Geneva, Switzerland. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukrainian intelligence indicated Russia was preparing further massive strikes against energy infrastructure, adding that such attacks complicated efforts to reach an agreement to end the nearly four-year war.
Zelenskiy cites intelligence on energy strikes
In his nightly video address on Monday, Zelenskiy said intelligence reports showed more Russian attacks on energy targets lay ahead and that it was necessary to ensure all air defence systems were properly configured. He said Russian attacks were constantly evolving and used a combination of weapons, including drones and missiles, requiring special defence and support from Ukraine’s partners.
Zelenskiy said Russia wanted to strike Ukrainians “painfully” in the final days of winter cold and said partners needed to understand this, “first and foremost” the United States.
Reuters said it was not able to immediately reach Russian officials for comment.
Delegations gather for U.S.-brokered talks
Ukrainian, Russian and American delegations are gathering in Geneva for a third round of U.S.-brokered talks on Tuesday, focused for the first time on the fate of Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia.
The head of Ukraine’s delegation, Rustem Umerov, said on Telegram that his team was already in Geneva and looked forward to constructive work and substantive meetings on security and humanitarian issues.
Russia sets out demands and delegation leadership
Moscow wants Ukraine to cede the entirety of the Donbas area. The Kremlin confirmed that Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to President Vladimir Putin, would lead the Russian delegation.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters the talks were expected to cover a broader range of issues, including territories and other demands Russia has put forward.
Previous rounds produced prisoner swap
Two earlier rounds of U.S.-backed talks in the United Arab Emirates led to a prisoner swap but no breakthrough toward a settlement.
What outcome do you expect from the Geneva talks on occupied Ukrainian territory?