Zelenskyy Denounces Russian Escalation Ahead of Crucial Abu Dhabi Peace Talks
President Zelenskyy warns of massive Russian energy strikes intended to pressure Ukraine during upcoming US-brokered peace negotiations in Abu Dhabi.
POLICY WIRE — Kyiv, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Moscow of intentionally intensifying its aerial campaign across the nation to gain leverage ahead of high-stakes diplomatic meetings next week.
The surge in violence comes as negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are scheduled to convene in Abu Dhabi this Tuesday to discuss a path toward ending the ongoing conflict.
Zelensky stated on Saturday that the increased strikes are a calculated effort to pressure Ukraine and its international allies during the US-brokered talks.
In preparation for the Emirates summit, the Ukrainian leader called on Donald Trump to initiate a fresh push for a specific ceasefire. This proposal would require both nations to cease operations targeting energy infrastructure.
Zelenskyy expressed concern that Russia is planning a massive assault on Ukraine’s power grid to coincide with the global attention focused on the midterm elections in the United States.
Recent Russian strikes have already caused significant damage to the Ukrainian power network, leading to widespread blackouts and water shortages in the capital city of Kyiv.
Fresh missile and drone attacks have left at least nine people wounded as the country braces for the diplomatic sessions.
Zelenskyy further reported that Russia has utilized North Korean missiles to target a critical Ukrainian energy facility.
Addressing the ongoing hostilities, the President noted on Friday that Ukraine continues to strike Russian oil sector targets in direct retaliation for the persistent attacks on its own energy systems.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
