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Zelenskyy Urges Support Amid Russian Drone Strikes and Blackouts

1/18/2026

Center

Zelenskyy Urges Support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said intensified Russian drone strikes targeted energy infrastructure, causing widespread outages.
More than 200,000 homes in Russian-occupied areas lost electricity, and Kyiv and Kharkiv faced blackouts amid freezing temperatures.
Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need for international military support and criticized Russia's unwillingness to engage in peace talks.
A Ukrainian delegation is in the United States to discuss a proposed peace agreement for post-war guarantees.

Right

Putin Rejects Peace

Russian President Vladimir Putin rejects peace in the Ukraine conflict that began on February 24, 2022, while Ukraine holds its ground and inflicts heavy casualties on Russian forces.
Ukrainian defense chief Mykhailo Fedorov said 200,000 Ukrainian soldiers are missing, while Russia struggles with recruitment and troop losses.
U.S. President Donald Trump argued that Ukraine hinders peace talks, while European leaders place the onus on Russia, and Ukraine seeks military support.

History

Historical Context

The Ukraine conflict intensified on February 24, 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion, marking the largest military conflict in Europe since World War II. This escalation followed years of tension, beginning with Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and military support for separatists in the Donbas region. The invasion has led to significant international condemnation and military aid for Ukraine from Western nations.

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Zelenskyy Urges Support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said intensified Russian drone strikes targeted energy infrastructure, causing widespread outages.
More than 200,000 homes in Russian-occupied areas lost electricity, and Kyiv and Kharkiv faced blackouts amid freezing temperatures.
Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need for international military support and criticized Russia's unwillingness to engage in peace talks.
A Ukrainian delegation is in the United States to discuss a proposed peace agreement for post-war guarantees.

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