Russia strikes Ukraine ahead of Abu Dhabi talks — SkimNews
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- Russia launched overnight drone and ballistic missile attacks on 12 Ukrainian regions, deploying over 30 ballistic missiles and more than 170 drones, according to President Zelensky.
- Ukraine's energy infrastructure sustained damage in Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Rivne, Kharkiv, and Dnipro regions, disrupting electricity, water, and heating amid dropping winter temperatures.
- Kyiv was the hardest-hit city, with damaged residential buildings, the North Bridge, a kindergarten, and substations linking nuclear power plants to central Ukraine.
- Nine people, including one child, were injured across Ukraine in the attacks, while Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported restored water supply and 60% of apartments connected to heating.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of attempting to undermine Ukraine’s position ahead of trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, calling the strikes a tactic to pressure Kyiv during negotiations.
- The U.S. is expected to increase bilateral support for Ukraine, with Zelensky urging unity across American political parties on security aid, sanctions, and condemnation of Russian aggression.
Why it matters: With critical infrastructure damaged and winter setting in, Ukraine faces growing strain on civilian resilience just before high-stakes talks. The timing suggests Russia aims to exploit vulnerabilities for leverage, while U.S. support becomes more urgent to sustain Ukraine’s negotiating position and energy stability.
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