Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine ahead of Abu Dhabi talks

Russia launched 36 missiles and 172 drones across Ukraine on Saturday, wounding at least nine people and damaging critical infrastructure, as Kyiv and Moscow prepare for U.S.-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said only four missiles were intercepted, citing a shortage of air defense systems. The strikes hit Kyiv and 12 other regions, damaging homes, power networks, and the city's Northern Bridge, which Russia confirmed targeting. Zelenskyy accused Moscow of intensifying attacks ahead of negotiations, alleging North Korea-supplied KN-23 missiles were used, and called for stronger global sanctions. The talks mark the fourth round brokered by the Trump administration, following February's Geneva meeting. In southern Ukraine, recovery efforts continued in Komyshuvakha after Monday's guided bomb attack, with the death toll reaching 55. Ukraine also struck Russian regions overnight, killing one person in Belgorod, while Russia reported shooting down 411 Ukrainian drones across 10 regions.