Russia Strikes Kyiv Energy and Transport Infrastructure Ahead of Trilateral Talks

Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv and surrounding regions overnight, targeting energy facilities, a key bridge, and a missile-producing plant. The Russian Defense Ministry said the strikes hit the Northern Bridge, which it claims was used by Ukrainian forces to move weapons and equipment, and the Meridian Plant, which Moscow says produces Flamingo cruise missiles. Ukrainian authorities confirmed one death and eight injuries, while Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the capital faces an “extremely difficult” situation regarding power, heating, and water supplies.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia used 172 drones and 36 ballistic missiles in the assault, aiming to “push Kyiv … and the entire country into a blackout.” He reiterated his call for increased support from the United States. The strikes damaged several energy and industrial facilities in the Kyiv region, an electricity substation in Zhytomyr, and a cargo vessel in the Black Sea, according to Russian authorities.

Attack Precedes Abu Dhabi Negotiations

The bombardment comes days before the fourth round of trilateral talks involving Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Previous U.S.-brokered rounds yielded no breakthroughs, with territorial and security issues remaining major points of contention. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that a “big, beautiful agreement” could be near, envisioning a deal with Moscow involving “all of Europe.”

Russia has intensified its airstrikes on Ukraine in recent months, increasingly targeting energy infrastructure and major cities, and more recently bridges. Meanwhile, a six-day local ceasefire in Russian-occupied Oleshky, southern Kherson region, concluded last Friday, allowing the evacuation of some 800 residents. That truce was brokered by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump.