Ukraine Pushes Peace Talks as Russian Strikes Deepen Winter Crisis

Fragile Progress in Peace Negotiations

Ukraine remains locked in a grinding war with Russia, even as diplomatic efforts show tentative signs of movement. Trilateral talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States concluded in Abu Dhabi after two days of discussions, with all sides agreeing to continue negotiations in future meetings.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the talks as “constructive” but acknowledged that no major breakthrough was achieved. He confirmed that a U.S.–Ukraine security agreement is now fully prepared for signing, a move Kyiv sees as crucial to long-term deterrence and stability.

Territorial disputes, particularly over the Russian-occupied Donbas region, remain the central obstacle. Ukrainian officials insist that sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable, while Moscow continues to press its claims.

Intensified Russian Attacks on Cities and Infrastructure

Even as talks proceed, Russia has intensified its military campaign. In recent days, Moscow launched large-scale missile and drone strikes targeting Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other major cities. At least one person was killed, dozens were injured, and critical infrastructure suffered widespread damage.

The attacks knocked out power to an estimated 1.2 million properties during extreme winter conditions, with temperatures plunging to around –10°C. In Kyiv alone, more than 1,700 apartment blocks remained without heating days after the strikes, worsening an already dire humanitarian situation.

Ukrainian authorities report that roughly 80% of the country has faced emergency power cuts. Over the past week, Russia is said to have fired more than 1,700 drones, 1,380 guided bombs, and 69 missiles, many aimed directly at energy facilities.

Why Ukraine’s Cities Are So Vulnerable

Experts note that Ukraine’s Soviet-era urban planning has left cities particularly exposed. Centralized heating plants and large residential blocks make it easier for attackers to disrupt essential services with targeted strikes, affecting hundreds of thousands of civilians at once.

The destruction of these facilities has amplified the impact of Russia’s winter campaign, turning energy infrastructure into a frontline weapon.

Regional Coordination and Counterstrikes

Zelenskyy has stepped up coordination with regional partners, including Lithuania and Poland, focusing on shared security threats and continued military assistance. Kyiv argues that stronger regional cooperation is essential as Russia expands the scope and intensity of its attacks.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has continued its own long-range operations. Ukrainian drones reportedly struck a Russian oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai, part of Kyiv’s strategy to pressure Russia’s energy and logistics networks.

An Uncertain Path Forward

Ukraine now faces a stark dual reality: cautious diplomatic engagement on one hand, and relentless military pressure on the other. While peace talks offer a narrow opening for de-escalation, the scale of ongoing attacks suggests the conflict is far from resolution.

As winter tightens its grip and negotiations inch forward, Ukraine’s ability to sustain its infrastructure, protect civilians, and maintain international support will remain decisive factors in the months ahead.

Photo: UAE Government/Handout/Reuters

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