Russia Attacks Ukraine’s Energy Grid Hours Before Peace Talks Begin

Russian forces launched a massive assault on Ukraine's electrical infrastructure Tuesday, killing three energy workers and cutting power to thousands just hours before scheduled peace negotiations in Geneva. The coordinated attack targeted 12 Ukrainian regions with nearly 400 drones and 29 missiles.

KYIV – A devastating Russian assault on Ukraine’s electrical systems left three energy workers dead and tens of thousands without electricity or heating on Tuesday, occurring just hours before planned peace negotiations were set to begin.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced the overnight bombardment that struck 12 regions across the country, timing the attack to coincide with the start of U.S.-supported three-way discussions between Kyiv and Moscow scheduled for Geneva.

“It was a combined strike, specially calculated to cause as much damage as possible to our energy sector,” Zelenskyy posted on X, demanding that diplomatic efforts be supported by “justice and strength.”

Since launching its comprehensive military offensive against Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian power facilities throughout this winter season, disrupting electricity and heating systems across the nation.

According to Ukraine’s deputy energy minister, the three fatalities occurred when a Russian unmanned aircraft hit their vehicle close to the Sloviansk power facility, located in a contested border region that Moscow demands Ukraine surrender as part of any peace agreement.

The strategic Black Sea port of Odesa experienced “incredibly serious” harm to its power supply network, according to private utility company DTEK.

“Repairs will take a long time to restore the equipment to working order,” the company announced on social media platforms.

Deputy Energy Minister Artem Nekrasov reported that residential areas in five regions experienced electrical outages due to the bombardment, while also confirming heating disruptions in Odesa and Sumy, a regional center in northern Ukraine located near the Russian frontier.

Ukrainian air defense forces reported that Russia deployed almost 400 unmanned aircraft and 29 missiles in the attack. While most were intercepted, 13 locations within Ukraine sustained direct hits, military officials confirmed.