Ukraine War: Kyiv Hit as Russia Attacks & Peace Talks Stall – Jan 25, 2026 Update
January 25, 2026, marks the 1,431st day of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Recent developments include a significant escalation in attacks, coupled with continued diplomatic efforts to find a resolution, though those efforts have yet to yield a breakthrough.
Escalating Conflict
Recent Attacks
Overnight on Saturday, Russian forces launched what officials are calling a major attack on Ukraine. At least one person was killed and four wounded in Kyiv, while a staggering 1.2 million properties across the country were left without power. The strikes impacted at least four districts within the capital, damaging medical facilities among other buildings.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that the northeastern suburb of Troyeshchyna was particularly hard hit, with 600 buildings losing power, water, and heat. Simultaneously, Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, experienced attacks that wounded at least 30 people, including a child. A dormitory for displaced people and two medical facilities, including a maternity hospital, were reportedly struck.
Regional Impacts
Power outages extended beyond Kyiv, with over 800,000 households in the capital and an additional 400,000 in the Chernihiv region remaining without electricity. As of late Saturday, more than 3,200 buildings in Kyiv were without heating, though that number had decreased from 6,000 earlier in the day. Temperatures were hovering around -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit).
In a reciprocal action, Ukrainian forces launched a “massive” attack on Russia’s Belgorod border region, damaging energy infrastructure. While no casualties were reported, the incident was described by the regional governor as the “most massive shelling” of the town.
Territorial Control
The Russian Ministry of Defence claims to have taken control of the village of Starytsya in the Kharkiv region, near the Russian border. However, Ukraine’s General Staff acknowledges only that Russian forces launched six attacks in the area, without confirming the village’s capture.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Abu Dhabi Talks
US-brokered talks between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi concluded on Sunday without a peace agreement, though further discussions are planned for next weekend. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the discussions centered on “the possible parameters for ending the war,” but offered no indication of imminent progress.
A US official indicated hopes for additional talks in Moscow or Kyiv, potentially including a bilateral meeting between Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy, or a trilateral meeting involving US President Donald Trump. An unnamed UAE government spokesperson confirmed face-to-face engagement between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators, focusing on elements of Trump’s peace framework. Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also suggested potential future talks in Istanbul.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the immediate impact of the recent Russian attacks?
The attacks resulted in at least one death and four injuries in Kyiv, and left 1.2 million properties without power nationwide. Significant damage was reported to infrastructure, including medical facilities.
Where are the current peace talks taking place?
Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia are currently being held in Abu Dhabi, brokered by the United States, with further discussions planned for next weekend.
What is the status of the village of Starytsya?
Russia claims to have taken control of Starytsya in the Kharkiv region, while Ukraine acknowledges attacks in the area but does not confirm the village has been captured.
As diplomatic efforts continue amidst ongoing conflict, the situation remains fluid. The next round of talks in Abu Dhabi will be closely watched to see if any substantive progress can be made towards a resolution.