KYIV — A pre-dawn missile barrage struck Ukraine’s capital and surrounding regions Saturday, wounding at least nine people and crippling critical infrastructure just days before planned U.S.-mediated peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow. The attacks mark Russia’s latest escalation ahead of Tuesday’s negotiations in Abu Dhabi, where American officials will attempt to broker a fourth round of discussions aimed at ending the 21-month war.
Capital Under Fire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Russian forces launched 36 ballistic missiles at Kyiv overnight alongside 172 drone sorties across 12 regions. The strikes damaged energy facilities, residential buildings, and the Northern Bridge — a vital transport artery across the Dnipro River that authorities shuttered after the attack. “The situation with the capital’s energy supply is extremely difficult,” warned Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, reporting widespread disruptions to heating and water systems.
Russia’s Defense Ministry admitted targeting the bridge, claiming it facilitated weapons transfers to Ukrainian forces. Officials also acknowledged strikes on a missile production facility, power stations, and an ammunition plant near Kyiv, framing the assault as countermilitary operations. Meanwhile, emergency crews in southern Ukraine continued searching for survivors in Komyshuvakha village, where Monday’s Russian bombings killed at least 55 civilians awaiting humanitarian aid.
Diplomatic Gambit
The violence comes as U.S. officials prepare to host Russian and Ukrainian negotiators in the United Arab Emirates next week — the Trump administration’s latest attempt to break the war’s grinding stalemate. Previous talks in Geneva failed to resolve territorial disputes or security guarantees. Zelenskyy accused Moscow of sabotaging diplomacy through terror tactics, urging Congress to approve additional military aid and tougher sanctions. “When Russia tries to plunge Kyiv into a blackout, Ukraine must not face this alone,” he said in a statement.
Cross-Border Escalation
The conflict’s spillover intensified Saturday as Ukrainian drones struck Russia’s Belgorod region, killing one civilian, and damaged industrial sites in Saratov and Oryol. Russian state media reported fires at a military component factory and oil refinery following the attacks. Moscow claimed its forces intercepted 411 Ukrainian drones overnight, including over annexed Crimea. With both sides ramping up strikes ahead of negotiations, analysts warn the Abu Dhabi talks may open amid one of the war’s most volatile phases.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2026/11/07/nine-wounded-in-ukraine-missile-strikes-ahead-of-talks-with-russia-and-u-s/