At least one person died and 15 were injured in Russian attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv, while an eastern free trade proposal emerged from peace negotiations. The strikes on residential areas continued even as economic solutions were proposed to complement political discussions.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned Kyiv residents via social media that the capital faced a “massive enemy attack,” urging people to remain in shelters. The bombardment targeted residential buildings, resulting in casualties and extensive damage. Heat and water services were knocked offline in several neighborhoods, creating severe hardships.
In Kharkiv, Iranian-made Shahed drones attacked multiple residential complexes, as confirmed by Mayor Igor Terekhov. The drone strikes caused widespread damage to civilian housing, continuing Russia’s pattern of targeting non-military infrastructure. The northeastern city has endured relentless bombardment throughout the war.
In Abu Dhabi, an eastern free trade proposal emerged as American, Russian, and Ukrainian representatives engaged in two-day talks. President Zelensky proposed establishing a free trade zone under Ukrainian control in the country’s east, suggesting it would be “positive for our business.” The UAE foreign ministry described the discussions as efforts “to promote dialogue and identify political solutions.”
Ukrainian President Zelensky announced that peace proposals were approaching completion following his meeting with President Trump. The eastern free trade proposal represented an economic approach to conflict resolution. President Putin met with Trump’s envoys, while all parties continued negotiations despite ongoing violence.