Russia and Ukraine Intensify Attacks Ahead of Peace Negotiations

Russia and Ukraine have intensified their attacks on each other's infrastructure just one day before US-brokered peace negotiations are scheduled to begin in Abu Dhabi. Russia reportedly launched 317 drones overnight and attacked four Ukrainian electricity substations. A strike on a warehouse in Odesa containing food supplies for schools and kindergartens killed three people.

Ukraine responded by targeting the KINEF oil refinery near St Petersburg, one of Russia's largest refining facilities, as well as a plant associated with missile production. The upcoming negotiations are expected to focus on security guarantees, humanitarian assistance and Ukraine's economic recovery. However, continuing attacks underline the major challenges facing diplomats seeking an agreement