Kyiv and Moscow Targeted in Missile Strikes as Abu Dhabi Peace Talks Stall
Russia and Ukraine launch drone attacks on both capitals after peace talks end without breakthrough. US envoys head to Moscow for meetings with Putin.
POLICY WIRE — Kyiv, Ukraine — Russia and Ukraine launched mutual aerial strikes against their respective capitals early Thursday morning, occurring shortly after a high-level diplomatic summit in Abu Dhabi failed to produce a resolution on critical issues.
Residents in Kyiv reported explosions throughout the city during the early hours, though no reports of structural damage or casualties were immediately available. In Russia, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced that local air defense systems intercepted and neutralized five drones aimed at the city.
The escalation occurs as United States envoys prepare to travel to Moscow for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin. This movement follows statements from US mediators indicating that disagreements persist regarding major points, specifically those involving territorial sovereignty.
US representatives Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are scheduled to meet with Putin on Thursday. During these discussions, they are expected to advocate for the inclusion of European partners in the ongoing peace process.
Following the Russian engagement, the pair will fly to Ireland to consult with President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is set to participate in a summit with other European leaders.
While the two-day talks in the United Arab Emirates ended without a territorial breakthrough, both nations did reach an agreement on a significant prisoner exchange. Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky noted that mutual understanding was achieved on certain fronts, while Ukrainian negotiator David Arakhamia expressed optimism regarding momentum toward a solution by year’s end.
On a separate diplomatic front, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone call on Wednesday. They reaffirmed their commitment to a relationship built on reciprocity and respect ahead of a potential trilateral summit involving Trump, Xi Jinping, and Putin during the APEC summit.
In domestic news, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported the death of Alexander Darchiev, the Russian ambassador to the United States, at age 66. Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that the veteran diplomat passed away in Moscow due to a chronic illness. Darchiev was appointed by Putin in March 2025 to manage relations with the Trump administration.
Additionally, Russia is facing a surge in deadly bear encounters, with 35 deaths recorded since the spring. Officials suggest the brown bear population has grown to approximately 308,000 over the last thirty years, aided by milder winters. Local leaders in Buryatia linked the spike in attacks to hunters enlistment in the military during the ongoing conflict.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)em>
