Russian attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv killed one person and wounded 15 others, activating civil defense systems as comprehensive talks proceeded in Abu Dhabi. The strikes triggered emergency protocols while negotiators pursued wide-ranging discussions covering multiple aspects of a potential settlement.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko activated civil defense systems, warning residents that the capital was “under a massive enemy attack.” The strikes targeted residential buildings, causing casualties and extensive damage. Civil defense protocols directed people to shelters as heat and water infrastructure was disrupted.
Mayor Igor Terekhov reported that Kharkiv’s civil defense systems were activated in response to attacks from Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones. The drone strikes damaged several residential complexes, requiring comprehensive civil defense response. The northeastern city’s defense systems have been repeatedly activated throughout the war.
Despite requiring civil defense activation, comprehensive talks proceeded in Abu Dhabi. American, Russian, and Ukrainian representatives engaged in discussions covering political, economic, and territorial aspects of a potential settlement. The UAE foreign ministry described the talks as efforts “to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.”
President Zelensky announced that peace proposals were “nearly ready” as comprehensive talks continued. He proposed creating a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Kyiv’s control, adding an economic dimension to comprehensive discussions. President Putin met with Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as all parties pursued comprehensive solutions.