At least one person was killed and 15 wounded in Russian attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv as negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States worked toward a peace settlement in Abu Dhabi. The overnight strikes on residential areas illustrated the continued human cost of the conflict even as diplomatic channels showed signs of activity.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned Kyiv residents that the capital was “under a massive enemy attack,” instructing people to seek shelter immediately. The bombardment targeted residential buildings, resulting in casualties and extensive damage. Critical infrastructure including heat and water systems was disrupted in multiple neighborhoods, affecting thousands of civilians.
In Kharkiv, Iranian-made Shahed drones struck several residential complexes, as confirmed by Mayor Igor Terekhov. The drone attacks caused significant damage to civilian housing and infrastructure, continuing Russia’s pattern of targeting non-military areas. The northeastern city has faced persistent bombardment due to its strategic location.
The attacks occurred as high-level talks unfolded in Abu Dhabi, bringing together American, Russian, and Ukrainian representatives for two days of intensive negotiations. The UAE foreign ministry described the discussions as focused on “promoting dialogue and identifying political solutions to the crisis.” However, the Donbas region remains a major point of contention, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterating Moscow’s insistence on Ukrainian military withdrawal from the eastern territories.
President Zelensky, following meetings with President Trump, announced that peace proposals were approaching finalization, though significant uncertainties persist regarding territorial arrangements. He suggested establishing a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Kyiv’s control, framing it as economically beneficial. President Putin met separately with Trump’s envoys, as multiple diplomatic initiatives continued throughout the weekend in hopes of finding a resolution to the nearly four-year conflict.