At least one person died and 15 were injured as Russian forces attacked Kyiv and Kharkiv, cutting off essential services and damaging residential areas while peace talks continued in Abu Dhabi. The strikes disrupted heat and water supplies in Ukraine’s capital, creating additional suffering for civilians already enduring years of conflict.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko alerted residents to a “massive enemy attack,” instructing them to remain in protective shelters as the bombardment unfolded. Residential buildings sustained direct hits, causing casualties and extensive property damage. The attacks severed heat and water services in several neighborhoods, leaving thousands without essential utilities in winter conditions.
Mayor Igor Terekhov reported that Kharkiv faced attacks from Iranian-made Shahed drones, which struck multiple residential complexes in the northeastern city. The drone assaults damaged civilian housing and infrastructure, continuing a pattern of targeting non-military areas. Kharkiv’s position near the Russian border has made it particularly vulnerable to repeated bombardment.
In Abu Dhabi, representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States engaged in two-day negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. The UAE foreign ministry described the talks as “ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” However, fundamental disagreements persist, particularly regarding the Donbas region where Russia demands Ukrainian military withdrawal.
Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed measured optimism after meeting President Trump, stating that peace proposals were approaching completion. He also discussed establishing a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Ukrainian control, framing it as economically beneficial. Russian President Putin met separately with Trump’s envoys, while all parties committed to continuing weekend discussions despite the challenging environment created by ongoing military operations.
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