KYIV: Ukraine has strongly condemned fresh overnight Russian missile and drone attacks on several of its cities, describing the strikes as brutal and deliberately timed to undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts. At least one person was killed and dozens injured as fires broke out across residential areas and critical infrastructure was damaged.
The attacks targeted the capital Kyiv and the northeastern city of Kharkiv, where emergency services battled flames in freezing temperatures. Power lines, public buildings and energy facilities were hit leaving around 6,000 homes without heating amid sub zero weather.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called the strikes cynical accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of attempting to sabotage peace negotiations while continuing attacks on civilians. He said such actions severely undermined confidence in the diplomatic process.
The strikes came as Ukraine, Russia and the United States concluded the second day of trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi the first direct three way engagement since Russia’s full scale invasion in 2022. Ukrainian officials said discussions had ended for the day, while Russian sources signaled openness to continued talks. Although some progress was reported, the issue of territory remains unresolved.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed one death and four injuries in the capital. In Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said 31 people were wounded with a maternity hospital and a shelter for displaced people among the damaged buildings.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia was deliberately targeting Ukraine’s energy systems to disrupt civilian life.
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