Russian forces killed at least one person and injured 15 others in attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv, demonstrating that military operations continue unabated despite intensive diplomatic efforts. The strikes targeted residential areas in both Ukrainian cities as negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States convened in Abu Dhabi for crucial peace discussions.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko issued emergency alerts warning that the capital faced a “massive enemy attack,” instructing residents to seek immediate shelter. The bombardment struck residential buildings, causing casualties and severely damaging critical infrastructure. Heating and water systems were knocked offline in several neighborhoods, compounding the difficulties faced by civilians already enduring years of conflict.
Kharkiv experienced attacks from Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones, as confirmed by Mayor Igor Terekhov. The drones targeted multiple residential complexes, inflicting damage on civilian homes and infrastructure. The continued use of Iranian drones in Russian military operations has become a significant concern for Ukrainian officials and international observers alike.
Despite the violence, diplomatic channels remained active with two-day talks in Abu Dhabi bringing together American, Russian, and Ukrainian representatives. The UAE foreign ministry described the negotiations as focused on “promoting dialogue and identifying political solutions to the crisis.” The Donbas region represents the most contentious issue, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov insisting that Ukrainian armed forces must withdraw from the eastern territories before any settlement can be reached.
Ukrainian President Zelensky, following discussions with President Trump, announced that peace proposals were “nearly ready,” though significant uncertainties remain about territorial arrangements. He proposed establishing a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Kyiv’s administration, suggesting economic incentives could play a role in resolving the conflict. President Putin separately engaged with Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as multiple diplomatic initiatives proceeded simultaneously throughout the weekend in hopes of achieving a breakthrough.