On February 16, Ukrainian President Zelensky warned Russia is preparing a massive attack after Russian strikes hit Ukrainian energy facilities.
Russian Strikes on Ukrainian Energy Infrastructure
On Monday, February 16, Volodymyr Zelensky announced on social media that he held a meeting regarding the situation in Ukrainian regions. A report was presented on the effects of a recent night-time Russian attack.
According to information provided, Russians fired rockets at energy facilities, and Ukrainian air defense systems responded. Air raid alarms were announced in Ukraine’s capital and several regions last night. The Russians used Shahed attack drones, fired a hypersonic Zircon missile, and attacked frontline areas with guided aerial bombs.
Zelensky’s Warning of Massive Russian Attack
“Even on the eve of trilateral meetings in Geneva, the Russian army has no other orders than to continue attacks on Ukraine,” Zelensky stated. “This says a lot about how Russia treats the diplomatic efforts of its partners. Every Russian rocket is the aggressor’s response to their calls to end the war.”
The Ukrainian leader instructed the Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, Anatolii Kryvonozhka, the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Mykhailo Fedorov, and the head of Ukrenergo, Vitaliy Zaychenko, to prepare additional protective measures based on intelligence indicating Russia’s preparations for a massive attack.
Zelensky had issued similar warnings in the first half of January. Shortly after his statement at that time, the Russians attacked with a hypersonic ballistic Oreshnik missile.
Energy Security and Air Defense Priorities
During the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky discussed energy issues with some partners, noting the need to implement already agreed agreements in the near future. He added that actions are underway to accelerate the delivery of missiles for air defense, which remains an unchanged priority.
The Ukrainian president emphasized that all relevant state institutions are tasked with accelerating the acquisition of air defense support from international partners.
Upcoming Geneva Negotiations
A trilateral meeting to end the war is scheduled for February 17 and 18 in Geneva. The Russians have expanded their delegation for negotiations with Ukrainians and Americans, with Kremlin advisor Vladimir Medinsky set to lead it.
Medinsky, a former culture minister considered a Kremlin propagandist, has led commentators to suggest Moscow wants to prolong peace talks without taking real action to end the war. In response to criticism, a Kremlin spokesman announced that Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin was added to the delegation.
According to Dmitry Peskov, the Russian delegation will primarily raise territorial issues. He added that Vladimir Putin’s advisor, Kirill Dmitriev, will participate in economic talks in Geneva. Dmitriev maintains direct contacts with Donald Trump’s representative, Steve Witkoff.
