Russia hits Kyiv and Kharkiv as peace talks continue, Ukraine says strikes are meant to derail diplomacy

Strikes during talks

Ukraine said Russia launched a large-scale attack against Kyiv and Kharkiv on January 24, 2026, as negotiators continued work on a U.S.-facilitated effort to explore pathways toward ending the war. Ukrainian leaders described the barrage as a deliberate attempt to disrupt diplomatic momentum and demonstrate that Moscow can escalate at will even while talks are underway.

Emergency services reported damage across residential areas and key infrastructure, including energy facilities, and officials warned of knock-on effects from the strikes in freezing winter conditions. The attack compounded pressure on cities that have repeatedly faced waves of drones and missiles, and it renewed fears about the country’s energy stability as temperatures dropped.

Ukrainian officials argue the message is simple: negotiations do not stop missiles, and civilians remain targets.

Human impact and infrastructure strain

Ukraine reported casualties and widespread disruption, including power losses affecting large numbers of residents. Local authorities described emergency repairs under dangerous conditions as crews worked to restore electricity and heating, while medical facilities prepared for surges in cold-related health risks if outages persisted.

In Kharkiv, officials said strikes hit multiple sites, including buildings connected to civilian life. In Kyiv, the combined effects of blasts, falling debris, and damage to energy systems forced authorities to manage both immediate rescue needs and medium-term recovery. The repeated pattern—attacks followed by rapid repairs—has become an exhausting routine for municipalities and utilities.

Negotiations continue amid skepticism

Despite the violence, talks continued, with participants publicly describing discussions as constructive while acknowledging major unresolved disputes. Observers remain cautious because the war’s central issues—territory, security guarantees, and the political status of contested regions—have proved resistant to compromise.

For Ukraine and its partners, the latest strikes underscore a key negotiating dilemma: how to pursue a ceasefire or durable settlement while preventing Russia from using ongoing attacks to gain leverage. For civilians, the immediate priority remains survival through winter, with reliable heating, electricity, and safe shelter often dependent on the outcome of repairs after each new wave.