Sun Jan 25 01:49:54 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Russia Claims Capture of Starytsya as Peace Talks Remain Stalled
The Story:
On January 25, 2026, the conflict in Ukraine continues with Russian forces claiming the capture of the village of Starytsya in the Kharkiv region. This claim is met with silence from Ukrainian military officials, who only acknowledged repelling six attacks in the area. Meanwhile, efforts to find a diplomatic resolution remain elusive, as US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi between Ukraine and Russia conclude their second day without a breakthrough. Both sides, however, have hinted at the possibility of further talks in Istanbul, indicating a willingness to continue the dialogue. On the humanitarian front, Kyiv faces ongoing challenges with its heating infrastructure, leaving over 3,200 buildings without heat amidst freezing temperatures.
Key Points:
- More than 3,200 buildings in Kyiv are without heating, down from 6,000 earlier in the day.
- Night-time temperatures in Kyiv are around -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Russia claims to have captured the village of Starytsya in the Kharkiv region.
- Ukraine’s military acknowledges attacks in the Starytsya area but does not confirm the village’s capture.
- US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi ended without a deal, but further talks are expected.
- Russia suggests potential for future talks in Istanbul.
Key Takeaways:
- The humanitarian situation in Kyiv remains precarious, with a significant portion of the city’s infrastructure compromised during a harsh winter.
- Russia’s continued territorial advances, even in small villages like Starytsya, demonstrate its persistent offensive pressure.
- The lack of confirmation from Ukraine regarding the loss of Starytsya suggests either ongoing fighting or a deliberate strategy to downplay Russian gains.
- Despite the lack of immediate progress, the continuation of peace talks, even with hints of further meetings, indicates a potential pathway for de-escalation in the long term.
First Piper 