Overview
- Ukrainian officials report at least 12 deaths after attacks that hit energy sites and a passenger train in Kharkiv, where at least five people were killed.
- Ukraine says Russia launched 165 attack drones overnight and that 135 were downed, as Odessa recorded fatalities and DTEK and a Naftogaz site reported significant damage.
- The first known direct Kyiv–Moscow talks on a U.S. 20‑point plan took place in Abu Dhabi, which the Kremlin called constructive while cautioning against quick results.
- Positions remain far apart on territory: Moscow reiterates a demand for Ukrainian troop withdrawals from the Donbass, a condition Kyiv has repeatedly rejected.
- A Financial Times report that Washington is pressing Kyiv to cede the Donbass drew a public denial from the White House, and Ukrainian public sentiment shows deep skepticism about the talks.