Russia Intensifies Attacks on Ukraine as Peace Talks Loom
Russia launched a barrage of 29 missiles and 396 drones against Ukraine on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. This escalation comes just hours before negotiators from Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington are set to begin a third round of talks in Geneva, Switzerland, aimed at finding a negotiated end to the war.
Escalation Before Negotiations
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the Russian missiles were primarily cruise missiles, targeting regions in the north, center, south, and west of Ukraine. Simultaneously, Russian forces claimed to have destroyed over 150 Ukrainian drones attempting to attack the Black Sea region. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, 38 drones were intercepted over Crimea, 50 over the Black Sea, and 29 over the Sea of Azov. The attack was described as one of the most prolonged recent assaults.
Critical Infrastructure Under Fire
The Russian attack caused “extraordinarily serious” damage to energy infrastructure in the city of Odesa, according to DTEK, the company that owns the facility. Repairs are expected to take a significant amount of time. This attack follows a pattern of repeated strikes against Ukraine’s energy system since the beginning of the year, leaving millions without electricity, heating, and water.
Ukraine Accuses Russia of Undermining Peace Efforts
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga accused Russia of disregarding peace efforts led by the United States. He stated that the massive missile and drone attack, occurring just before the Geneva talks, demonstrated a lack of seriousness regarding a peaceful resolution. Sibiga emphasized that Moscow only understands the language of pressure and called for increased international sanctions.
Calls for Stronger Sanctions
Sibiga specifically requested action against Russia’s “ghost fleet” – ships flying flags of other countries to circumvent sanctions and continue exporting oil. He also called for a ban on services to these vessels and restrictions on entry for those involved in the aggression against Ukraine.
Zelenskyy Links Elections to a Russian Ceasefire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine will only hold elections once “security guarantees” and a “ceasefire” with Russia are in place. Zelenskyy, elected in 2019 for a five-year term that concluded in 2024, saw his mandate automatically extended due to the war. He indicated a willingness to call immediate elections if Russia agrees to a two-month ceasefire, a proposal he made during the Munich Security Conference.
Trump’s Role in Potential Negotiations
Zelenskyy suggested that former U.S. President Donald Trump could play a role in securing a ceasefire by pressuring Russian President Vladimir Putin. He stated that if Trump can achieve a ceasefire, Ukraine’s parliament would change the law to allow for elections.
Past Truces and Ongoing Concerns
Russia previously declared a unilateral ceasefire at the request of Washington on January 30th, a truce that Ukraine also joined. However, this ceasefire lasted only four days. The current escalation raises doubts about Russia’s commitment to genuine negotiations.
FAQ
Q: What is the status of peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the US?
A: A third round of talks is scheduled to begin in Geneva, Switzerland, with the aim of finding a negotiated end to the war.
Q: What is Ukraine’s condition for holding elections?
A: Ukraine requires security guarantees and a ceasefire with Russia before elections can be held.
Q: What is the “ghost fleet” that Ukraine is asking the international community to sanction?
A: It refers to ships flying flags of other countries to bypass sanctions and continue exporting Russian oil.
Q: What type of damage has been reported in Odesa?
A: Significant damage to energy infrastructure has been reported, with repairs expected to take a considerable amount of time.
Did you understand? Ukraine’s presidential elections were originally scheduled for 2024, but were postponed due to the ongoing war.
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