The overnight strikes highlighted the fragile nature of diplomatic progress, with violence continuing despite high-level talks in Abu Dhabi.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned residents via social media that the capital was experiencing a “massive enemy attack,” urging people to stay in shelters. Residential buildings were hit directly, resulting in casualties and significant property damage. The attacks also disrupted heat and water services in multiple districts, affecting thousands of residents during the winter months.
In Kharkiv, Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones struck several residential complexes, as reported by Mayor Igor Terekhov. The drone attacks caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, continuing a pattern of strikes on non-military targets. The use of Iranian drones has become a hallmark of Russian military strategy in recent months.
The violence occurred against the backdrop of crucial negotiations in Abu Dhabi, where American, Russian, and Ukrainian representatives convened for two-day talks. The UAE foreign ministry characterized the meetings as “ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” However, significant obstacles remain, particularly regarding the Donbas region, where Russia insists on Ukrainian military withdrawal.
Following his meeting with President Trump, Ukrainian President Zelensky suggested that peace proposals were approaching finalization, though he acknowledged ongoing uncertainties about territorial arrangements. He proposed a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Kyiv’s control, framing it as an economic opportunity. Meanwhile, President Putin met with Trump’s envoys, and negotiators committed to continuing weekend discussions in pursuit of a diplomatic resolution to the nearly four-year conflict.