Russia Strikes Ukraine: Residential Zones Targeted as Weekend Negotiations Begin

At least one person was killed and 15 injured as Russian forces targeted residential zones in Kyiv and Kharkiv, occurring as weekend negotiations began in Abu Dhabi. The strikes on residential areas continued even as negotiators committed to intensive weekend discussions.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned Kyiv residents that the capital was experiencing a “massive enemy attack,” urging people to remain in shelters. The strikes targeted residential zones, causing casualties and significant property damage. Heat and water infrastructure was disrupted in multiple districts, affecting thousands of residents.
In Kharkiv, Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones attacked residential zones, damaging several complexes, as confirmed by Mayor Igor Terekhov. The drone strikes highlighted Russia’s continued focus on residential areas rather than military installations. The northeastern city has endured repeated bombardment throughout the nearly four-year conflict.
Despite the attacks on residential zones, weekend negotiations began in Abu Dhabi where American, Russian, and Ukrainian representatives convened for two-day talks. The UAE foreign ministry described the discussions as efforts “to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” The commitment to weekend negotiations demonstrated diplomatic seriousness.
President Zelensky announced that peace proposals were “nearly ready” following his meeting with President Trump. He proposed creating a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Kyiv’s control, which he discussed with the American leader. President Putin engaged separately with Trump’s envoys, while all parties began intensive weekend negotiations.