Twelve regions were targeted in what Kyiv described as a coordinated assault on energy and civilian infrastructure, even as negotiations resumed abroad.
File pic: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy | IANS
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday (local time) said Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack across Ukraine hours before the start of trilateral talks in Geneva, injuring nine people, including children, and damaging residential and energy infrastructure in multiple regions.
In a video message posted on X, Zelenskyy said 29 missiles and nearly 400 drones were fired in what he described as a deliberate escalation, even as diplomatic efforts, including discussions with the United States, were beginning in Switzerland to explore pathways toward ending the war that began in February 2022.
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“In the massive strike with which the Russians began the day, 29 missiles of various types were fired, and 25 were shot down,” Zelenskyy said, calling it “an important result” for Ukraine’s air defence systems.
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He added that the barrage included ballistic missiles and “almost 400 drones”, describing the attack as calculated to inflict maximum damage on the energy sector. Twelve regions were targeted, according to his statement.
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… pic.twitter.com/PmmIjwpE31
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 17, 2026
Earlier in the day, Zelenskyy said the port city of Odesa had been hit particularly hard, with tens of thousands left without heat and water after the drone strikes. At least 10 residential buildings were damaged, along with railway infrastructure.
All emergency services were working on the ground, he said, while reiterating that nine people had been injured.
Zelenskyy said the timing of the attack, which took place on the very day new formats of talks began in Geneva, was telling.
“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,” he said.
He asked the Ukrainian delegation in Geneva to raise the strikes with US counterparts, particularly in light of Washington’s proposal that both sides refrain from attacks during negotiations.
“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,” he said.
Zelenskyy also questioned whether there would be consequences for Moscow. “The only question is for the Russians: what do they want? And also, whether there will be consequences for Russia,” he added, calling for stronger sanctions and sustained support for Ukraine’s military and air defence.
The Geneva talks are part of ongoing US-mediated efforts to find a negotiated settlement to the war. According to Al Jazeera, the discussions follow two earlier rounds of talks brokered by Washington in the United Arab Emirates in January and early February.
Despite these diplomatic channels, fighting and aerial attacks have continued across Ukrainian territory, underscoring the fragile and complex nature of any ceasefire effort.
Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine was prepared to move toward what he termed a “just agreement” to end the war but insisted that accountability and sustained international pressure on Moscow were essential for lasting peace.
“Russia must be held to account for its aggression. Our diplomacy will be more effective if there is justice and strength. Strength of pressure on the Russian Federation – sanctions pressure and steady, rapid support for the Ukrainian army and our air defense. For peace to be real and just, action must target the sole source of this aggression – because it is Moscow that continues the killings, massive attacks, and assaults,” read the post on X.
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