At least one person died and 15 were injured as defensive measures were activated in Kyiv and Kharkiv during Russian attacks, occurring as a roadmap to peace was discussed in Abu Dhabi. The strikes triggered emergency protocols while negotiators outlined potential steps toward ending the conflict.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko activated defensive measures, warning Kyiv residents that the capital was “under a massive enemy attack.” The strikes targeted residential buildings, causing casualties and widespread damage. Defensive measures including shelter protocols were activated as heat and water services were disrupted.
In Kharkiv, Mayor Igor Terekhov activated defensive measures in response to attacks from Iranian-made Shahed drones. The drone strikes damaged several residential complexes, requiring comprehensive defensive response. The northeastern city’s defensive measures have been repeatedly activated throughout the nearly four-year conflict.
Despite requiring defensive measures activation, a roadmap to peace was discussed in Abu Dhabi. American, Russian, and Ukrainian representatives engaged in talks outlining potential steps toward settlement. President Zelensky announced that peace proposals were “nearly ready,” suggesting a roadmap was emerging. The UAE foreign ministry described the discussions as efforts “to promote dialogue and identify political solutions.”
Ukrainian President Zelensky proposed creating a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Kyiv’s control as part of the peace roadmap. He expressed optimism following his meeting with President Trump. President Putin engaged with Trump’s envoys, as all parties worked to develop a comprehensive roadmap despite ongoing violence.