Russian attacks using Iranian-made drones and other weapons killed at least one person and wounded 15 others in Kyiv and Kharkiv, forcing civilians into shelters even as peace negotiations continued in Abu Dhabi. The strikes on residential areas demonstrated the ongoing threat to Ukrainian civilians while diplomatic efforts intensified.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned Kyiv residents via social media that the capital was experiencing a “massive enemy attack,” urging immediate shelter-seeking. Residential buildings were targeted in the assault, resulting in casualties and property destruction. The attacks caused disruptions to heating and water services across multiple districts, compounding the challenges faced by the civilian population.
In Kharkiv, Mayor Igor Terekhov confirmed that Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones were used to attack several residential complexes. The drone strikes caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, highlighting Russia’s continued targeting of non-military areas. The city has faced repeated attacks throughout the conflict due to its proximity to Russian-controlled territory.
Despite the violence, diplomatic discussions proceeded in Abu Dhabi where American, Russian, and Ukrainian negotiators convened for two-day talks. The UAE foreign ministry characterized the meetings as efforts “to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” The Donbas region remained the primary point of contention, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov maintaining Russia’s demand for Ukrainian military withdrawal.
President Zelensky, following discussions with President Trump, announced that peace proposals were nearing completion, though territorial issues remained unresolved. He proposed establishing a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Kyiv’s control, suggesting economic benefits. Meanwhile, President Putin engaged separately with Trump’s envoys, as multiple diplomatic tracks operated in parallel throughout the weekend in hopes of achieving progress toward ending the conflict.