Russia Intensifies Attacks on Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure Before Peace Negotiations
In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a record-breaking missile and drone barrage targeting Ukraine's power grid overnight on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. This aggressive move comes just as both nations were preparing for crucial peace talks scheduled to begin in Abu Dhabi.
Massive Assault Amid Freezing Winter Conditions
The attack involved hundreds of drones and 32 ballistic missiles specifically aimed at Ukraine's energy infrastructure, resulting in 10 casualties and leaving thousands of civilians without heating during some of the coldest days of winter. Temperatures in Kyiv plummeted to minus 20 degrees Celsius overnight and remained at a frigid minus 16 degrees Celsius throughout Tuesday, amplifying the humanitarian crisis caused by the destruction of heating systems.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes, accusing Moscow of violating its commitment to halt attacks on energy facilities during diplomatic negotiations and severe winter weather. "Taking advantage of the coldest days of winter to terrorise people is more important to Russia than diplomacy," Zelenskyy stated in a social media post, highlighting that the bombardment was part of Russia's ongoing campaign to deprive civilians of light, heating, and running water.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Implications
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who visited Kyiv in a show of solidarity, expressed grave concerns about Moscow's intentions on the eve of peace talks. He described the Russian strikes as "a really bad signal" that raises questions about Russia's commitment to diplomatic solutions. However, Rutte also noted that such attacks only strengthen Ukrainians' resolve to defend their sovereignty.
The peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, and Thursday, February 5, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Zelenskyy emphasized that while Ukraine is prepared to discuss ending the conflict, "no one is going to surrender" to Russian demands.
Security Guarantees and Post-Conflict Planning
In a significant development, Rutte announced that allied troops would be deployed in Ukraine immediately following any peace agreement with Russia. These forces would comprise ground, air, and naval units from countries participating in what he termed the "coalition of the willing" within NATO.
"Ukraine needs strong support. The coalition of the willing has made progress on guarantees, as mentioned by Zelenskyy. As soon as a peace deal is signed, there will instantly appear armed forces, planes in the sky, and maritime support from those in NATO who have agreed," Rutte declared during his visit to Kyiv.
The timing of Russia's massive assault on Ukraine's power grid—just before scheduled peace talks and during extreme winter conditions—has raised serious questions about Moscow's diplomatic intentions and commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict that has now entered another year of devastation.
