Russia Strikes Ukraine: Winter Conditions Worsen as Heating Systems Damaged

Russian attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv killed at least one person and injured 15 others, with strikes damaging heating systems during winter conditions. The bombardment targeted residential areas even as peace negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States continued in Abu Dhabi.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned residents that the capital faced a “massive enemy attack,” instructing people to seek shelter immediately. Residential buildings were hit directly, causing casualties and widespread property damage. The attacks severed heat and water services in several neighborhoods, leaving thousands without essential utilities during the cold winter months.
Mayor Igor Terekhov reported that Kharkiv experienced attacks from Iranian-made Shahed drones, which damaged multiple residential complexes. The drone strikes highlighted Russia’s continued targeting of civilian infrastructure rather than military installations. The northeastern city has faced relentless bombardment throughout the conflict.
In Abu Dhabi, negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States engaged in two-day talks aimed at ending the nearly four-year war. The UAE foreign ministry stated the discussions were part of “ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” The Donbas region remained a critical sticking point, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterating Moscow’s demand for Ukrainian military withdrawal.
President Zelensky, following discussions with President Trump, announced that peace proposals were approaching finalization. He proposed establishing a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Kyiv’s control, suggesting economic benefits. President Putin engaged separately with Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while all parties committed to continuing weekend negotiations.