In the early hours of January 24, 2026, Ukraine’s capital once again endured a massive and coordinated Russian attack—striking Kyiv at the very moment Ukrainian, Russian, and U.S. delegations were engaged in peace negotiations in Abu Dhabi. The timing of this assault underscores the Kremlin’s continued strategy of using terror as leverage, even while discussing the prospect of ending its full-scale war.

A Coordinated Attack Amid Diplomacy

While diplomats gathered in the United Arab Emirates for the second day of negotiations aimed at advancing a U.S.-supported peace framework, Russia launched one of its heaviest combined missile‑and‑drone strikes in months.
According to multiple reports, the strike targeted Kyiv and Kharkiv simultaneously, killing civilians, injuring dozens, and destroying critical infrastructure. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the attack as a cynical act meant to undermine the very idea of peace. 

The assault coincided precisely with the deliberations in Abu Dhabi—a fact noted by international media covering the talks. Delegations were discussing frameworks for ending the war when explosions tore through Kyiv’s districts. 

Missile Types Used in the Attack

Ukraine’s military reported that Russia deployed a wide array of advanced and highly destructive weapons, demonstrating once more its willingness to target civilian areas with strategic missile systems. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the following missile and drone systems were confirmed to be used in the attack:

• Two Zircon hypersonic missiles — among Russia’s newest high-speed strategic weapons, capable of traveling at Mach 8–9. 
• Twelve Kh-22 cruise missiles — notoriously inaccurate, frequently used by Russia against residential areas since 2022. 
• Six Iskander ballistic and cruise missiles — dual-capable missiles often deployed in mass strikes on Ukrainian cities. 
• One Kh‑59 guided air-launched missile — used extensively in recent months against infrastructure and industrial facilities. 
• 375 Large-scale drones were launched overnight across Ukraine, overwhelming air defenses. 

Damage Across Kyiv

The strike caused severe destruction across multiple districts of the capital. Documented damage includes:

• Holosiivskyi District: upper floors of a confectionery factory destroyed; one woman killed and others injured. 
• Dniprovskyi District: fires broke out after explosions damaged garages and vehicles. 
• Darnytskyi and Solomianskyi Districts: residential buildings and offices were damaged, resulting in major structural damage. 
• Over 88,000 households were left without power, and thousands were without heating in sub-zero temperatures. 

The State Emergency Service and volunteers worked through the night to extinguish fires and rescue residents trapped under debris.

A Message to the World

This attack is not only another chapter in Russia’s ongoing campaign of terror—it is a direct strike at the very notion of diplomacy. While Ukrainian negotiators engaged in discussions meant to save lives and end suffering, the Kremlin demonstrated once again that it prefers violence over dialogue.

At Angels for Ukraine, we call on the international community to recognize the gravity of this moment: peace cannot be achieved while Russia continues to use negotiations as cover for mass attacks on civilians.

Ukraine stands resilient. We continue to support our defenders, our emergency services, and our civilians who endure these daily threats with extraordinary courage.

Photo: State Emergency Service in Kyiv City