Russia-Ukraine talks conclude in Abu Dhabi as Kyiv hit by massive air strikes

Kyiv struck during US-Russia-Ukraine peace talks

The second round of trilateral talks between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine aimed at ending the four-year war concluded in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, Ukrainian officials said, as Kyiv came under a massive Russian air strike.

Diana Davitian, spokeswoman for Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s chief negotiator, confirmed to journalists that the discussions had wrapped up. A source with knowledge of the talks, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, said the meetings would continue next week. An Emirati government spokesperson described the negotiations as taking place in a “constructive and positive atmosphere.” Axios reported that Saturday’s session lasted around three hours, and the Ukrainian delegation is expected to brief President Volodymyr Zelenskiy before he comments publicly.

Overnight, Kremlin forces launched more than 370 drones and 21 missiles, targeting Kyiv and northern regions including Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv, President Zelenskiy said on X. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the attacks as a “cynical” move by Russian President Vladimir Putin, writing on X: “His missiles hit not only our people, but also the negotiation table.”

The strikes caused widespread damage and humanitarian disruption. At least one person was killed in Kyiv and four injured, with debris sparking fires and cutting off water and heating in multiple districts, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said via Telegram. Nearly 6,000 buildings lost heating amid sub-zero temperatures around -8°C (18°F), and Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba reported that over 800,000 residents were without electricity.

In Kharkiv, a maternity hospital, a dormitory for displaced people, a medical college, and residential buildings were damaged, leaving at least 31 people wounded, Zelenskiy said. In Chernihiv, almost the entire population of around 300,000 was left without power, with authorities urging residents to store water. Emergency outages were also imposed in the Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, and Chernivtsi regions. Kuleba noted that the European Union will provide 447 generators to support schools, hospitals, and shelters.

Despite the violence, Ukrainian and US officials emphasized the continuation of diplomatic efforts. Umerov’s team confirmed that another round of talks will be held next week in Abu Dhabi, signaling the persistence of dialogue even amid escalating attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)