Russian attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv killed at least one person and wounded 15 others, causing mounting residential damage as trilateral diplomacy advanced in Abu Dhabi. The strikes highlighted the continued threat to civilians even as American, Russian, and Ukrainian officials worked toward peace.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned residents that the capital was experiencing a “massive enemy attack,” urging people to remain in shelters. The bombardment targeted residential buildings, resulting in casualties and extensive property destruction. Heat and water infrastructure sustained significant damage, affecting thousands of residents during winter.
Mayor Igor Terekhov reported that Kharkiv experienced attacks from Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones, which struck several residential complexes. The drone assaults caused widespread damage to civilian housing, demonstrating Russia’s continued use of Iranian military technology. The city has faced persistent bombardment throughout the nearly four-year conflict.
In Abu Dhabi, representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States engaged in two-day talks described by the UAE foreign ministry as efforts “to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” The trilateral format represented significant diplomatic progress, though fundamental disagreements persist over the Donbas region where Russia demands Ukrainian military withdrawal.
President Zelensky expressed optimism following his meeting with President Trump, announcing that peace proposals were approaching completion. He proposed establishing a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Ukrainian control, which he discussed with the American leader. President Putin met with Trump’s envoys, as multiple diplomatic initiatives continued throughout the weekend.