Kyiv, Feb 18 (.) In a show of force on the very day renewed peace talks began in Geneva, Russia unleashed 29 missiles and close to 400 drones across 12 regions of Ukraine, injuring civilians and targeting critical infrastructure.
Kyiv described it as a coordinated assault on energy and civilian infrastructure. The strike highlights just how fragile the diplomatic efforts remain.
Following the opening day of talks on Tuesday, Russian media quoted an unnamed source who termed the discussions as “tense,” noting they lasted for six hours and took place in both bilateral and trilateral formats. The talks are set to continue for a final day on Wednesday.
Ukraine’s chief negotiator Rustem Umerov said the talks centered on “practical issues and the mechanics of possible solutions.”
Ahead of the negotiations, Umerov played down expectations of any major breakthrough in Geneva, noting that the Ukrainian team was approaching the discussions “without excessive expectations.”
The Russian delegation is being led by Vladimir Medinsky, an adviser to President Vladimir Putin. “We are ready to move quickly toward a worthy agreement to end the war,” Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly address, adding that he is awaiting an update from the negotiating team in Geneva.“The question for the Russians is: just what do they want?”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Moscow, stating that the attack demonstrates its “true intent.” According to Zelenskyy, nine people, including children, were injured. In a video address shared on X, he said Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 25 of the 29 missiles launched by Russia.
He said, “In the massive strike with which the Russians began the day, 29 missiles of various types were fired, and 25 were shot down. This is an important result for our air defense, and once again, we emphasize that air defense is a daily necessity. I thank all our partners who understand this. Russia greets with a strike even the very day new formats begin in Geneva–trilateral and bilateral with the United States. This very clearly shows what Russia wants and what it is truly intent on. Almost 400 drones were launched as well.”
Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine’s delegation would bring up the strikes during discussions with US representatives in Geneva. He reiterated that Kyiv remains prepared to work toward ending the war.
The Ukrainian President said, “Later today, there will be a report from the delegation following the first round of talks in Geneva. The team absolutely must raise the issue of these strikes–first of all with the American side, which proposed that both Ukraine and Russia refrain from attacks. Ukraine is ready. We do not need war. And we always act symmetrically–defending our state and our independence. Likewise, we are ready to move quickly toward a just agreement to end the war.”
He further questioned Moscow’s priorities, saying, “The only question is for the Russians: what do they want? And also, whether there will be consequences for Russia for the fact that ‘shaheds,’ missiles, and fantasy chatter about history matter more to them than real diplomacy and lasting peace.”
The Geneva discussions are part of broader diplomatic efforts led by the United States to seek a negotiated resolution to the conflict that began in February 2022.
Earlier the same day, Zelenskyy said that residents in Odesa were left without water and heating after the strikes, and around 10 residential buildings sustained damage.
In another post on X, he wrote, “It was a combined strike, deliberately calculated to cause as much damage as possible to our energy sector. Nearly 400 drones and 29 missiles of various types were used, including ballistic ones. A significant number were shot down, but unfortunately, there were also hits. In Odesa, tens of thousands of people are without heat and water supply after the drone strike. All necessary services are working to help. In total, 12 regions were targeted, and, unfortunately, nine people have been reported injured, including children. More than ten residential buildings and railway infrastructure were damaged. Partners must respond to all these strikes against life.”
Rescue and restoration operations are continuing across affected regions following the large-scale assault. Zelenskyy emphasized that sustained international pressure, including sanctions and strengthened military and air defense support, is essential to achieving a just and lasting peace, adding that responsibility for the continued violence lies with Moscow.
As the Russia-Ukraine war approaches its four-year mark, Donald Trump has been pressing both Moscow and Kyiv to reach an agreement to end Europe’s largest conflict since 1945. However, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has argued that Ukraine is facing disproportionate pressure to make concessions in order to secure a deal.
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