Russian military strikes targeted Ukrainian power infrastructure, resulting in the deaths of three energy workers and leaving thousands without electricity and heating ahead of renewed peace negotiations, officials announced on Tuesday. The U.S.-supported trilateral talks in Geneva involving Kyiv and Moscow coincided with the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes on 12 Ukrainian regions, emphasizing the need for diplomacy supported by “justice and strength.”
Since beginning its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian energy facilities, causing disruptions to power and heating supplies. The recent strikes claimed the lives of three energy workers near the Sloviansk power plant and caused significant damage to the power infrastructure in Odesa, a strategic Black Sea port city. Repair efforts are expected to be prolonged, affecting multiple regions with power cuts and disruptions to heating services in Odesa and Sumy.
Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched nearly 400 drones and 29 missiles, resulting in several hits on Ukrainian targets. In a retaliatory move, the Ukrainian military struck the Ilsky oil refinery in Russia’s Krasnodar region, sparking a fire.
The ongoing negotiations in Geneva, mediated by the U.S., are focusing on resolving key issues, particularly the dispute over land, with U.S. President Donald Trump urging both parties to reach a resolution. Zelenskyy called for increased pressure on Russia to secure a fair peace deal through tougher sanctions and military support for Ukraine. Talks are also addressing the contentious topic of the Donetsk region, where Russia demands further territorial concessions from Ukraine.
Addressing the nuclear plant issue, Russia occupies a significant portion of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea and parts of eastern Donbas. The Russian delegation, led by Vladimir Medinsky, faces skepticism from Ukrainian negotiators due to past disagreements. Discussions in Geneva also touch on the control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the potential role of Western forces in postwar Ukraine.
The venue for the negotiations shifted to Geneva from Abu Dhabi, with expectations for a U.S. delegation led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, focusing on foreign affairs and diplomatic efforts.