Zelenskyy Warns of Russian Attacks Ahead of Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of preparing a new wave of attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure, even as trilateral peace negotiations, brokered by the United States, are scheduled to resume in Geneva this week. Zelenskyy warned that these anticipated attacks appear designed to undermine diplomatic efforts and exert pressure on Ukraine.

Russia Prepares for “Massive Strikes”

According to Zelenskyy, intelligence reports indicate Russia is planning “massive strikes” targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure before the Geneva talks. He expressed concern that these actions demonstrate Russia’s lack of genuine commitment to a peaceful resolution. “Russia cannot resist the temptation of the final days of winter cold and wants to strike Ukrainians painfully,” Zelenskyy stated on Monday night, urging partners, particularly the United States, to understand the situation. The Independent reported on these warnings.

Third Round of Peace Talks

Delegates from Kyiv, Moscow and Washington are set to meet in Geneva on Tuesday and Wednesday for a third round of negotiations. Previous talks, held in Abu Dhabi, were described as constructive by all parties but failed to yield any significant breakthroughs. The discussions are expected to focus on key issues hindering a peace deal, including territorial disputes.

Recent Attacks and Ukrainian Response

The warning from Zelenskyy comes amid a recent surge in attacks. Russia launched 244 drones and missiles into Ukraine overnight on February 12, 2026, according to Kyiv. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 16 missiles and 197 drones, but nine missiles and 19 drones still impacted 13 locations, with Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Odesa being primary targets. ABC News detailed these attacks.

Four people, including two children, were injured in strikes on Dnipro. Simultaneously, Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Russia, reportedly the “most powerful and massive” experienced by any Russian region during the war, specifically targeting the Bryansk region. Russian air defenses reportedly downed 345 drones since Sunday morning.

US-Backed Energy Truce Stalls

Zelenskyy also revealed that Russia has not responded to a U.S.-backed proposal for a temporary truce on attacks targeting energy infrastructure. The U.S. Had proposed mirroring a brief pause in such attacks that occurred at the complete of January. Zelenskyy stated that the lack of response, coupled with the continued drone and missile strikes, suggests Russia is “not yet ready for the energy ceasefire” proposed in Abu Dhabi.

Zelenskyy’s Concerns About US Approach

In a separate development, Zelenskyy expressed concerns that the United States “too often” pushes Ukraine, rather than Russia, to make concessions during negotiations. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on February 15, 2026, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for “clear security guarantees” for Ukraine and warned that the focus should not solely be on what Ukraine is willing to give up. Al Jazeera reported on Zelenskyy’s remarks.

Despite these concerns, Zelenskyy expressed hope that the upcoming trilateral talks in Geneva will be “serious, substantive, and helpful for all of us.”