At least one person was killed and 15 injured as Russian forces attacked Kyiv and Kharkiv, forcing residents into emergency shelters while peace negotiations entered their second day in Abu Dhabi. The strikes on residential areas underscored the continued danger faced by Ukrainian civilians despite intensive diplomatic efforts.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko alerted Kyiv residents via social media that the capital was “under a massive enemy attack,” ordering them to remain in shelters. Residential buildings were hit directly, causing casualties and extensive property damage. The attacks disrupted heat and water services in several districts, leaving thousands without essential utilities.
In Kharkiv, Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones struck multiple residential complexes, as confirmed by Mayor Igor Terekhov. The drone assaults caused significant damage to civilian housing and infrastructure, continuing Russia’s pattern of targeting non-military areas. The city has endured repeated bombardment throughout the conflict.
Despite the violence, diplomatic channels remained active with American, Russian, and Ukrainian representatives meeting in Abu Dhabi for two-day talks. The UAE foreign ministry stated the discussions were part of “ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” However, the Donbas region remained a critical sticking point, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov insisting on Ukrainian military withdrawal from the eastern territories.
Ukrainian President Zelensky, following discussions with President Trump, suggested that peace proposals were “nearly ready” for implementation. He proposed creating a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Kyiv’s control, framing it as economically beneficial. Russian President Putin engaged separately with Trump’s envoys, while all parties committed to continuing weekend negotiations in hopes of achieving a diplomatic breakthrough.