Russia and Ukraine hold a second day of US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi

On February 3, 2026, Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine, deploying 450 drones and 70 missiles. The strikes hit civilian infrastructure in Kyiv, including residential buildings, a pre-school, and administrative buildings, injuring at least four people. Civilians sought shelter in metro stations. The attack occurred a day before US-brokered talks were scheduled. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte attended a commemorative ceremony for fallen soldiers in Kyiv on the same day as the attack.

Following a supposed weeklong truce, Russia renewed attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, targeting energy infrastructure. Ukrainian officials reported that Russia launched 450 drones and over 60 missiles overnight, leaving 1,170 residential buildings in Kyiv without heating as temperatures plummeted to -17 degrees Celsius. The attacks affected five districts in Kyiv, damaging apartment blocks and a kindergarten. At least four people were wounded in the strikes. According to unconfirmed reports, two thermal power plants in the capital were hit. The renewed attacks come after a reported agreement for Russia to pause attacks amid freezing weather.

Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine, targeting its energy grid and leaving hundreds of thousands without heating during freezing temperatures. The strikes occurred on Tuesday, coinciding with Ukraine experiencing its coldest weather since the Russian invasion began and damaging a WWII monument. The attack took place a day before scheduled peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators in Abu Dhabi. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, accusing Russia of prioritizing terror over diplomacy. The attack also coincided with a surprise visit to Kyiv by NATO chief Mark Rutte, who met with Zelensky.

Negotiators from Russia and Ukraine held a second day of US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, February 5, 2026. The discussions aimed to find a resolution to the ongoing war. These talks occurred amidst increased Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power grid and a rise in civilian casualties. The recent Russian attack on a thermal power plant in Kyiv was described by Latvia’s Ambassador to Ukraine as a "war crime" and "genocidal" act. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy spoke as the negotiations took place.

Ukrainian and Russian officials concluded the first day of US-mediated peace talks in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, with Kyiv's chief negotiator calling them "substantive and productive." Despite ongoing Russian attacks in Ukraine, including one that killed seven at a market, discussions are set to continue into a second day. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for concrete results from the talks, anticipating a prisoner exchange soon. While the Kremlin stated that the "doors for a peaceful settlement are open," Moscow will continue its military assault until Kyiv agrees to its demands. The negotiations, mediated by the United States, aim to find practical solutions to end the nearly four-year war.

Peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States continued for a second day in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The negotiations, which lasted five and a half hours on Wednesday, are focused on the fate of Ukrainian territory in the east and security guarantees for Ukraine. While details remain scarce, a planned prisoner exchange was announced, and both Russian and Ukrainian officials have indicated progress is being made. Despite the ongoing talks, Russia launched another attack on Kyiv, though smaller than previous strikes. Officials have refrained from disclosing specifics, but the Kremlin confirmed President Putin is being regularly updated on the discussions.

Following a week-long pause requested by US President Trump, Russia has resumed attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing widespread damage and leaving many without power and heating as temperatures plummet. UK Prime Minister Starmer condemned the attacks as "barbaric." The strikes have severely damaged facilities, including a power plant in Kharkiv and Kyiv's Darnytsia CHP plant, leaving over 1,000 tower blocks in Kyiv without heating. Residents are seeking shelter in metro stations and communal heating centers. US envoys are meeting with Ukrainian and Russian negotiators in Abu Dhabi to discuss a peace plan, but Russia has so far refused calls for a ceasefire. Ukraine's Energy Minister has described the energy situation as "difficult" and expects repairs to take time.

Russian attacks on Ukraine on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, resulted in at least three deaths and several injuries. Two people were killed in the Kyiv region by a missile strike, and another died in the Dnipropetrovsk region due to a drone attack. Three people were injured in Odesa from a drone attack targeting port infrastructure. In Kyiv, a residential building was hit, causing damage, and power outages persist due to earlier attacks on the energy grid. Ukraine's air force reported Russia used an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 146 drones, with 103 drones being intercepted. These attacks follow a deadly drone strike on a commuter train near Kharkiv on Tuesday night that killed five, raising concerns about the safety of train travel within Ukraine.

A Russian drone strike on a passenger train in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine on Tuesday killed five people. The train was traveling from Chop to Barvinkove, carrying over 150 passengers. Ukrainian prosecutors reported finding fragments of five bodies at the scene, where at least two carriages caught fire. President Zelenskyy condemned the attack as terrorism, stating there was no military purpose and that it undermined peace efforts. In a separate incident, a barrage of over 50 Russian drones in Odesa killed three and wounded over 30, including a pregnant woman.

A Russian drone attack struck a civilian passenger train in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine on Tuesday, resulting in at least five deaths and two injuries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as an "act of terrorism," emphasizing there was no military justification for targeting civilians. According to Ukraine’s deputy prime minister, Oleksiy Kuleba, three Russian drones were used in the attack on the train, which was carrying over 200 people. The Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office confirmed the updated casualty count on Wednesday, also reporting one man as missing. The incident has drawn international attention and condemnation.

In January 2026, Donald Trump announced that Russia agreed to pause bombing Kyiv and other Ukrainian towns for one week due to extreme winter conditions. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy welcomed Trump's announcement, calling it an important step towards securing Ukrainian cities during the cold weather. The pause was reportedly discussed during ceasefire talks in the United Arab Emirates, with Zelenskyy expressing hope for the agreement's implementation. Trump stated that he personally requested the pause from President Putin, citing the "extraordinary cold." The announcement comes as Kyiv struggles to restore power and heating to residential buildings following recent Russian bombings, with temperatures expected to drop significantly.

Former US President Donald Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to temporarily halt attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities for one week due to extreme cold weather. Trump said he personally requested this pause to alleviate the humanitarian crisis caused by disrupted power, heating, and water supplies resulting from Russian strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure. The request was made in light of record-setting cold temperatures affecting both Ukraine and Russia. Trump expressed confidence that Putin would honor the agreement, although there was no immediate confirmation from the Kremlin. The strikes have left millions of Ukrainians without essential services during the winter months.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is cautiously awaiting confirmation of a potential pause in Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure amid extreme cold weather. Donald Trump claimed Putin agreed to halt strikes for a week after a personal appeal, but the Kremlin neither confirmed nor denied this. Zelenskyy stated there's no formal ceasefire agreement, but Ukraine would reciprocate if Russia ceased attacks. While there was a noticeable reduction in overnight attacks, Ukraine reported 111 strike drones and one ballistic missile launched by Russia. The ceasefire proposal originated during trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, where Ukrainian and Russian officials are scheduled to meet for further discussions, though rising US-Iran tensions may affect the timing.

As temperatures in Ukraine are forecast to plummet below -20C this weekend, Ukrainians face a dire situation due to ongoing Russian attacks on the country's power grid. Many, like Yulia in Dnipro, have been without central heating since January, relying on makeshift methods to stay warm. While Donald Trump announced a week-long halt to attacks on major cities, the Kremlin clarified the pause ends Sunday, coinciding with the coldest weather. There has been no major strike since January 24th, but it is unclear whether Russia has actually paused anything. The repeated targeting of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, a violation of the Geneva Convention, has left it increasingly fragile and difficult to repair, raising concerns about a humanitarian catastrophe.

A Russian drone strike targeted a passenger train in northeastern Ukraine, killing five people. The train, traveling from Chop to Barvinkove, was attacked after being forced to halt by an initial drone strike. A Ukrainian soldier, identified as Omar, part of the 93rd brigade, instructed passengers to evacuate immediately before a carriage burst into flames. Omar, a drone unit commander, recognized the danger of a stationary target and helped passengers escape to safety. He later returned to the train to search for survivors, finding a woman and baby unharmed. President Zelensky condemned the attack as terrorism.

Russian air attacks struck Kyiv and Kharkiv, Ukraine, on January 24, 2026, resulting in at least one death and nearly 20 injuries. The attacks occurred as negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States prepared to meet in Abu Dhabi for a second day of peace talks. These negotiations are centered around a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at ending the nearly four-year-long war. The attacks highlight the ongoing conflict despite diplomatic efforts to find a resolution.

A Russian drone and missile strike on Tuesday left almost half of Kyiv without heat and water, impacting thousands of residential buildings amidst freezing temperatures. The overnight bombardment, part of a larger assault targeting energy facilities across Ukraine, killed at least one person near Kyiv. Ukrainian air defenses responded to the attack, as residents sought shelter in subway stations. The strikes, which have disrupted utilities for millions in recent weeks, prompted accusations of a deliberate effort to weaken Ukrainian resistance. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga condemned the attacks as a genocidal war.

Ukraine condemned recent Russian strikes that killed one and injured 23 others, coinciding with ongoing peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the US in Abu Dhabi. The strikes, which targeted Kyiv and Kharkiv, damaged critical infrastructure and residential areas, including a maternity hospital and a hostel. Ukrainian officials described the attacks as "brutal" and proof that Putin is not interested in peace. The talks, the first trilateral discussions since Russia's 2022 invasion, have reportedly made some progress, but territorial disputes remain a major obstacle. Russia currently occupies roughly 20% of Ukraine and demands Ukraine cede large areas of territory, which Ukraine refuses to do.

Officials from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are scheduled to hold trilateral meetings in the United Arab Emirates on Friday and Saturday, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The purpose of these talks is to discuss ending the ongoing war. Prior to the scheduled meetings, attacks continued in Ukraine. Specifically, one person was killed and four were wounded in Russian glide bomb attacks on Komyshuvakha, located in Ukraine’s Zaporizhia region. The governor of the Zaporizhia region, Ivan Fedorov, reported the casualties. The meetings represent a potential diplomatic effort to address the conflict.

Russian and Ukrainian negotiators met in Abu Dhabi on Friday to discuss the critical territorial dispute, a major obstacle to resolving the ongoing conflict. The talks, mediated by the UAE, focused on parameters for ending the war, with Russia demanding Ukraine cede the Donbas region. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that Russia's willingness to end the war is paramount, while also acknowledging pressure from the US for a peace deal. The Ukrainian delegation head, Rustem Umerov, discussed the negotiation process's future logic. Despite the meeting, no compromise was reached, and further discussions were scheduled for Saturday. The meeting occurred against a backdrop of intensified Russian air strikes causing a severe energy crisis in Ukraine.

Russian, Ukrainian, and American officials are holding rare three-way peace talks in the United Arab Emirates. These discussions, entering their second day on Saturday, aim to address a revised 20-point peace plan covering security, reconstruction, and prisoner exchanges. The plan originated last fall and has been updated with input from multiple countries. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated he expects "at least some answers" from Russia regarding the plan, but acknowledged it's too early to assess Russia's sincerity in negotiating, especially as attacks continue. Despite ongoing negotiations, Ukraine and Russia remain divided on key issues of security and territory.

Kyiv residents are experiencing prolonged power outages during the winter due to ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The attacks, which occurred as recently as January 20, 2026, have left many stranded in tower blocks without electricity or heat. One resident, Olena Janchuk, who is unable to walk, is shown enduring the blackout with her mother, using candles and heated bricks to stay warm. The blackouts are widespread, affecting residential buildings across Kyiv and forcing residents to adapt by using alternative methods for cooking and communication. The attacks continue to impact daily life for many in the city.

As of January 19, 2026, Russia is reportedly weaponizing freezing weather in Ukraine by attacking the country's energy grid. These attacks have left many Kyiv residents without reliable heat or power, forcing them to endure near-freezing temperatures in their homes. The situation has led to a state of emergency in Kyiv, where people are relying on temporary warming centers for survival. Al Jazeera reports that the attacks are intentionally targeting infrastructure to exacerbate the effects of winter on the civilian population. The lack of essential services is creating a humanitarian crisis as residents struggle to cope with the harsh conditions.

Russian strikes on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, left over 5,600 high-rise buildings in Kyiv, Ukraine, without heat in subfreezing temperatures. Ukrainian authorities reported that the attacks, part of an intensified campaign, are intended to break the country's morale and force submission. President Zelensky stated Russia launched numerous missiles and drones across the country, with Kyiv experiencing the most difficult situation. The mayor of Kyiv noted that many buildings had just regained heat after a previous attack on January 8, and part of the city was also without water. Authorities are working to restore services, deploying mobile kitchens and warming tents as schools are closed until February.

Ukraine is facing an energy emergency due to repeated Russian attacks on its infrastructure, leaving thousands without heat and electricity as temperatures plummet to -19 degrees Celsius. President Zelenskyy announced the emergency, noting the severe consequences of the attacks combined with deteriorating weather conditions. Kyiv is particularly affected, with hundreds of apartment buildings remaining without heat almost a week after a major Russian attack. Repair crews are working around the clock, and the government is exploring increased electricity imports and reviewing curfew restrictions to address the crisis. The mayor of Kyiv urged residents to consider leaving the city due to the damage to critical infrastructure.

Russian attacks have intensified in Kyiv, Ukraine, during a severe cold snap in January 2026, causing widespread heating and electricity outages. These strikes, part of a long-term Kremlin strategy, are the most devastating yet, impacting civilian morale and potentially pressuring the Ukrainian government. Emergency services have established tents providing heat and electricity to residents. The outages have forced some Kyiv residents to leave the city in search of warmth and basic necessities. The attacks aim to damage Ukrainian infrastructure and potentially influence peace negotiations.

As Kyiv experiences intensifying Russian attacks and plummeting temperatures reaching -19C, residents are struggling with power outages, lack of heating, and water shortages. To provide relief, Ukrainian Railways has introduced "Invincibility Trains" at suburban stations, offering warmth, electricity, and a safe space for those without basic amenities. These trains, equipped with toys and resources from charities, aim to boost morale and provide comfort amidst the harsh winter conditions. While President Zelensky accuses Russia of targeting critical infrastructure, Kyiv's mayor suggested some residents should leave the city to ease pressure on resources. Despite the hardships, many Kyiv residents remain resilient, finding ways to cope with the challenging circumstances.

Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in its energy sector, particularly in Kyiv, due to ongoing Russian strikes and freezing temperatures. President Zelensky announced the creation of a task force to address the damage to critical infrastructure and accused Russia of exploiting the cold weather. The strikes have left thousands without power, heating, and water, with Kyiv being particularly affected. Zelensky ordered the procurement of energy equipment and the establishment of more emergency help points. Russian attacks have impacted energy infrastructure beyond Kyiv, affecting over a million people in southeastern Ukraine. DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy provider, is operating in crisis mode due to repeated attacks on the grid.