Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia is preparing new large-scale attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, as Kyiv’s negotiating team arrived in Geneva for another round of peace talks with the United States and Russia.
“Intelligence reports that the Russians are preparing new massive strikes on energy, and air defense must be configured properly,” Zelensky said in his nightly address.
He stressed that any delay in supplying air defense systems could exacerbate damage from the strikes.
“Any delay in supplying air defense missiles, any untimely delivery works for scaling up the damage from the strikes,” he said, urging international partners to implement commitments made at the recent Munich Security Conference without delay.
Zelensky cautioned that continued Russian assaults could hinder negotiations, adding, “Russia cannot resist the temptation of the last days of winter cold and wants to inflict painful blows on Ukrainians. The more of this evil comes from Russia, the harder it will be for everyone to reach any agreements with them.”
🚨🇺🇦 Air alert declared across Ukraine due to the threat of Russia launch of an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). pic.twitter.com/tNQXo5PMxI
— Denys from Ukraine (@GlushkoDenys) February 17, 2026
While Kyiv has accepted what Zelensky described as realistic U.S. proposals, including an unconditional, long-term ceasefire, Russia has rejected the idea and continues attacks on front-line positions, cities, and critical energy facilities.
“We expect partners to act so that coercing the aggressor into peace truly works,” he said.
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