KYIV. Jan 23 – Russian attacks on Ukraine killed at least one person and wounded 31 overnight into Saturday, as trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States continued in Abu Dhabi to end Moscow’s nearly four-year invasion.

The strikes, among the heaviest in weeks, targeted Kyiv and surrounding regions, as well as Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv near the Russian border. Kyiv City Military Administration reported one fatality and four injuries, while Kharkiv authorities said 27 people were wounded, including a pregnant woman and a child. Several residential buildings and hospitals were damaged, and some people were trapped under rubble. Temperatures fell to –12C in parts of the country, leaving thousands without heating.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 370 combat drones and 21 missiles were launched overnight. “Every strike on our energy infrastructure proves there must be no delays in supplying air defenses,” he wrote on Telegram. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported about 6,000 buildings without heating, while Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said a maternity hospital and a hostel for displaced people were damaged.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling the attacks “cynical” and noting they struck “not only our people, but also the negotiation table” in Abu Dhabi. “Putin’s place is not at the board of peace, but at the dock of the special tribunal,” he added.

The Abu Dhabi talks mark the first direct trilateral meeting since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Discussions focused on parameters for ending the war, with no breakthrough announced. Zelensky indicated the possibility of a second round as early as next week, while a U.S. official said a new session could begin on February 1.

Earlier, U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held marathon talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Zelensky also met Donald Trump in Davos to discuss future U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a deal.

Russia continues to occupy roughly 20% of Ukraine, demanding territorial concessions that Zelenskyy has firmly rejected, including control over the Donbas region. The issue of land remains the central sticking point in peace negotiations.

The UAE’s foreign ministry said the talks aim “to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis,” while the White House described the first day as productive despite ongoing Russian attacks. (om/ez)