Putin chose missiles over diplomacy during peace talks, Ukrainian FM says

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has condemned a massive overnight missile attack by Russian forces, stressing that the strikes were carried out at the very moment US-mediated peace talks were underway in Abu Dhabi.

Sybiha made the remarks in a post on the social media platform X, drawing attention to what he described as the deliberate timing of the assault, Caliber.Az reports.

Peace efforts? Trilateral meeting in the UAE? Diplomacy? For Ukrainians, this was another night of Russian terror.

Cynically, Putin ordered a brutal massive missile strike against Ukraine right while delegations are meeting in Abu Dhabi to advance the America-led peace process.… pic.twitter.com/5RZBUk29aP

— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) January 24, 2026

The foreign minister said that Russia’s attacks targeted Ukraine’s largest cities, including Kyiv and Kharkiv, while the city of Chernihiv was left without electricity as a result of the strikes.

“Peace efforts? Trilateral meeting in the UAE? Diplomacy? For Ukrainians, this was another night of Russian terror.

Cynically, Putin ordered a brutal massive missile strike against Ukraine right while delegations are meeting in Abu Dhabi to advance the America-led peace process. His missiles hit not only our people, but also the negotiation table.

Two of the largest cities, Kyiv and Kharkiv, shook from loud explosions. Dozens of ballistic and air ballistic missiles were used, as well as hundreds of drones.

Main targets remained the same: energy objects and residential areas. Russia continues to wage a genocidal war against civilian people, committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.

One person was killed and at least four injured in Kyiv. A maternity ward, an IDP dormitory, and a hospital were damaged in Kharkiv, causing civilian casualties. Northernmost regional center, Chernihiv, is left without power after strikes.

This barbaric attack once again proves that Putin’s place is not at the board of peace, but at the dock of the special tribunal.

Grateful to our air defense, who demonstrated incredible effectiveness, to our hero energy workers restoring the damaged infrastructure, and to our partners strengthening Ukraine’s resilience with additional interceptors and energy equipment.

I specifically thank every person who is now taking part in the #WarmthForUkraine volunteer initiatives across the world, raising funds for urgent energy support for our people. The warmth of your hearts helps us pass this most terrible winter in our history,” the post by Sybiha reads.

By Vafa Guliyeva