Russia Launches Deadly Strikes on Kyiv and Kharkiv as Peace Talks Continue in Abu Dhabi

At least one person was killed and 15 others were wounded as Russia launched attacks on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv and the northeastern city of Kharkiv on Saturday. The strikes came even as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continued, with US-brokered negotiations between Russian, Ukrainian, and American representatives taking place in Abu Dhabi.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned residents via Telegram that “Kyiv is under a massive enemy attack. Do not leave shelters!” The attacks targeted residential buildings, causing significant disruption to heat and water services across parts of the capital city. Emergency services worked through the night to assess the damage and assist affected residents.
In Kharkiv, Mayor Igor Terekhov reported that Iranian-made Shahed drones were used in the assault, damaging several residential complexes. The northeastern city has been repeatedly targeted throughout the conflict, with civilian infrastructure bearing the brunt of the attacks.
The violence unfolded as high-level diplomatic talks entered their second day in Abu Dhabi. According to the UAE foreign ministry, the negotiations are “scheduled to continue over two days, as part of ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” The Donbas region remains a critical sticking point, with Russia demanding Ukrainian forces withdraw from the territory. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that “Russia’s position is well known on the fact that Ukraine, Ukrainian armed forces, have to leave the territory of the Donbas.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who met with US President Donald Trump before the trilateral talks, stated that peace proposals are “nearly ready.” However, significant uncertainty remains regarding the future control of Ukrainian territories currently sought by Russia. Zelensky also mentioned his openness to establishing a free trade zone under Ukrainian control in the country’s east, describing it as potentially “positive for our business.”