Russia strikes Kyiv and Kharkiv as U.S.-led Ukraine peace talks continue in Abu Dhabi

Bombardment hits major cities amid negotiations

A heavy Russian drone-and-missile assault struck Kyiv and Kharkiv on January 24, 2026, as peace talks involving U.S., Ukrainian, and Russian negotiators continued in Abu Dhabi. The attacks hit civilian areas and critical services, leaving residents with damaged buildings and interruptions to essential infrastructure even as diplomats pressed on with discussions aimed at ending the war.

Ukrainian officials framed the timing as a deliberate attempt to undercut diplomacy. The strikes were described as large and sustained, with significant damage to power systems. The Guardian reported that hundreds of aerial weapons were used and that large numbers of people faced outages as temperatures plunged, adding a life-threatening dimension to the disruptions caused by the bombardment.

Energy infrastructure and civilian facilities impacted

Beyond the immediate injuries and damage to homes, the attacks placed additional stress on Ukraine’s energy network, which has been repeatedly targeted throughout the conflict. The reported loss of electricity for large populations meant that municipal services and health facilities had to operate under strained conditions, with emergency teams assessing damage while residents sought warmth and safety.

In Kharkiv, the assault was reported to have hit multiple sites, including facilities linked to civilian care and displacement, highlighting the continued risk to noncombatants. Local leaders described the situation as urgent as responders worked to restore services and support those affected by the blasts and resulting outages.

Talks continue with major issues unresolved

Despite the escalation, discussions in Abu Dhabi resumed. Reporting characterized the negotiations as constructive in tone, but far from a completed deal. Key disputes—especially over territory in eastern Ukraine and the structure of any security guarantees—remain central obstacles. The diplomatic process continues under intense pressure from ongoing military action, suggesting that even limited progress may be fragile and difficult to lock into a durable agreement.