Zelenskiy Warns of New Russian Energy Strikes as Geneva Talks Turn to Disputed Territories

Ukrainian intelligence detects preparations for additional large-scale attacks targeting the country's power grid as negotiations focus on occupied regions.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukrainian intelligence has detected preparations for further large-scale Russian attacks targeting the country's energy infrastructure, warning that such strikes would complicate fragile efforts to negotiate an end to the nearly four-year war. The diplomatic talks in Geneva are expected to focus on the sensitive issue of the status of Ukrainian territories occupied by Russian forces.

Why it matters

Repeated Russian assaults on Ukraine's energy grid have been a defining feature of the conflict, leaving millions without electricity, heating or water, especially during colder months. Ukraine has accused Moscow of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure to erode morale and strain the country's resilience. As negotiations shift to the question of territorial control, the stakes have risen sharply, testing the willingness of both sides to compromise after years of entrenched fighting.

The details

Zelenskiy said intelligence assessments indicated that Moscow was preparing 'further massive strikes' against critical power facilities and urged heightened readiness across Ukraine's air defense network. He described Russia's strike tactics as constantly shifting, with new combinations of weapons and timing intended to exploit vulnerabilities. The diplomatic talks in Geneva represent the first time negotiators are expected to focus squarely on the most sensitive question of the war: the fate of territories seized and annexed by Russia since its full-scale invasion began.

  • On Monday, Zelenskiy warned of the intelligence reports in his nightly video address.
  • The diplomatic talks in Geneva are scheduled to take place this week.

The players

Volodymyr Zelenskiy

The President of Ukraine who warned of the impending Russian attacks and the high stakes of the Geneva negotiations.

Rustem Umerov

The head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Geneva talks, who said his team was preparing for constructive discussions centered on security and humanitarian matters.

Vladimir Medinsky

The aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin who will lead the Russian delegation to the Geneva talks.

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What they’re saying

“Intelligence reports show that Russia is preparing further massive strikes against energy infrastructure, so it is necessary to ensure that all air defense systems are properly configured.”

— Volodymyr Zelenskiy, President of Ukraine (yournews.com)

“Russia cannot resist the temptation of the final days of winter cold and wants to strike Ukrainians painfully. Partners must understand this. First and foremost, this concerns the United States.”

— Volodymyr Zelenskiy, President of Ukraine (yournews.com)

“This time, the idea is to discuss a broader range of issues, including, in fact, the main ones. The main issues concern both the territories and everything else related to the demands we have put forward.”

— Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson (yournews.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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