Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that Russia fired around 450 long-range drones and 70 missiles of various types at Ukraine in a major attack on Monday (2/2/2026) evening local time, one day before talks between Ukraine and Russia.
The large-scale Russian attack occurred just as North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Kiev as a sign of the European Union’s support for Ukraine.
In addition, the attack was also launched by Russia one day before Russia and Ukraine were scheduled to attend US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to end the war that has been going on since 2022.
Zelensky said there were bombings specifically targeting the power grid in at least five regions of Ukraine. The attack is seen as part of Russia’s ongoing efforts to make Ukrainian civilians suffer by depriving them of access to lighting, electricity, heating, and clean water in the midst of the harshest winter in recent years. At least 10 people were injured in the attack.
“Taking advantage of the coldest days of winter to terrorize people is more important to Russia than diplomacy,” Zelensky said.
He urged allies to send more air defense supplies and put maximum pressure on Russia to end its full-scale invasion that began on February 24, 2022.
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