Russia Launches Massive Attack on Ukraine Before Geneva Peace Talks

Russia launched a total of 29 missiles and 396 drones against Ukraine on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, according to the Ukrainian Air Force . This attack occurred just hours before negotiators from Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington were scheduled to begin a third round of trilateral contacts in Geneva, Switzerland, aimed at finding a negotiated solution to the ongoing war.

Zelenskyy Warned of Potential Attack

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had warned of the possibility of a Russian attack the previous day, citing intelligence reports . The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the missiles used by Russia were primarily cruise missiles, targeting regions in the north, center, south, and west of Ukraine.

Russian Claims of Drone Interception

In a parallel development, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced that its forces destroyed more than 150 Ukrainian drones attempting to attack in the Black Sea region. According to Russian agencies, air defense systems destroyed and intercepted 151 aerial drones, including 38 over Crimea, 50 over the Black Sea, and 29 over the Sea of Azov. Mikhail Razvozhaiev, governor of Sevastopol, described it as “one of the longest recent attacks” .

Significant Damage to Energy Infrastructure in Odessa

The Russian attack caused “extraordinarily serious damage” to energy infrastructure in the city of Odessa, as reported by DTEK, the facility’s owner . The company stated that repairs would be extensive and time-consuming. Specialists are working to restore electricity to critical infrastructure.

Escalation of Attacks on Ukrainian Energy Systems

Since the beginning of the year, Russia has launched numerous large-scale attacks against Ukraine’s energy system, leaving millions without electricity, heating, and running water during the winter months.

Truce Discussions in Geneva

The latest attack comes as the US, Russia, and Ukraine prepare for the third round of trilateral talks in Geneva. President Zelenskyy indicated that discussions would include the possibility of a truce on attacks targeting energy infrastructure, similar to a unilateral declaration made by the Kremlin on January 30 at Washington’s request. However, Russia maintained that truce for only four days .

Ukraine Accuses Russia of Disregarding Peace Efforts

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrí Sibiga accused Russia of disregarding peace efforts, pointing to the massive attack just before the Geneva talks. He stated that the bombing primarily targeted Ukraine’s energy and civilian infrastructure .

Call for Increased Pressure and Sanctions

Sibiga emphasized that “Moscow only understands the language of pressure” and asserted that the Kremlin would not take diplomacy seriously without a credible threat of force. He renewed calls for the international community to impose latest sanctions against Russia, specifically targeting the “ghost fleet” of ships used to circumvent oil price caps imposed by the G7 .