Russia hits Kyiv and Kharkiv as U.S.-linked peace talks continue in Abu Dhabi

Russia launched a large-scale drone-and-missile attack on Kyiv and Kharkiv on January 24, 2026, as U.S.-linked tripartite negotiations involving Ukrainian and Russian representatives continued in Abu Dhabi. Ukrainian officials condemned the strikes as a deliberate effort to disrupt diplomacy, while talks reportedly proceeded despite the bombardment. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/24/russia-launches-deadly-strikes-on-kyiv-and-kharkiv-ahead-of-day-two-of-peace-talks?utm_source=openai))

The assault damaged buildings and essential services and intensified pressure on an already strained energy system during deep winter conditions. Ukrainian authorities reported widespread outages, and the strikes hit civilian sites in Kharkiv, including medical facilities, compounding the humanitarian impact at a time when temperatures were dangerously low. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/24/russia-launches-deadly-strikes-on-kyiv-and-kharkiv-ahead-of-day-two-of-peace-talks?utm_source=openai))

The timing of the attack sharpened doubts in Kyiv about Moscow’s intentions, with Ukrainian leadership arguing that military escalation and diplomatic engagement cannot be separated when strikes target large population centers. Even so, negotiators returned to the table, highlighting the geopolitical reality that talks may continue amid active combat and retaliation. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/24/russia-launches-deadly-strikes-on-kyiv-and-kharkiv-ahead-of-day-two-of-peace-talks?utm_source=openai))

Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that winter attacks on power and heating systems can quickly turn military actions into public health emergencies. With millions affected by disruptions over successive seasons, the conflict’s infrastructure dimension remains central to both battlefield strategy and negotiating leverage. ([un.org](https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/highlight/2026-01-13.html?utm_source=openai))

The next rounds of talks are expected to focus on core territorial and security disputes, including questions tied to eastern Ukraine, while Kyiv continues to seek guarantees that any pause in fighting would be durable. For civilians, the immediate reality remains air-raid sirens, damaged housing, and uncertainty over whether diplomacy can outrun the next wave of strikes. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/24/russia-launches-deadly-strikes-on-kyiv-and-kharkiv-ahead-of-day-two-of-peace-talks?utm_source=openai))