Russian forces killed one person and injured 15 others in attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv, while Ukrainian President Zelensky proposed establishing a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine as part of peace negotiations. The strikes on residential areas continued even as diplomatic discussions proceeded in Abu Dhabi.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned residents via social media that the capital was experiencing a “massive enemy attack,” urging people to seek shelter immediately. The bombardment hit residential buildings, resulting in casualties and widespread damage. Heat and water infrastructure was disrupted in multiple districts, affecting thousands of residents.
Mayor Igor Terekhov reported that Kharkiv faced attacks from Iranian-made Shahed drones, which struck several residential complexes in the northeastern city. The drone assaults caused extensive damage to civilian housing, continuing Russia’s pattern of targeting non-military infrastructure. The city has faced persistent bombardment due to its proximity to Russian-controlled territory.
In Abu Dhabi, negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States convened for two-day talks aimed at ending the nearly four-year conflict. The UAE foreign ministry stated the discussions represented “ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” However, the Donbas region remained a major point of contention, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov maintaining Russia’s demand for 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 under Ukrainian control in the country’s east, stating “I think it will be positive for our business.” President Putin engaged separately with Trump’s envoys, while all parties committed to continuing weekend negotiations despite ongoing violence.