Russian forces killed one person and wounded 15 others in attacks that knocked water systems offline in Kyiv and Kharkiv, while preconditions for peace were discussed in Abu Dhabi. The strikes disrupted essential water services as territorial demands remained a central issue.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko issued emergency warnings that the capital faced a “massive enemy attack,” directing residents to seek shelter. The bombardment hit residential buildings, causing casualties and extensive infrastructure damage. Water systems were knocked offline in several neighborhoods, along with heating services, creating compounded difficulties for civilians.
In Kharkiv, Iranian-made Shahed drones attacked multiple residential complexes, as confirmed by Mayor Igor Terekhov. The drone strikes caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure including water systems. The northeastern city has faced repeated bombardment throughout the nearly four-year conflict.
In Abu Dhabi, negotiators discussed preconditions for peace, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterating that Ukrainian armed forces must withdraw from the Donbas. The UAE foreign ministry described the two-day talks between American, Russian, and Ukrainian representatives as focused on “promoting dialogue and identifying political solutions to the crisis.” The preconditions remained a significant obstacle.
President Zelensky suggested 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 as an alternative approach. President Putin engaged separately with Trump’s envoys, while all parties navigated the challenging preconditions.