At least one person died and 15 were injured in Russian drone attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv, even as Ukrainian President Zelensky suggested a positive business outlook through a proposed trade zone. The strikes using Iranian-made drones occurred while economic solutions were being explored.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko alerted Kyiv residents via social media that the capital was “under a massive enemy attack,” instructing people to remain in shelters. The strikes targeted residential buildings, resulting in casualties and widespread property damage. Heat and water services were disrupted in parts of the city.
Mayor Igor Terekhov reported that Kharkiv experienced drone attacks using Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones, which damaged several residential complexes. The drone strikes caused extensive damage to civilian housing, demonstrating Russia’s continued reliance on unmanned aerial vehicles. The northeastern city has endured persistent bombardment throughout the war.
In Abu Dhabi, negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States engaged in two-day talks described by the UAE foreign ministry as efforts “to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” President Zelensky proposed establishing a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine under Kyiv’s control, suggesting it would create a positive business outlook.
Ukrainian President Zelensky stated following his meeting with President Trump that the trade zone proposal “will be positive for our business,” offering economic optimism amid conflict. He announced that peace proposals were “nearly ready.” President Putin met with Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as all parties continued negotiations.