At least one person died and 15 were wounded in Russian attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv, occurring as multiple diplomatic channels worked simultaneously toward peace. The strikes on residential areas highlighted the urgent need for a ceasefire even as negotiations proceeded in Abu Dhabi.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko alerted Kyiv residents that the capital was “under a massive enemy attack,” directing them to seek shelter immediately. Residential buildings were hit directly, causing casualties and widespread property damage. The attacks severed heat and water services in several neighborhoods, leaving thousands without essential utilities.
In Kharkiv, Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones attacked multiple residential complexes, as confirmed by Mayor Igor Terekhov. The drone strikes caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure, demonstrating Russia’s continued use of Iranian military technology. The northeastern city has faced repeated bombardment throughout the war.
Despite the violence, diplomatic efforts proceeded on multiple fronts. In Abu Dhabi, American, Russian, and Ukrainian representatives engaged in two-day talks described by the UAE foreign ministry as efforts “to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” Separately, President Putin met with Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while President Zelensky held discussions with President Trump.
Ukrainian President Zelensky announced that peace proposals were “nearly ready” following his meeting with the American president. He proposed creating a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Ukrainian control, framing it as economically beneficial. However, significant obstacles remain, particularly regarding the Donbas region where Russia demands Ukrainian military withdrawal.