Speaking after the second round of US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi, which concluded on Friday without a breakthrough, Zelensky said “difficult issues remained difficult,” including territorial concessions that Ukraine is under pressure to make. He added that a trilateral meeting involving the leaders of the two countries was discussed, but preparatory steps are required.
While diplomacy continues, Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing further blackouts during freezing conditions. Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal reported that substations, overhead power lines, and power plants were targeted, forcing Ukraine to request emergency electricity supplies from neighboring Poland. Zelensky stated that Friday night’s attack involved more than 400 drones and 40 missiles, hitting key energy facilities in at least four regions, including the Dobrotvir and Burshtyn power plants.
The strikes have left thousands without electricity, prompted civilians in Kyiv to shelter in metro stations, and caused damage to homes and critical infrastructure in Rivne and Zaporizhzhia regions. Ukraine has also carried out counterstrikes on Russian facilities, including a missile fuel factory in the Tver region. Meanwhile, Russia has accused Ukraine of undermining peace efforts, following the shooting of a high-ranking Russian general, the circumstances of which remain unclear. Zelensky reported that approximately 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
