Russia carried out a large scale drone and missile assault on Ukraine’s largest cities, striking Kyiv and Kharkiv as peace negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States continued in Abu Dhabi. The overnight attacks caused damage to civilian infrastructure and further disrupted electricity and heating supplies in several areas, according to Ukrainian officials.
Ukrainian authorities said the strikes came at a critical diplomatic moment, as negotiators were discussing possible frameworks to end the nearly four year long war. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga accused Moscow of undermining diplomacy by escalating military pressure while talks were ongoing, saying the attacks demonstrated a lack of genuine commitment to peace.
Emergency services in Kyiv and Kharkiv reported fires and injuries following the strikes, while residents were urged to seek shelter during repeated air raid alerts. Parts of the cities experienced power outages as air defense systems intercepted several incoming drones and missiles.
The talks in Abu Dhabi are focused on ceasefire conditions, security guarantees and the future of contested territories, particularly the eastern Donbas region. While diplomatic momentum has increased in recent weeks, the renewed bombardment highlights the deep divisions that remain between the two sides.
Western officials have reiterated calls for restraint, warning that continued attacks on major population centers risk further civilian suffering and could derail fragile diplomatic efforts.
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