Russia strikes Kyiv bridge and energy sites ahead of Abu Dhabi talks
Overnight Russian strikes on Kyiv and surrounding areas hit the Northern Bridge and the Meridian plant, which Moscow says produces Flamingo cruise missiles, and damaged energy infrastructure in three districts of the Kyiv region. Russia’s Defense Ministry said the bridge was used to move weapons and military equipment; it also reported damage to energy and industrial sites in the Kyiv region, an electricity substation in neighboring Zhytomyr, and a cargo vessel in the Black Sea. Ukrainian authorities said one person was killed and eight were wounded.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia used 172 drones and 36 ballistic missiles and accused Moscow of trying to push Kyiv and the country into a blackout, repeating his call for more U.S. support. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the Northern Bridge strike and warned of an extremely difficult situation for power, heating and water as overnight temperatures fell to 0°C (32°F). Kyiv region governor Tymur Tkachenko said energy facilities in three districts were hit.
The attacks come days before a fourth round of trilateral talks among Kyiv, Moscow and Washington in Abu Dhabi. Earlier U.S.-brokered rounds produced no breakthrough on territory or security. On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump said the war could be close to being settled and envisioned a “big, beautiful agreement” with Moscow involving all of Europe. Last Friday, a six-day local ceasefire in Russian-occupied Oleshky in southern Kherson, brokered by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, allowed about 800 residents to evacuate. Russia has intensified airstrikes on energy infrastructure, cities and, more recently, bridges.
Continue in the app — vote & join in ➔