Russia Resumes Major Attacks on Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure Ahead of Peace Talks

In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russian forces launched a massive missile and drone assault on Ukraine overnight on February 2-3, 2026. This attack, described as the largest of the year, involved approximately 521 munitions, including 450 drones and over 70 missiles, targeting critical energy infrastructure and residential areas in cities such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odesa, and Sumy. The Ukrainian air force reported that 38 missiles and 412 drones were intercepted, but at least 27 missiles and 31 drones struck various locations, resulting in injuries to at least nine individuals.

Russia Ukraine cities on eve of peace negotiationsRussia unleashes 521 missiles and drones on Ukraine in 2026’s largest attack, Zircon anti-ship missiles strain defensesRussia hits Ukraine energy targets with hundreds of drones, missiles, ahead of talks

This assault occurred just one day before scheduled trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi involving representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. The attacks marked the end of a brief pause in hostilities that had been agreed upon following a request from U.S. President Donald Trump. While the Kremlin claimed the pause would last only until February 1, Ukrainian officials had anticipated a longer truce, which they believed would facilitate diplomatic efforts.

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,440

The strikes left hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians without heating during one of the coldest winters on record, with temperatures plummeting to -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit) in Kyiv. Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal reported significant damage to thermal power plants, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis as emergency measures were implemented to prevent heating systems from freezing. In Kharkiv, authorities had to drain coolant from over 800 buildings to protect the infrastructure, leaving many residents in dire conditions.

Russia resumes strikes on Ukraine, leaving hundreds of thousands without heating in freezing temperatures

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, stating, "Taking advantage of the coldest days of winter to terrorize people is more important to Russia than turning to diplomacy." He called for "maximum pressure" on Russia from the international community to end the war. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russia of using the pause to stockpile weapons, asserting that the attacks were part of a "genocidal" strategy against the Ukrainian people.

Russia Ukraine cities on eve of peace negotiationsRussia renews attacks on frozen Ukrainian citiesRussia breaks Trump-brokered energy ceasefire

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, visiting Kyiv at the time of the attacks, echoed Zelenskyy's sentiments, emphasizing that Russia's actions demonstrated a lack of seriousness regarding peace negotiations. He urged NATO allies to bolster air defense support for Ukraine.

Russia fires 450 drones and 70 missiles at Ukraine, a day before US-brokered talks'Most powerful' attack on Ukraine's energy facilitiesRussia disregarded U.S. peace efforts by attacking Ukraine's energy sector, Zelenskiy says

Critics of Russia's military strategy argue that the attacks are not only a violation of international norms but also a deliberate tactic to undermine Ukraine's energy resilience during harsh winter conditions. The Ukrainian government and various international observers have labeled these strikes as war crimes, aimed at inflicting maximum suffering on the civilian population.

Russia Ukraine cities on eve of peace negotiations

The upcoming peace talks in Abu Dhabi are expected to focus on territorial disputes and security guarantees for Ukraine. However, the recent escalation raises doubts about the potential for meaningful negotiations, as both sides remain entrenched in their positions. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with calls for increased military support for Ukraine to counter ongoing Russian aggression.

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,440

• “Taking advantage of the coldest days of winter to terrorize people is more important to Russia than turning to diplomacy,” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

Russia renews attacks on frozen Ukrainian cities

• “This very clearly shows what is needed from our partners and what can help. Without pressure on Russia, there will be no end to this war. Right now, Moscow is choosing terror and escalation, and that is why maximum pressure is required. I thank all our partners who understand this and are helping us,” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

Russia breaks Trump-brokered energy ceasefire

• “This demonstrates their lack of seriousness about peace.” — Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary-General

Russia hits Ukraine energy targets with hundreds of drones, missiles, ahead of talks

• “(Vladimir) Putin waited for the temperatures to drop and stockpiled drones and missiles to continue his genocidal attacks against the Ukrainian people.” — Andrii Sybiha, Ukrainian Foreign Minister

Russia Ukraine cities on eve of peace negotiations

This latest round of violence underscores the ongoing conflict's complexity and the challenges facing diplomatic efforts to resolve it.

Russia breaks Trump-brokered energy ceasefire