Russia informally apologized to Ukraine for attacks during negotiations, as NYT reveals behind-the-scenes talks and Odessa strike kills five.
Gentleman’s Agreement on Energy Infrastructure
Russia agreed to halt attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure until February 1 following negotiations, described as a “gentleman’s agreement” with no written confirmation. Ukraine had requested this pause during talks with Russian negotiators last weekend.
The New York Times, citing a Ukrainian presidential advisor, reported the private understanding between negotiators, noting the agreement did not take effect immediately.
Odessa Attack and Russian Apology
On Tuesday, Russia attacked Odessa, damaging residential buildings, a school, a church, and a train, killing five people. Russian negotiators privately apologized to Ukraine, explaining not all military units had received the ceasefire order.
Shift in Attack Targets and Energy Crisis
President Zelensky confirmed Russia’s latest attack avoided energy infrastructure, targeting other civilian objects instead. Russia redirected assaults to logistics sites and deployed over 130 drones, most intercepted but 15 hitting targets deep in Ukraine.
Previous mass strikes on power plants and grids have triggered an energy crisis, leaving nearly 400 residential buildings in Kyiv without heating.