Kyiv Faces Winter Crisis After Airstrike
The Russian overnight attack on Kyiv damaged key parts of the power grid, leaving approximately 6,000 buildings without heating. Residents faced temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius. Firefighters were seen at the sites of drone and missile strikes, attempting to contain the damage and restore essential services.
Highlights from the Trilateral Talks
The peace discussions in Abu Dhabi, mediated by the United States, marked the first direct engagement between Russian and Ukrainian officials since the outbreak of war. Russian President Vladimir Putin held marathon overnight talks with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, focusing on a potential settlement. According to reports, Russia insisted that Kyiv withdraw its troops from territories in the east that Russia claims, but has not fully controlled.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at the Davos forum in Switzerland, indicated that a peace deal was “nearly ready,” but reaffirmed that Ukraine would not cede any territory, particularly in the Donbas region. Donbas, comprising Donetsk and Luhansk, is rich in minerals and steel production and remains a critical point of contention between Moscow and Kyiv.
UAE Facilitates Peace Process
The UAE government described the Abu Dhabi talks as conducted in a constructive and positive atmosphere, addressing the remaining elements of the US-proposed negotiation framework. Further rounds of trilateral discussions are expected to continue next week, with officials aiming to resolve outstanding territorial disputes and reach a lasting ceasefire agreement.
Despite the diplomatic engagement, Moscow’s long-standing demand for Donbas remains unresolved, and both sides have yet to agree on a definitive settlement for the region.
International Reactions and Next Steps
Global leaders are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the urgent need to protect civilians amid the harsh winter and ongoing military confrontations. The upcoming rounds of talks in Abu Dhabi are expected to focus on concrete steps to restore peace and safeguard the population, while addressing the strategic and territorial disputes at the heart of the conflict.
