Russian military forces targeted Ukrainian power infrastructure in a series of attacks, resulting in the deaths of three energy workers and leaving tens of thousands of people without electricity and heating, officials disclosed on Tuesday. The assaults occurred just before U.S.-supported peace discussions between Kyiv and Moscow in Geneva, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24. The conflict has led to significant casualties, mass displacement, and widespread destruction across Ukrainian cities, towns, and villages.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly condemned the recent strikes on 12 Ukrainian regions, branding them a deliberate attack aimed at crippling the nation’s energy sector. He emphasized the need for diplomatic efforts to be reinforced by justice and strength. Throughout this winter, Russia has frequently targeted Ukrainian energy facilities, causing disruptions to power and heating supplies.
A tragic incident occurred near the Sloviansk power plant, where three workers lost their lives in a drone attack by Russian forces. The attack caused severe damage to the power infrastructure serving Odesa, a crucial Black Sea port city, as confirmed by private energy company DTEK. The company anticipates lengthy repair efforts to restore functionality to the damaged equipment. Homes in five regions experienced power outages, with reports of heating disruptions in Odesa and Sumy, a key regional capital near the Russian border.
The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia launched nearly 400 drones and 29 missiles, with a majority being intercepted, but 13 targets within Ukraine were struck. In a retaliatory move, the Ukrainian military announced that it had targeted the Ilsky oil refinery in Russia’s Krasnodar region, resulting in a fire at one of southern Russia’s largest oil facilities.
Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Geneva are focusing on resolving the longstanding dispute over land ownership. U.S. President Donald Trump is urging both parties to reach a comprehensive agreement to end the ongoing conflict, with Zelenskyy highlighting the pressure on Ukraine to make concessions. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of rallying Kyiv’s allies to intensify pressure on Russia through stricter sanctions and military support for Ukraine.
The talks also address the contentious issue of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the potential involvement of Western forces in post-war Ukraine. The discussions in Geneva involve high-level delegations from both sides, with a focus on bridging the gaps on critical issues. The negotiations have shifted to Geneva after previous rounds in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. The U.S. delegation is led by Steve Witkoff, Trump’s foreign talks envoy, and Jared Kushner, a senior White House adviser and Trump’s son-in-law.
The discussions aim to address a broader range of issues, including territorial disputes, as the two nations strive to find a path towards a sustainable and equitable peace agreement.
