Russian attacks on Ukraine energy sites 'particularly depraved', UK PM Starmer says

A Russian drone attack on a bus in the Dnipropetrovsk region of southeastern Ukraine killed 12 mine workers and injured seven others on Sunday, February 1, 2026. The attack, which occurred in the city of Ternivka, targeted workers from energy firm DTEK returning from a shift. The Ukrainian Energy Minister called the attack a "cynical and targeted" act against the energy sector. Earlier that day, Russian strikes also wounded at least nine people in Zaporizhzhia, hitting a maternity hospital and residential building. These attacks occurred despite a reported agreement between Russia and the U.S. to pause attacks on Kyiv during extreme winter conditions, an agreement the Kremlin confirmed was in place until Sunday. The attacks come amid ongoing US pressure to end the nearly four-year war.

Despite upcoming peace talks in Abu Dhabi and a request from President Trump for a pause, Russia resumed large-scale attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Missiles targeted power plants in Kyiv and at least five other regions, leaving hundreds of thousands of civilians without heat during freezing temperatures. Ukrainian officials stated the targets were purely civilian, not military. President Zelensky reported that Ukrainian intelligence anticipated the renewed strikes and confirmed a delegation departed for talks with Russian and U.S. representatives to discuss security guarantees and reconstruction. The attacks caused damage in multiple cities, including Kharkiv, where heating was disrupted for hundreds of apartment buildings.

A Russian drone strike on a bus in the Dnipropetrovsk region of southeastern Ukraine killed at least 12 miners on Sunday, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack, which targeted energy workers finishing their shift, occurred hours after President Zelensky announced new peace talks scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday in Abu Dhabi. These US-backed talks follow a previous round in late January that failed to resolve territorial disputes. The announcement comes amid ongoing Russian air strikes that have severely damaged Ukraine's energy infrastructure during the winter. While the Kremlin had reportedly agreed to halt strikes on energy infrastructure until Sunday at the request of US President Donald Trump, the drone strike suggests this agreement was not upheld.

Ukrainian and Russian officials have gathered for their second round of talks in Abu Dhabi, brokered by the Trump administration. The talks are expected to mirror last month's format, but both sides have downplayed prospects of an immediate breakthrough. Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stated that Moscow carried out a massive and "deliberate" attack on Kyiv using 71 ballistic missiles and 450 drones, targeting energy infrastructure. The US has proposed a plan where repeated breaches of a ceasefire agreement from Russia would lead to a coordinated military response from western allies. Meanwhile, the New Start treaty between the US and Russia expires on Thursday, removing mutual limits on nuclear arsenals. Western allies are reportedly weighing a new defense pact amid ongoing tensions.

Trilateral talks between the US, Russia, and Ukraine will resume in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday and Thursday, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The negotiations aim to find a resolution to the ongoing war, following a previous round in late January that yielded little progress, particularly regarding territorial disputes. Russia continues to demand Ukraine cede a portion of the Donetsk region. The talks are occurring amid US pressure for a deal and a fragile ceasefire on energy targets, brokered by US President Donald Trump, who claims a deal is close. The US and Russian envoys also held separate talks in Florida.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine, the United States, and Russia will hold a new round of talks this week in Abu Dhabi, seeking progress towards ending the war. The meetings, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, come as Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine's energy and logistics infrastructure, worsening conditions for civilians during a cold winter. While President Trump claimed Putin agreed to temporarily halt strikes on Kyiv and other cities due to the extreme cold, Ukrainian officials remain skeptical of Russia's intentions. Zelenskyy stated that key obstacles to a peace agreement remain, including the future of occupied Ukrainian territory and Russian demands for land. Despite claims of a pause, Zelenskyy reported continued Russian drone and missile strikes on residential areas and logistics hubs.

Following a week-long pause requested by US President Trump, Russia has resumed attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing widespread damage and leaving many without power and heating as temperatures plummet. UK Prime Minister Starmer condemned the attacks as "barbaric." The strikes have severely damaged facilities, including a power plant in Kharkiv and Kyiv's Darnytsia CHP plant, leaving over 1,000 tower blocks in Kyiv without heating. Residents are seeking shelter in metro stations and communal heating centers. US envoys are meeting with Ukrainian and Russian negotiators in Abu Dhabi to discuss a peace plan, but Russia has so far refused calls for a ceasefire. Ukraine's Energy Minister has described the energy situation as "difficult" and expects repairs to take time.

In January 2026, Donald Trump announced that Russia agreed to pause bombing Kyiv and other Ukrainian towns for one week due to extreme winter conditions. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy welcomed Trump's announcement, calling it an important step towards securing Ukrainian cities during the cold weather. The pause was reportedly discussed during ceasefire talks in the United Arab Emirates, with Zelenskyy expressing hope for the agreement's implementation. Trump stated that he personally requested the pause from President Putin, citing the "extraordinary cold." The announcement comes as Kyiv struggles to restore power and heating to residential buildings following recent Russian bombings, with temperatures expected to drop significantly.

Former US President Donald Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to temporarily halt attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities for one week due to extreme cold weather. Trump said he personally requested this pause to alleviate the humanitarian crisis caused by disrupted power, heating, and water supplies resulting from Russian strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure. The request was made in light of record-setting cold temperatures affecting both Ukraine and Russia. Trump expressed confidence that Putin would honor the agreement, although there was no immediate confirmation from the Kremlin. The strikes have left millions of Ukrainians without essential services during the winter months.

Donald Trump claimed that Vladimir Putin agreed to a one-week halt of strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure after a personal appeal, citing extreme cold in Ukraine. This alleged ceasefire, unconfirmed by Russia, was announced during a White House meeting. Trump stated he informed Ukrainian officials, who were reportedly pleased. Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged expecting the implementation of such an agreement. The claim follows recent Russian strikes that left over a million people in Kyiv without power. Talks between Ukraine and Russia are expected to continue in Abu Dhabi this weekend, despite a Kremlin aide rejecting assertions that territorial issues are the only remaining obstacle to peace.

On January 25, 2026, day 1,431 of the Russia-Ukraine war, Russia launched a major overnight attack on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv and regions in the north and east. Strikes in Kyiv damaged buildings, including a medical facility, leaving 1.2 million properties nationwide without power. Kharkiv was also heavily hit, with a dormitory for displaced people and medical facilities, including a maternity hospital, struck by drones, wounding at least 30 people. Ukraine's Air Force reported Russia used 375 drones and 21 missiles. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces launched a significant attack on Russia's Belgorod region, damaging energy infrastructure, though no casualties were reported.

Ukraine is bracing for severe winter weather as President Trump announced that Russia's Putin agreed to halt attacks on Ukraine's power grid. Trump stated Putin agreed to his request to pause targeting Kyiv and other towns for one week due to the frigid temperatures causing hardship for civilians. However, Trump did not specify when the call with Putin occurred or when the moratorium would begin, and the White House has not provided further clarification. The Kremlin has not confirmed Putin's commitment. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about Russia's willingness to end the war, which is approaching its fourth anniversary next month.

Power outages impacted Ukraine and Moldova, exacerbating winter conditions in Kyiv on Saturday, January 30, 2026. The outages were widespread across several Ukrainian cities and neighboring Moldova. According to Ukraine’s Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal, a technical malfunction affecting power lines linking Ukraine and Moldova caused the disruption. This failure triggered a cascading outage in Ukraine’s power grid. The Kremlin has committed to U.S. President Donald Trump to pause strikes on Kyiv.

As a pause in Russian strikes on Kyiv nears its end, Ukraine is working to bolster its air defenses, particularly against drones, in frontline cities and border regions. The pause, reportedly requested by Donald Trump and agreed to by Vladimir Putin until February 1st, is intended to create favorable conditions for negotiations. Despite the halt, Russian officials have publicly advocated for escalation, and Ukrainian officials emphasize there is no formal ceasefire. Experts suggest the pause is more symbolic, reflecting political signaling and Trump's relationship with Putin, rather than a significant military shift. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is strengthening short-range air defenses against drones to protect frontline cities in the south and northeast.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on Monday that Europe cannot defend itself without the United States, addressing the European Parliament in Brussels amid concerns about transatlantic relations. Rutte's remarks followed President Trump's comments at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he downplayed seizing Greenland but also belittled Europe's reliance on America. Rutte, who has fostered a relationship with Trump, defended his role in easing Trump's threats regarding Greenland, though he denied negotiating on behalf of Denmark, which along with Greenland, has rejected a potential American takeover. Members of the European Parliament pressed Rutte for details on his discussions with Trump and any potential deal concerning Greenland's future, but Rutte remained vague.

Ukrainian officials, including security chief Rustem Umerov, held "substantive" talks with Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff in Kyiv regarding economic development, security guarantees, and a prosperity plan for Ukraine. These discussions occurred ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where further talks are planned. President Zelensky aims to secure security guarantee agreements with the U.S. at the Davos forum. The talks come as Ukraine faces ongoing Russian attacks, particularly targeting energy infrastructure during the winter, and seeks clarity from allies on post-war security guarantees. The Ukrainian team also met with US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.

Russian, Ukrainian, and American officials are holding rare three-way peace talks in the United Arab Emirates. These discussions, entering their second day on Saturday, aim to address a revised 20-point peace plan covering security, reconstruction, and prisoner exchanges. The plan originated last fall and has been updated with input from multiple countries. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated he expects "at least some answers" from Russia regarding the plan, but acknowledged it's too early to assess Russia's sincerity in negotiating, especially as attacks continue. Despite ongoing negotiations, Ukraine and Russia remain divided on key issues of security and territory.

In January 2026, US envoy Steve Witkoff announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos that Russia-Ukraine peace talks have narrowed to a single remaining issue. This announcement followed constructive talks between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and US President Trump, who both expressed optimism. Witkoff and Jared Kushner were scheduled to travel to Moscow for further discussions with President Putin, followed by meetings in Abu Dhabi with military working groups. While the Kremlin acknowledged Witkoff's efforts, they declined to comment on the potential for a near-term deal. Zelenskyy indicated that documents were better prepared, and he had previously stated that he would only attend Davos if there was an opportunity to sign an agreement with Trump on resolving the war.

Ukraine's foreign minister accused Vladimir Putin of undermining potential peace negotiations with recent large-scale strikes. This accusation comes as Russia insists that Kyiv must withdraw its troops from annexed eastern territories as a precondition for any peace agreement. Prior to the planned three-way talks, Putin reportedly discussed a Ukraine settlement with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in lengthy overnight discussions. The timing of the strikes, just before negotiations, suggests a deliberate attempt to weaken Ukraine's position at the negotiating table, according to Kyiv. The location of the strikes was within Ukraine.

In a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Europe to demonstrate greater courage and unity. He warned that NATO's dependence on the United States is vulnerable, citing Russia's growing missile capabilities and recent tensions surrounding Greenland as examples. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for Europe to act as a global power to counter these threats. His address aimed to encourage European nations to take a more proactive and independent role in ensuring their collective security. The speech highlights concerns about the shifting geopolitical landscape and the need for Europe to strengthen its own defense capabilities.

The US has unveiled plans for a "New Gaza" at the World Economic Forum in Davos, aiming to rebuild the devastated territory after the two-year war between Israel and Hamas. The plan, presented by President Trump's Board of Peace, envisions skyscrapers, housing estates, and new infrastructure, including a seaport, airport, and industrial zones. The redevelopment, divided into four phases starting in Rafah, aims to create residential, agricultural, and industrial areas for Gaza's 2.1 million population. The plan also includes a "security perimeter" along the Egyptian and Israeli borders where Israeli forces will remain. The US intends to enforce Hamas' demilitarization as part of the agreement.

Overnight Russian air strikes on Kyiv and Kharkiv, Ukraine, resulted in one death and at least fifteen injuries. Kyiv's mayor reported a "massive enemy attack" involving drones and ballistic missiles, damaging non-residential buildings and interrupting essential services. One person died and four were wounded in Kyiv, with fires erupting due to drone debris. In Kharkiv, Iranian-made Shahed drones damaged residential buildings near the Russian border, according to the city's mayor. The attacks occurred while Ukraine was under a nationwide air raid alert. The reason for the attacks is part of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

Russian air attacks struck Kyiv and Kharkiv, Ukraine, on January 24, 2026, resulting in at least one death and nearly 20 injuries. The attacks occurred as negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States prepared to meet in Abu Dhabi for a second day of peace talks. These negotiations are centered around a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at ending the nearly four-year-long war. The attacks highlight the ongoing conflict despite diplomatic efforts to find a resolution.

Ukraine condemned recent Russian strikes that killed one and injured 23 others, coinciding with ongoing peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the US in Abu Dhabi. The strikes, which targeted Kyiv and Kharkiv, damaged critical infrastructure and residential areas, including a maternity hospital and a hostel. Ukrainian officials described the attacks as "brutal" and proof that Putin is not interested in peace. The talks, the first trilateral discussions since Russia's 2022 invasion, have reportedly made some progress, but territorial disputes remain a major obstacle. Russia currently occupies roughly 20% of Ukraine and demands Ukraine cede large areas of territory, which Ukraine refuses to do.