Ukraine war briefing: Russia readying strikes on nuclear power system, Zelenskyy warns | Ukraine

Russia Targeting Ukraine’s nuclear energy systemThe Kremlin is trying to freeze Ukraine by paralyzing its energy grid, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday. “We do not see any willingness on the part of the aggressor to comply with any agreements or end the war,” the Ukrainian president said. “Instead, there is abundant information about Russia’s preparations for further incursions into our region. The energy sector and infrastructure, including the facilities and networks serving our nuclear power plants. “Each such attack by Russia on the energy sector in the midst of such a harsh winter weakens and undermines the efforts of key states, especially the United States, to end this war.”

Zelenskyy spoke after a briefing by Ukraine’s defense intelligence chief Oleh Ivashchenko, who replaced Kyrylo Budanov as head of the president’s office. Budanov confirmed on Saturday that he will come to the United States to discuss peace proposals. Budanov said he and Ukrainian negotiators Rustem Umerov and Davyd Arakhamia would meet with US envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and US military secretary Dan Driscoll. At the Miami talks, Zelenskyy tasked his delegation with finalizing proposals on security guarantees and economic recovery. According to Zelenskyy, if American officials approve the proposals, the United States and Ukraine could sign an agreement at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, next week. However, Russia initially gave no indication that it would accept any peace agreement without the surrender of the entire Donbas region of Ukraine.

Russian attacks at least remained two people Killed and many injured in Kharkiv oblast on Saturday, regional officials said. Mayor Ihor Terekhov said that the energy system “constantly operates at its limits” and that a strike that damages a critical infrastructure facility in the industrial zone of Kharkiv city could seriously affect electricity and heating. 1 person was injured in the attack. A 20-year-old woman died and many people were injured in an attack on a house in Kharkiv city. A 52-year-old woman was killed when a drone crashed into a public transport stop in the village of Borivske, prosecutors said. Emergency services in the Sumy region said three women and a seven-year-old child were injured and 15 residential buildings were damaged in an air strike on a residential neighbourhood.

Russia hit Energy infrastructure in Kyiv and Odessa regions of Ukraine The energy ministry said it would continue overnight until Saturday. More than 20 settlements in the Kyiv region were left without electricity. Zelenskyy said Ukraine should increase electricity imports and purchase additional equipment from its partners. Authorities instructed state energy companies Ukrzaliznytsia, Naftogaz and Ukroboronprom. Urgently purchase imported electricity that will cover at least 50% of its own consumptionAccording to energy minister Denys Shmyhal.

Shmyhal explained Lithuania will provide Ukraine with more energy-generating equipment For Kiev and the most affected regions after supplying equipment for emergency repairs at coal and nuclear power plants. “We also received over 2,000 solar panels, various equipment and machinery from our Lithuanian friends,” Shmyhal said. “Lithuania contributed 5.7 million euros to Ukraine’s energy support fund… There is not a single power plant left in Ukraine that has not been affected by Russian attacks. Ukrainian energy workers continue to carry out repairs and return electricity to people around the clock.”