At least one person died and 15 were injured as Russian forces attacked Kyiv and Kharkiv, while territorial disputes over the Donbas region dominated peace negotiations in Abu Dhabi. The strikes on residential areas underscored the challenges facing diplomats attempting to broker a settlement.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko alerted Kyiv residents via social media that the capital was experiencing a “massive enemy attack,” urging immediate shelter-seeking. The bombardment targeted residential buildings, resulting in casualties and extensive damage. Heat and water infrastructure sustained significant damage, leaving parts of the city without essential services.
In Kharkiv, Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones struck several residential complexes, as confirmed by Mayor Igor Terekhov. The drone attacks caused widespread damage to civilian housing, continuing Russia’s pattern of targeting non-military areas. The city has endured persistent bombardment due to its strategic location.
Despite the violence, diplomatic discussions proceeded in Abu Dhabi where American, Russian, and Ukrainian representatives convened for two-day talks. The UAE foreign ministry characterized the meetings as focused on “promoting dialogue and identifying political solutions to the crisis.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated clearly that Ukrainian armed forces must withdraw from the Donbas, highlighting the central territorial dispute.
Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed optimism following his meeting with President Trump, suggesting that peace proposals were “nearly ready” despite ongoing disagreements. He proposed creating a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Ukrainian control, which he discussed with the American leader. President Putin met separately with Trump’s envoys, as multiple diplomatic tracks continued operating throughout the weekend.