Russia Strikes Ukraine: Putin Meets Trump Envoys as Cities Face Bombardment

Russian attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv killed one person and injured 15 others, occurring as Russian President Putin met with envoys from President Trump. The strikes on residential areas underscored the disconnect between diplomatic engagement and battlefield violence.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned residents that the capital faced a “massive enemy attack,” directing them to remain in shelters. The bombardment targeted residential buildings, causing casualties and extensive infrastructure damage. Heat and water services were disrupted across multiple districts, leaving thousands without essential utilities during winter.
Mayor Igor Terekhov reported that Kharkiv experienced attacks from Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones, which damaged several residential complexes. The drone strikes highlighted Russia’s continued targeting of civilian infrastructure rather than military installations. The northeastern city has endured relentless bombardment throughout the war.
In Abu Dhabi, negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States engaged in two-day talks aimed at ending the nearly four-year conflict. The UAE foreign ministry characterized the discussions as efforts “to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” Meanwhile, President Putin held separate meetings with Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to discuss Ukraine settlement.
Ukrainian President Zelensky announced that peace proposals were approaching completion following his discussions with President Trump. He proposed establishing a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Ukrainian control, which he believes would strengthen the economy. However, significant obstacles remain, particularly regarding the Donbas region where Russia demands Ukrainian military withdrawal.