Russian forces killed one person and wounded 15 others in deadly weekend attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv, yet negotiations advanced in Abu Dhabi. The strikes on residential areas demonstrated continued violence even as diplomatic discussions showed signs of progress.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned residents via social media that the capital was experiencing a “massive enemy attack,” urging people to seek shelter. The deadly weekend attacks targeted residential buildings, causing casualties and significant infrastructure damage. Heat and water services were disrupted in multiple districts, affecting thousands of residents.
Mayor Igor Terekhov reported that Kharkiv faced deadly attacks from Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones, which damaged several residential complexes. The weekend drone strikes caused widespread damage to civilian housing, demonstrating Russia’s continued targeting of non-military infrastructure. The northeastern city has faced repeated bombardment throughout the war.
Despite the deadly weekend attacks, negotiations advanced in Abu Dhabi where American, Russian, and Ukrainian representatives convened for two-day talks. The UAE foreign ministry stated the discussions represented “ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” President Zelensky announced that peace proposals were “nearly ready,” suggesting negotiations were advancing.
Ukrainian President Zelensky proposed creating a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Kyiv’s control following his meeting with President Trump. He framed this as part of advancing negotiations. President Putin engaged separately with Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as all parties demonstrated commitment despite the deadly weekend attacks.