Russian and Ukrainian delegations are preparing for a second round of negotiations in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). These talks are expected to focus on territorial issues, a sticking point where both sides have yet to achieve a breakthrough. Russia aims to control the entire Donbass region, while Ukraine refuses to withdraw troops from areas it still controls there.

The Ukrainian air force announced that Russia launched a total of 71 missiles and 450 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) against the country's territory on the evening of 2/2 and morning of 3/2. Key targets included the provinces of Kiev, Kharkov, Dnipropetrovsk, Vinnytsia, and Odessa.

Ukrainian forces shot down or suppressed 38 missiles and 412 UAVs. However, at least 27 missiles and 31 unmanned aerial vehicles penetrated air defense, striking 27 locations. Debris from downed UAVs fell in 17 areas, and information on the remaining 6 missiles is being clarified.

The image shows a fire at an apartment building in the capital, Kiev, following the Russian attack.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia's large-scale attack injured at least 9 people and damaged energy infrastructure and residential buildings.

In Kiev, Russian UAVs sparked fires in high-rise buildings and damaged a kindergarten. President Zelensky accused Russia of prioritizing "exploiting the coldest winter days" for attacks over diplomatic solutions.

Witnesses reported multiple loud explosions in Kiev in the early morning, with temperatures plummeting to about -20 degrees Celsius. Russian attacks on Kiev since the year's start have left hundreds of apartment buildings without electricity and heating. As of 2/2, officials were still working to restore heating systems.

Residents sought shelter inside subway stations, which now serve as bomb shelters. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russia of stockpiling missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, waiting for temperatures to drop before resuming attacks.

In Kharkov, Ukraine's second-largest city, Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that energy infrastructure was targeted. Ukrainian state television confirmed that Russian strikes caused power outages in Izium and Balakliia, two cities in Kharkov province. Additionally, two apartment buildings in the northern city of Sumy were hit.

This marked Russia's first large-scale attack since a commitment to "halt attacks on Kiev for one week" expired on 1/2. The Kremlin stated last week that US President Donald Trump had directly proposed this to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to facilitate negotiations. While Kiev experienced no major attacks last week, Ukraine reported that Russia continued to target other areas across the country.

According to Foreign Minister Sybiha, neither the upcoming diplomatic efforts in Abu Dhabi nor President Putin's promise to President Trump deterred Russia from continuing its attacks on Ukraine. He urged the international community to increase pressure on Russia and support Ukraine in bolstering its air defense capabilities.

By Pham Giang (Photos: Reuters, AP, AFP)