Ukraine: Russia hits Kyiv with airstrikes ahead of trilateral talks
Russia launched overnight strikes on Kyiv and surrounding areas, hitting the Northern Bridge and Meridian Plant, as confirmed by Russian and Ukrainian authorities.
Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed the strikes hit the Northern Bridge and Meridian Plant, claiming the bridge was used for military transport and the plant produces Flamingo cruise missiles. The attacks damaged several energy and industrial facilities in the Kyiv region, an electricity substation in Zhytomyr, and a cargo vessel in the Black Sea.
Civilian impact
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the strikes on the Northern Bridge, describing the city's situation as "extremely difficult" regarding power, heating and water supplies. Overnight temperatures dropped to 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit).
The Kyiv region's governor, Tymur Tkachenko, reported energy facilities in three districts had been hit. Ukrainian authorities confirmed one person was killed and eight wounded in the attack.
Russia used 172 drones and 36 ballistic missiles during the attack.
Diplomatic context
The strikes occurred days before a fourth round of trilateral talks between Kyiv, Moscow and Washington in Abu Dhabi. Previous US-brokered talks have failed to achieve breakthroughs on territorial and security issues.
US President Donald Trump suggested the war could be nearing settlement, envisioning a "big, beautiful agreement" involving "all of Europe." Meanwhile, a six-day local ceasefire in Oleshky brokered by Melania Trump allowed evacuation of about 800 residents from the occupied city.
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