Russian Strikes Cut Power Across Ukraine as Trump Praises Ongoing Talks
Rédaction : Aminata Diallo
Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Saturday, triggering widespread power outages across the country, as U.S.-brokered negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv continue.
Ukraine’s state power grid operator Ukrenergo said in a statement on Telegram that emergency power cuts had been implemented in most regions “due to damage caused by the enemy.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the assault involved more than 400 drones and 40 missiles targeting energy facilities in several regions, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Volyn, and Lviv.
“Moscow must be deprived of its ability to pressure Ukraine with cold and darkness,” Zelenskyy said, calling for additional air defense systems, including Patriot missiles. “Every day Russia can choose real diplomacy, but instead it launches new attacks.”
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Russian missiles and drones once again struck energy infrastructure, particularly in western Ukraine, causing emergency shutdowns and disruptions at nuclear power facilities. He urged stronger international pressure and additional sanctions on Moscow.
Ukrainian officials accuse Russia of deliberately targeting energy infrastructure, leaving thousands without electricity and heating amid freezing winter temperatures. The attacks continue despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war, now nearing its fourth year.
Meanwhile, the Polish military announced it had deployed aircraft to protect national airspace, a precautionary measure frequently taken during Russian strikes on western Ukraine.
Diplomatic Track Continues
U.S. President Donald Trump said “very good talks” were underway regarding the war in Ukraine, adding without further details that “something could happen” as a result of the negotiations.
Trump had pledged to end the conflict that began in February 2022, but more than a year into his second term, a comprehensive settlement remains elusive.
According to Reuters, U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators have discussed a tentative goal of reaching a peace agreement by March, though the timeline is likely to slip due to unresolved disagreements over territorial issues. The discussions reportedly also touched on the possibility of holding a referendum and elections in May.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said on Thursday that the United States, Ukraine, and Russia had agreed to exchange 314 prisoners, marking the first such swap in five months. He described the talks held in Abu Dhabi as detailed and productive, with further progress expected in the coming weeks.
Ukraine and Russia have held two rounds of U.S.-mediated negotiations in Abu Dhabi since January.
