# Russia strikes Kyiv's power grid ahead of peace talks

> Moscow launched 172 drones and 36 ballistic missiles at Ukraine's capital, causing blackouts and water shortages as negotiators prepare to meet in Abu Dhabi.
- Title: Russia strikes Kyiv's power grid ahead of peace talks
- Summary: Moscow launched 172 drones and 36 ballistic missiles at Ukraine's capital, causing blackouts and water shortages as negotiators prepare to meet in Abu Dhabi.
- Keywords: russia, ukraine, kyiv, volodymyr zelenskyy, energy infrastructure, missile attack, abu dhabi peace talks, nato expansion, jared kushner, donald trump, the Guardian
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/world/2026/nov/07/blackout-water-shortage-kyiv-russia-strike-ukraine-energy-grid
- Published: 2026-11-07T13:03:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: russia, ukraine, kyiv, volodymyr zelenskyy, energy infrastructure, missile attack, abu dhabi peace talks, nato expansion, jared kushner, donald trump, news, world
## Russia launches massive strike on Kyiv
Moscow used one hundred seventy-two drones and thirty-six ballistic missiles to attack energy substations and a bridge over the Dnipro River in Ukraine's capital on Saturday.
## Blackouts and water shortages hit the city
Kyiv faced serious difficulties with electricity, water and heat supplies after the attack. Five people were injured, including a fourteen-year-old girl.
## Zelenskyy accuses Russia of timing
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Moscow's preparations for peace talks next week involved pummelling a city of millions with ballistic missiles to plunge it into blackout.

> Ukraine must not be left alone. We are counting on increased bilateral support from the US.
## Peace talks set for Abu Dhabi
Negotiators from Russia, Ukraine and the US are due to meet on Tuesday and Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, to discuss ending the war.
## Zelenskyy rejects Trump's peace blueprint
Zelenskyy called Jared Kushner's proposal Yalta two point zero, rejecting it as dangerous. He said Ukraine must not be divided by Russia and needs meaningful security guarantees first.

> We don't want to be divided by Russia.
## Russia's demands threaten NATO structure
Kushner's framework appears to reference the Kremlin's demand that NATO's expansion across Europe be reversed. Western diplomats say agreeing would effectively end NATO.
## Key takeaway

Russia attacked Kyiv's energy infrastructure with 172 drones and 36 ballistic missiles, causing blackouts and water shortages days before scheduled peace talks in Abu Dhabi.