Russia hits Kyiv and Kharkiv as U.S.-brokered Ukraine talks set another round in Abu Dhabi
Ukraine and Russia signaled interest in continuing U.S.-brokered talks after two days in Abu Dhabi, even as Russia launched a large-scale drone-and-missile attack that knocked out power and damaged infrastructure in freezing temperatures.
Russia launched an intense wave of drone and missile strikes on Ukraine’s major cities as U.S.-brokered negotiations continued in the United Arab Emirates, underscoring the tension between diplomacy and battlefield escalation.
The attacks hit Kyiv and Kharkiv and were described by Ukrainian officials as an attempt to pressure the country during discussions about potential parameters for ending the nearly four-year war. Ukrainian leaders condemned the timing of the strikes, saying they targeted not only civilians and critical infrastructure but also the peace process itself.
Local authorities reported damage to residential buildings and essential services, with widespread outages in subzero winter conditions. Energy infrastructure remained a focal point as Ukraine struggled to restore power and heat while warning that repeated mass strikes can create longer-term strain on the grid.
Despite the bombardment, negotiators signaled the talks were not finished. A second round of discussions was slated for February 1, 2026, in Abu Dhabi, according to reporting that described the prior sessions as constructive but short of a breakthrough agreement.
Territory and security guarantees remained central issues. Public statements indicated that delegations planned to brief their governments and coordinate next steps with national leaders, suggesting that any future framework would require top-level political decisions.
The violence during negotiations fed skepticism in Ukraine about Moscow’s willingness to compromise, but officials emphasized the need to keep diplomatic channels open. For Washington, the talks were portrayed as incremental progress—an attempt to create a path to de-escalation while fighting continues.
As the next round approaches, Ukraine has pushed for stronger air-defense support and monitoring mechanisms to ensure any ceasefire or phased agreement is enforceable. Meanwhile, Russia’s continuing strikes reinforce the challenge negotiators face in translating discussions into changes on the ground.