Ukraine has sharply criticized the latest Russian strikes, describing them as 'brutal' just ahead of the second day of peace negotiations in Abu Dhabi. A BBC source revealed some progress in the talks, although territorial issues remain unresolved.
These are the first trilateral talks involving delegations from Russia, Ukraine, and the US since Russia's widespread invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The discussions are being held in Abu Dhabi.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that the attack had affected not just the people but also the ongoing negotiations. Kyiv's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, reported one fatality and four injuries following the strikes. He also indicated extensive damage to critical infrastructure, leaving 6,000 buildings without heating amid sub-zero temperatures.
Meanwhile, Kharkiv's mayor, Ihor Terekhov, confirmed that 19 individuals were injured in a continued assault on the city early Saturday morning, impacting facilities like a maternity hospital and a hostel for displaced individuals.
During the second day of talks, Sybiha remarked that the 'barbaric' actions demonstrated that Russian President Vladimir Putin's place is at the special tribunal rather than the negotiation table. This comment follows US President Donald Trump's statement last week about Putin joining his 'Board of Peace,' a statement not yet confirmed by the Russian leader.
Rustem Umerov, leading the Ukrainian delegation, shared that discussions are focusing on the terms to end Russia's war with an emphasis on achieving a respectable and lasting peace. Despite ongoing discussions, Ukraine maintains its stance against ceding any part of the approximately 20% of its territory currently occupied by Russia, including areas in the eastern Donbas region.