At least one person died and 15 were injured as Russian forces struck residential areas in Kyiv and Kharkiv, occurring during ongoing efforts to promote dialogue in Abu Dhabi. The attacks demonstrated the challenges of achieving peace while military operations continue.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned Kyiv residents via social media that the capital was experiencing a “massive enemy attack,” urging people to seek shelter. The strikes targeted residential buildings, resulting in casualties and widespread property damage. Heat and water infrastructure sustained significant damage, leaving parts of the city without essential services.
Mayor Igor Terekhov reported that Kharkiv faced attacks from Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones, which damaged multiple residential complexes. The drone strikes highlighted Russia’s continued reliance on Iranian military technology to target civilian areas. The northeastern city has faced persistent bombardment due to its strategic location.
Despite the violence, ongoing efforts to promote dialogue continued in Abu Dhabi where American, Russian, and Ukrainian representatives convened for two-day talks. The UAE foreign ministry described the negotiations as “ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” The discussions represented sustained diplomatic engagement despite battlefield realities.
President Zelensky announced that peace proposals were approaching completion following his meeting with President Trump. He proposed establishing a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Ukrainian control, suggesting economic incentives could play a role. President Putin met with Trump’s envoys, while all parties remained committed to dialogue.