Russia Strikes Ukraine: UAE Hosts Critical Talks as Residential Buildings Destroyed

Russian forces killed one person and wounded 15 others in attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv that destroyed residential buildings, while the UAE hosted critical peace negotiations. The strikes highlighted the continued threat to civilians even as American, Russian, and Ukrainian diplomats worked toward a settlement.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned residents that the capital was “under a massive enemy attack,” directing them to remain in protective shelters. The strikes hit residential buildings directly, causing casualties and significant property destruction. The attacks disrupted heat and water services across multiple districts, affecting thousands of civilians.
Mayor Igor Terekhov reported that Kharkiv faced attacks from Iranian-made Shahed drones, which damaged several residential complexes in the northeastern city. The drone strikes demonstrated Russia’s continued use of Iranian military technology against civilian targets. Kharkiv has endured repeated bombardment throughout the war.
In Abu Dhabi, negotiators gathered for two-day talks described by the UAE foreign ministry as efforts “to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” The discussions represented the most significant diplomatic engagement in recent months, though fundamental disagreements persist. The Donbas region emerged as the primary obstacle, with Russia demanding Ukrainian military withdrawal.
President Zelensky, following his meeting with President Trump, announced that peace proposals were approaching completion. He proposed establishing a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Kyiv’s control, framing it as economically beneficial. Russian President Putin engaged separately with Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while all parties committed to continuing weekend discussions.