Russia strikes Kyiv and Kharkiv as US-led Ukraine peace talks continue in Abu Dhabi
Ukraine says a major Russian drone-and-missile assault hit key cities while negotiators held US-led talks, deepening skepticism about Moscow’s intentions even as diplomacy continues.
Russia launched a large-scale drone-and-missile attack on Ukraine’s biggest cities, including Kyiv and Kharkiv, on January 24, 2026, as US-led negotiations involving Ukrainian and Russian delegations continued in Abu Dhabi.
Ukrainian officials described the strikes as a deliberate attempt to disrupt diplomacy. Local authorities reported significant damage to infrastructure and disruptions to basic services, including power outages in freezing conditions.
Despite the escalation, talks were described by participants as continuing, with the prospect of additional rounds. The gap over territorial control—particularly in eastern Ukraine—remains a core obstacle.