At least one person was killed and 15 wounded in overnight Russian attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv, yet negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States continued in Abu Dhabi. The strikes targeted residential areas, highlighting the continued human cost of the conflict even as diplomatic channels remained active.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko issued urgent warnings that Kyiv was “under a massive enemy attack,” directing residents to remain in shelters. The strikes hit residential buildings, causing casualties and significant infrastructure damage. Essential services including heat and water were disrupted in parts of the capital, creating additional hardships for the civilian population.
In Kharkiv, Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones attacked several residential complexes, as confirmed by Mayor Igor Terekhov. The drone strikes caused extensive damage to civilian housing, demonstrating Russia’s continued use of Iranian military technology. The northeastern city has endured repeated bombardment throughout the war.
Despite the violence, high-level talks proceeded in Abu Dhabi where American, Russian, and Ukrainian representatives gathered for two-day discussions. The UAE foreign ministry described the negotiations as efforts “to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” The Donbas region emerged as the primary obstacle, with Russia insisting on Ukrainian military withdrawal from the eastern territories.
Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed cautious optimism following his meeting with President Trump, suggesting that peace proposals were “nearly ready.” He also proposed creating a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Ukrainian control, which he believes would benefit the economy. Russian President Putin met separately with Trump’s envoys, as multiple diplomatic initiatives continued throughout the weekend.