Kyiv and Kharkiv Hit by Russian Air Attacks as Peace Talks Continue in Abu Dhabi
Russian air attacks once again shook Ukraine on Saturday, with the country’s capital Kyiv and the northeastern city of Kharkiv coming under heavy fire. According to Ukrainian local authorities, at least one person was killed and dozens of others were injured in the latest strikes. Residential areas, public infrastructure, and civilian buildings were reportedly affected, spreading fear among people who were already living under constant threat due to the long-running war.
In Kyiv, explosions were heard in several parts of the city during the early hours. Air defence systems were activated as residents rushed to shelters. Emergency services later confirmed damage to buildings and vehicles. In Kharkiv, a city close to the Russian border that has faced repeated attacks since the beginning of the war, missiles and drones hit multiple locations. Local officials said that many of the injured were civilians, including elderly people.
These fresh attacks came at a sensitive moment, as peace negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States entered their second day in Abu Dhabi. The talks are focused on a proposal being strongly pushed by US President Donald Trump, who has said he wants to bring an end to the nearly four-year-long conflict.
The ongoing discussions mark a rare moment of direct contact between Ukrainian and Russian officials. According to sources familiar with the talks, Friday saw the first known direct interaction between representatives of the two countries regarding this particular peace proposal. While full details of the discussions have not been made public, officials from all sides have described the talks as serious and structured.
Ukraine’s chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, said that the discussions were mainly focused on the basic framework needed to end the war. He explained that the talks looked at the “parameters for ending Russia’s war” and also discussed the future direction of the negotiation process. This includes how talks could continue, what conditions might be considered, and what steps could be taken if progress is made.
Despite the diplomatic efforts, the attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv have raised serious questions about Russia’s intentions. Many observers say the strikes send a strong message that the fighting on the ground is far from stopping, even as talks continue at the negotiating table. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly said that any peace plan must ensure the country’s security and protect its sovereignty.
For ordinary Ukrainians, the contrast between peace talks abroad and explosions at home is painful. Residents in Kyiv said they felt exhausted and angry that violence continues while leaders discuss peace far away. In Kharkiv, which has suffered extensive damage over the past years, people said they are struggling to rebuild their lives amid repeated attacks.
The war, which began nearly four years ago, has caused massive destruction across Ukraine. Thousands of civilians have lost their lives, millions have been displaced, and large parts of the country’s infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed. Cities like Kyiv and Kharkiv have become symbols of both resistance and suffering.
The involvement of the United States in the Abu Dhabi talks is seen as significant. US officials believe that their proposal could help bring both sides closer to a possible ceasefire, even if a full peace agreement takes longer. However, experts warn that reaching a deal will be extremely difficult due to deep mistrust between Russia and Ukraine.
As the talks continue, the situation on the ground remains tense. Ukrainian air defence systems stay on high alert, and emergency services are working round the clock to respond to new attacks. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the negotiations can lead to real progress or if the war will continue with the same intensity.
For now, Ukraine faces another harsh reminder that diplomacy and war are unfolding side by side. While negotiators speak of peace in Abu Dhabi, people in Kyiv and Kharkiv are once again counting casualties, repairing damage, and hoping for an end to a conflict that has already lasted far too long.
Source : Aljazeera
