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Russia and Ukraine exchange strikes a day before U.S.-brokered talks are scheduled to begin
Russia attacked Ukraine’s power grid while Ukrainian forces struck a major Russian oil refinery, just before U.S.-brokered talks were due to begin. The strikes underline how fighting continues as diplomats try to find a way to end the war, with Russia and Ukraine still far apart on their demands.
The three-day delegations from the United States, Russia and Ukraine were scheduled to meet in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday for two days of discussions, the first such round since February. Topics include security guarantees, preventing renewed conflict, Ukraine’s postwar economy and humanitarian aid. European officials are expected to coordinate separately with Ukraine, though Moscow says they will not take part directly; earlier talks in Geneva produced no significant progress.
In short
- Russia struck Ukraine’s power grid ahead of peace talks.
- Ukraine targeted a major Russian oil refinery.
- Delegations were due to meet in Abu Dhabi for two days.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Striking energy infrastructure may be seen by each government as a way to weaken the other side’s capacity to sustain the war and to gain leverage before negotiations. Supporters of maintaining military pressure argue that talks are more likely to produce a durable settlement if neither side can expect to improve its position simply by waiting, and that security guarantees and aid must be backed by credible strength.
The case against
Attacks on power and oil infrastructure risk deepening civilian hardship and damaging systems needed for recovery, while making compromise harder. Those favouring restraint argue that striking as talks approach can undermine trust, invite retaliation and reduce the chance that diplomacy will address security, humanitarian and economic concerns.
Europe Government Politics Russia-Ukraine War World