Russia Strikes Ukraine Amid Peace Talks with US and Ukraine
Published 24 January 2026
Highlights
- Russia launched drone and missile attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv, killing one and injuring at least 23, amid ongoing peace talks with the US and Ukraine.
- The trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi mark the first such negotiations since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, with territorial disputes remaining unresolved.
- Kyiv's critical infrastructure was heavily damaged, leaving 6,000 buildings without heating as temperatures plummet below zero.
- Kharkiv's mayor reported that a maternity hospital and a hostel for displaced people were among the damaged sites, with 19 people injured.
- The Kremlin continues to demand control over the Donbas region, casting doubt on the sincerity of its peace efforts.
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Rewritten Article
Russia Strikes Ukraine Amid Peace Talks with US and Ukraine
Russia has launched a series of devastating drone and missile attacks on Ukraine's major cities, Kyiv and Kharkiv, even as peace talks with the United States and Ukraine continue in Abu Dhabi. The strikes, which occurred early Saturday, resulted in the death of one person and injuries to at least 23 others, highlighting the ongoing volatility of the Russia Ukraine conflict.
Escalating Tensions Amid Peace Efforts
The attacks coincide with the first trilateral negotiations since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Delegations from Russia, Ukraine, and the US have gathered in the United Arab Emirates to seek a resolution to the conflict, yet significant hurdles remain. A key sticking point is Russia's demand for control over the eastern Donbas region, a condition Ukraine has firmly rejected.
Impact on Ukrainian Cities
In Kyiv, the capital's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, reported that the strikes severely damaged critical infrastructure, leaving 6,000 buildings without heating as temperatures drop below freezing. "The main target of the Russians was the energy infrastructure," stated President Volodymyr Zelensky, underscoring the strategic focus of the attacks.
Meanwhile, in Kharkiv, Mayor Ihor Terekhov detailed the damage inflicted by 25 drones over a two-and-a-half-hour period. Among the affected sites were a maternity hospital and a hostel for displaced people, with 19 individuals injured. The city, located just 30 kilometers from the Russian border, has been a frequent target throughout the conflict.
Humanitarian Concerns
The ongoing strikes exacerbate a worsening energy crisis in Ukraine, particularly in Kyiv, where many residents have been left without heat and power. Emergency workers are racing to restore services amid sub-zero temperatures, with the city's military administration reporting damage in at least four districts.
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Scenario Analysis
As the peace talks in Abu Dhabi continue, the path forward remains fraught with challenges. The Kremlin's insistence on controlling the Donbas region suggests a potential stalemate, raising questions about the effectiveness of these negotiations. Should the talks fail to yield a compromise, the conflict could further escalate, leading to increased humanitarian suffering and regional instability.
Experts suggest that continued diplomatic engagement is crucial, with the US playing a pivotal role in mediating between the two nations. However, the recent attacks underscore the complexity of achieving a peaceful resolution, as both sides remain entrenched in their positions. The international community will be closely watching the developments, hoping for a breakthrough that could pave the way for lasting peace in the region.
Russia has launched a series of devastating drone and missile attacks on Ukraine's major cities, Kyiv and Kharkiv, even as peace talks with the United States and Ukraine continue in Abu Dhabi. The strikes, which occurred early Saturday, resulted in the death of one person and injuries to at least 23 others, highlighting the ongoing volatility of the Russia Ukraine conflict.
Escalating Tensions Amid Peace Efforts
The attacks coincide with the first trilateral negotiations since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Delegations from Russia, Ukraine, and the US have gathered in the United Arab Emirates to seek a resolution to the conflict, yet significant hurdles remain. A key sticking point is Russia's demand for control over the eastern Donbas region, a condition Ukraine has firmly rejected.
Impact on Ukrainian Cities
In Kyiv, the capital's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, reported that the strikes severely damaged critical infrastructure, leaving 6,000 buildings without heating as temperatures drop below freezing. "The main target of the Russians was the energy infrastructure," stated President Volodymyr Zelensky, underscoring the strategic focus of the attacks.
Meanwhile, in Kharkiv, Mayor Ihor Terekhov detailed the damage inflicted by 25 drones over a two-and-a-half-hour period. Among the affected sites were a maternity hospital and a hostel for displaced people, with 19 individuals injured. The city, located just 30 kilometers from the Russian border, has been a frequent target throughout the conflict.
Humanitarian Concerns
The ongoing strikes exacerbate a worsening energy crisis in Ukraine, particularly in Kyiv, where many residents have been left without heat and power. Emergency workers are racing to restore services amid sub-zero temperatures, with the city's military administration reporting damage in at least four districts.
What this might mean
As the peace talks in Abu Dhabi continue, the path forward remains fraught with challenges. The Kremlin's insistence on controlling the Donbas region suggests a potential stalemate, raising questions about the effectiveness of these negotiations. Should the talks fail to yield a compromise, the conflict could further escalate, leading to increased humanitarian suffering and regional instability.
Experts suggest that continued diplomatic engagement is crucial, with the US playing a pivotal role in mediating between the two nations. However, the recent attacks underscore the complexity of achieving a peaceful resolution, as both sides remain entrenched in their positions. The international community will be closely watching the developments, hoping for a breakthrough that could pave the way for lasting peace in the region.
