Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lamented the latest Russian attack on his country on Tuesday, a day before a scheduled peace meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Zelensky said that Russia launched 450 drones and 70 missiles into Ukraine on Tuesday, striking multiple cities throughout the country.
Zelensky said the latest attack hit energy facilities and civilian targets, including a kindergarten in Kyiv.
“Recovery efforts following the Russian strike across our regions are ongoing,” Zelensky posted. “Once again, there was a targeted attack specifically on energy facilities – the Russians used a significant number of ballistic missiles in combination with other missiles, more than 70 missiles in total, as well as 450 attack drones. The strikes hit Sumy and Kharkiv regions, Kyiv region and the capital, as well as Dnipro, Odesa, and Vinnytsia regions.”
“As of now, nine people have been reported injured as a result of the attack. There is damage to ordinary residential buildings and energy infrastructure,” Zelensky said. “In Kyiv, drone strikes caused fires in high-rises and damaged a kindergarten. All necessary services have been deployed wherever possible.”
Zelensky criticized the Russian Federation for its continued strikes on civilian targets, especially during the winter months, “in the coldest days of winter.” He scolded Russia for engaging in such military strikes instead of “diplomacy” and working toward a peace agreement.”
“Taking advantage of the coldest days of winter to terrorize people is more important to Russia than turning to diplomacy,” Zelensky said. “And this very clearly shows what is needed from our partners and what can help. Timely delivery of missiles for air defense systems and the protection of normal life are our priority.”
“Without pressure on Russia, there will be no end to this war,” he added. “Right now, Moscow is choosing terror and escalation, and that is why maximum pressure is required.”
U.S.-led peace talks between Ukraine and Russia were postponed over the weekend. However, Zelensky posted on X on Sunday that talks were supposed to resume on Feb. 4 in Abu Dhabi. The Ukrainian president has expressed an eagerness to reach a deal and halt the bombings in his country, seeking “a real and dignified end to the war.”
“Our negotiating team has just delivered a report,” Zelensky said in a post on Feb. 1. “The dates for the next trilateral meetings have been set – February 4 and 5 in Abu Dhabi. Ukraine is ready for a substantive discussion, and we are interested in ensuring that the outcome brings us closer to a real and dignified end to the war. Thank you to everyone who is helping!”
The primary obstacle to a peace deal appears to be Russia’s demand for the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine. It’s a section of Ukraine of which Russia currently occupies approximately 80% but has been unable to fully conquer during the war. Ukraine has refused to surrender the area in previous negotiations, according to multiple reports.
“Whatever happens, our positions and defense at the front are key to preserving Ukraine, our independence, and our ability to engage in diplomacy and rebuild life,” Zelensky said in a video over the weekend.
CONTROL OF DONETSK IS ‘ONE REMAINING ITEM’ IN UKRAINE-RUSSIA PEACE NEGOTIATIONS, RUBIO SAYS
In response to the current hurdles with the peace negotiations, Zelensky suggested a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump, and himself to facilitate a peace agreement.
“The three of us need to meet — me, Trump, and Putin,” said Zelensky. “At minimum, we need direct contact with Russia’s leader. Without that, our teams won’t be able to agree on territorial issues.”
