Russia launched its largest overnight aerial attack on Ukraine so far this year, local authorities reported on January 24, 2026, just hours after the first trilateral peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States concluded in Abu Dhabi. The strike, which involved more than 370 drones and 21 missiles, targeted multiple cities including Kyiv and Kharkiv, causing casualties and significant damage to infrastructure.
In Kyiv, the capital, at least one person was killed and four others wounded as falling debris from intercepted missiles sparked fires and damaged buildings. Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that nearly 6,000 apartment blocks lost heating, and parts of the city were cut off from water supply, exacerbating the harsh winter conditions with temperatures around -12°C (10°F). The attacks also hit Kharkiv, where a maternity hospital and a dormitory for displaced people were damaged, leaving at least 19 people wounded, including a child.
The aerial assault came shortly after delegations from Ukraine, Russia, and the US wrapped up their first day of trilateral talks in the United Arab Emirates, marking the first such meeting since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The discussions, mediated by the US, focused on territorial issues, particularly the status of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, which remains a key sticking point in peace negotiations. Russian officials, including military intelligence chiefs, attended alongside Ukrainian negotiators and US envoys such as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the talks as a potential step toward ending the war but cautioned that it was too early to draw conclusions. He emphasized that Ukraine’s position is clear and that Russia must be ready to end the conflict. Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s top negotiator, noted that the meeting aimed at a dignified and lasting peace, with additional sessions scheduled for the following day. The US has been pressuring Ukraine to accept a peace deal, though concerns persist that any agreement might favor Moscow.
The timing of the air strike underscores the ongoing volatility of the conflict, now nearing its fourth year. Russia currently occupies about 20% of Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory, including large parts of Donbas and other regions. The winter has seen intensified attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector, crippling heating and power supplies amid freezing temperatures. European aid, such as emergency generators from the European Commission, has been deployed to mitigate the humanitarian crisis.
Analysts suggest that the talks in Abu Dhabi represent a critical juncture, testing whether Moscow is serious about peace or merely stalling. While Ukraine seeks security guarantees and a withdrawal of Russian forces, Russia insists on territorial concessions, particularly in Donbas. The US proposal includes a demilitarized free economic zone in the region, but both sides remain far apart on key issues. Zelensky has agreed on preliminary security assurances with the US, but the path to a lasting settlement remains fraught with challenges.
As the war drags on, the latest escalation highlights the fragile nature of diplomatic efforts. With further talks planned, the international community watches closely to see if a breakthrough can be achieved or if violence will continue to overshadow peace initiatives. The resilience of Ukrainian civilians, facing another harsh winter under attack, adds urgency to the need for a sustainable resolution.
