Russia launched a wave of intense attacks targeting the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and the northeastern city of Kharkiv early Saturday (January 24), leaving at least 13 people injured, according to local officials.

The strikes, reported by Reuters, occurred just as the first day of high-stakes peace talks between representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States concluded in the United Arab Emirates.

Kyiv Under "Massive" Assault
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that the capital faced a "massive enemy attack" involving both drones and missiles.

• Casualties: At least two people were seriously injured and are currently receiving hospital treatment.
• Target Areas: Explosions were reported in at least two districts situated on both banks of the Dnipro River.
• Damage: Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv military administration, confirmed that drone strikes ignited fires in at least two separate locations across three districts.

Healthcare Facilities Hit in Kharkiv
Simultaneously, Kharkiv—located just 30 kilometers from the Russian border—endured multiple drone strikes that appeared to hit civilian infrastructure.

Mayor Ihor Terekhov stated that 11 people were injured in the city. The strikes reportedly damaged:

• A dormitory for displaced persons.
• A general hospital.
• A maternity ward.

Attacks Shadow UAE Peace Talks
The escalation comes at a sensitive diplomatic moment. The strikes were carried out immediately following the conclusion of the first day of a two-day summit in the UAE, where officials from Moscow, Kyiv, and Washington are reportedly discussing potential frameworks to end the conflict.

The proximity of the attacks to the negotiations underscores the volatile nature of the current situation on the ground.