Russia Strikes Ukraine: Economic Proposals Emerge as Military Operations Continue

Russian military operations killed one person and wounded 15 others in Kyiv and Kharkiv, while economic proposals including a free trade zone emerged from peace negotiations. The strikes targeted residential areas even as diplomats explored various pathways to ending the conflict.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko alerted residents that the capital was “under a massive enemy attack,” instructing them to remain in shelters. The bombardment hit residential buildings, causing casualties and widespread damage. Heat and water services were knocked offline in parts of the city, affecting thousands of residents.
Mayor Igor Terekhov reported that Kharkiv faced attacks from Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones, which damaged several residential complexes. The drone strikes highlighted Russia’s continued reliance on Iranian military technology to target Ukrainian cities. The northeastern city has endured repeated bombardment throughout the war.
In Abu Dhabi, negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States convened for two-day talks aimed at ending the nearly four-year conflict. The UAE foreign ministry described the discussions as efforts “to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” However, fundamental disagreements persist, particularly regarding the Donbas region.
President Zelensky, following his meeting with President Trump, announced that peace proposals were approaching completion. He proposed establishing a free trade zone under Ukrainian control in eastern Ukraine, stating it would be “positive for our business.” President Putin met separately with Trump’s envoys, while all parties committed to continuing weekend negotiations despite ongoing violence.