Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark warning that Russia is preparing a new wave of strikes aimed at crippling Ukraine's energy sector, with a specific focus on its nuclear power system. The alert comes as winter tightens its grip on the country, with the Kremlin accused of attempting to freeze Ukraine into submission by targeting its critical infrastructure.
Imminent Threat to Nuclear Infrastructure
Speaking on Sunday after a security briefing, Zelenskyy stated there is "ample information" about Russian preparations for further assaults. He emphasised that the intended targets include facilities and networks serving Ukraine's nuclear power plants. "Each such Russian strike on the energy sector amid such a harsh winter weakens and undermines the efforts of key states – in particular the United States – to end this war," the President declared.
Zelenskyy's warning followed a meeting with the new chief of defence intelligence, Oleh Ivashchenko. The president's office is now led by the former intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, who has travelled to the United States for high-level discussions on potential peace proposals.
Peace Talks Advance Amid Ongoing Attacks
Budanov confirmed his arrival in the US on Saturday, where he and Ukrainian negotiators Rustem Umerov and Davyd Arakhamia are set to meet with American officials, including envoy Steve Witkoff and former White House adviser Jared Kushner. Zelenskyy has tasked this delegation with finalising proposals on security guarantees and economic recovery.
The Ukrainian leader indicated that if American officials approve the plans, a deal could be signed as early as next week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. However, Russia has shown no sign of accepting any peace deal that does not begin with Ukraine ceding the entire Donbas region.
Meanwhile, Russian attacks continued over the weekend. In Kharkiv oblast, strikes killed at least two people and wounded others. One attack damaged a critical infrastructure facility in Kharkiv city, which Mayor Ihor Terekhov warned could seriously affect power and heating for residents. Separately, an airstrike in the Sumy region wounded three women and a seven-year-old child, damaging 15 homes.
Energy Sector Under Severe Strain
The Ukrainian energy ministry reported that Russia struck infrastructure in the Kyiv and Odesa regions overnight into Saturday, leaving more than 20 settlements in the Kyiv area without power. Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal stated bluntly, "There is not a single power plant left in Ukraine that has not been hit by Russian strikes."
In response to the crisis, the government has instructed major state companies to urgently purchase imported electricity to cover at least half of their own consumption. Ukraine is also ramping up appeals to international partners for equipment and power imports.
Shmyhal announced new support from Lithuania, which is providing more energy-generating equipment for Kyiv and the hardest-hit regions. Lithuania has already contributed equipment for emergency repairs and has donated over 2,000 solar panels, alongside a financial contribution of €5.7 million to Ukraine's energy support fund. Ukrainian energy workers continue repair efforts around the clock to restore electricity to millions.
