Russia Strikes Ukraine: Donbas Withdrawal Demands Persist as Cities Suffer

Russian attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv killed one person and wounded 15 others, while Kremlin demands for Donbas withdrawal persisted despite ongoing suffering in Ukrainian cities. The strikes on residential areas occurred as territorial disputes dominated peace negotiations in Abu Dhabi.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned residents via social media that the capital faced a “massive enemy attack,” instructing people to remain in protective shelters. The bombardment targeted residential buildings, causing casualties and extensive damage. Heat and water services were knocked offline in parts of the city, creating additional hardships.
Mayor Igor Terekhov reported that Kharkiv experienced attacks from Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones, which damaged multiple residential complexes. The drone strikes highlighted Russia’s continued targeting of civilian infrastructure rather than military installations. The northeastern city has endured repeated bombardment throughout the nearly four-year conflict.
In Abu Dhabi, negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States convened for two-day talks, but Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made clear that Russia’s demand for Ukrainian withdrawal from the Donbas remained unchanged. He stated that “Ukraine, Ukrainian armed forces, have to leave the territory of the Donbas,” highlighting the central territorial dispute.
Ukrainian President Zelensky announced that peace proposals were “nearly ready” following his meeting with President Trump. He proposed creating a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Kyiv’s control, suggesting economic alternatives to military solutions. President Putin met with Trump’s envoys, while all parties continued weekend discussions.