A devastating Russian missile and drone attack struck Ukraine's capital overnight, killing six people and injuring 14 others as new US-mediated peace negotiations began in Abu Dhabi.
Massive Overnight Assault on Civilian Areas
Russian forces launched 22 missiles, including four hypersonic Kinzhals, and 464 drones in coordinated attacks that primarily targeted Kyiv and surrounding regions. The assault occurred in two distinct waves, with explosions first heard shortly after 1am and again around 7am local time.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, stating that "all partners must remember that lives need to be saved every single day." He emphasised the critical need for continuous military support and sanctions pressure against Russia, warning that the Kremlin must not believe it can prevail militarily while diplomatic efforts continue.
Civilian Casualties and Infrastructure Damage
The attacks caused significant civilian casualties across multiple districts of Kyiv. In the Sviatoshynskyi district, four people were killed and three injured at one site, while the Dniprovskyi district reported two fatalities and five injuries. Emergency services documented 13 separate incidents involving attack damage or falling debris, including strikes on residential buildings.
Among the damaged structures was a nine-storey residential building where 90-year-old resident Liubov Petrivna described the terrifying moment of impact. "Absolutely everything in my apartment was shattered by the strike and glass rained down on me," she told Associated Press, expressing scepticism about ongoing peace efforts.
Regional Impact and Peace Negotiations
The assault extended beyond Kyiv, with explosions reported in the Dnipro, Kharkiv, Chernihiv and Cherkasy regions. Ukraine's energy infrastructure suffered particularly heavy damage, prompting emergency power outages across the capital and affecting heat supply during winter conditions.
Meanwhile, reports confirmed that US-brokered peace talks had commenced in Abu Dhabi, with US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll meeting Russian and Ukrainian delegations. The Ukrainian team was led by Kyrylo Budanov, indicating high-level engagement despite the escalating violence.
In a concerning development, President Zelenskyy revealed that four drones had crossed into Moldovan and Romanian airspace, with Romania deploying four fighter jets to monitor the situation. This marks a significant escalation with potential implications for NATO member states.
Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's military administration, described the Russian tactics as "cynical terror" deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure and housing. The attacks come as Ukraine faces increasing pressure on multiple fronts while maintaining diplomatic efforts to secure a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
