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Russia, Ukraine unleash missile and drone barrages days before Trump-brokered peace talks
Russia and Ukraine exchanged large missile and drone attacks on Saturday, days before negotiators from both countries and the United States are due to meet in Abu Dhabi. The strikes underline the difficulty of pursuing peace talks while attacks continue, and have sharpened Ukrainian concerns that wider European security discussions could weaken its position.
Ukrainian officials said Russia fired 36 ballistic missiles and 172 drones at Kyiv and its surrounding region, killing six people, including a seven-year-old, and injuring at least nine. The attack damaged homes, businesses and Kyiv’s Northern Bridge, and disrupted power and water; President Volodymyr Zelensky said North Korean missiles targeted energy facilities. Ukraine struck the Saratov oil refinery in Russia, which can process about 140,000 barrels of crude a day. The Abu Dhabi talks are scheduled for 10 and 11 November, with Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff leading the US delegation.
In short
- Russian strikes killed six people in the Kyiv region.
- Ukraine hit a major Russian oil refinery.
- Peace talks are scheduled for 10 and 11 November.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of holding the Abu Dhabi talks may argue that diplomacy is most urgent when violence is ongoing, since even limited discussion could reduce civilian harm and create a path towards a ceasefire. Continued Ukrainian strikes on Russian targets also show why any settlement would need to address security and military risks on both sides.
The case against
Critics may argue that talks held amid continued attacks risk giving diplomacy the appearance of progress while civilians remain under fire, without clear evidence that either side is ready to compromise. They may also worry that broader security discussions could weaken Ukraine’s negotiating position if its concerns are not adequately represented.
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