Russia Launches Missile and Drone Attacks on Kyiv Amid Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi

On January 24, 2026, Russian forces launched a substantial missile and drone assault on Kyiv, coinciding with the second day of peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States in Abu Dhabi. The attacks resulted in at least one death and multiple injuries, with significant damage to the city's infrastructure.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that one person was killed and four others were injured, three of whom required hospitalization. The strikes caused fires and damaged buildings across several districts, including Desnianskyi, Dniprovskyi, Darnytskyi, Holosiivskyi, and Solomianskyi. In the Dniprovskyi district, a fire erupted in a garage cooperative, and a fuel tanker caught fire in a parking lot. Additionally, windows were shattered in a multi-story building. In the Darnytskyi district, a private medical facility sustained window damage. The Holosiivskyi district saw a fire on non-residential premises, and a private house had its windows blown out. In the Solomianskyi district, debris damaged a six-story office building.

The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that Russia deployed 375 drones and 21 missiles, including two Tsirkon ballistic missiles, in the overnight attack. The primary target was Kyiv Oblast, with strategic aircraft armed with Kh-22/Kh-32 missiles used to strike the capital. Air defense systems were activated, and residents were urged to seek shelter.

These attacks occurred as Ukrainian, Russian, and U.S. negotiators convened in Abu Dhabi for peace talks aimed at resolving the nearly four-year conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the ongoing discussions, stating it was too early to draw conclusions from the first day of talks. He emphasized the importance of Russia's readiness to end the war it initiated.

The timing of the attacks has been interpreted by some as a strategic move by Russia to influence the negotiations. A senior European diplomat, speaking anonymously, remarked, "With negotiations underway, Moscow is sending a message written in fire. This is how the Kremlin negotiates – with missiles."

The strikes have exacerbated Kyiv's ongoing energy crisis, with significant portions of the city experiencing power outages amid freezing temperatures. Residents have been left without heat and electricity, further straining the city's resources during the harsh winter months.

As the peace talks continue, the situation on the ground remains tense, with the recent attacks underscoring the challenges in reaching a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.