On Saturday, Russia launched a massive attack on the Ukrainian energy network, causing power outages in most regions, the day after failed US-sponsored talks in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Kiev accuses Moscow of deliberately targeting infrastructure amid extreme cold, while Poland has deployed defensive aircraft. The biggest disagreement between the two sides is the continuation of attacks despite negotiations and prisoner exchanges.

Published on: 02/07/2026 - 08:40 Last updated: 02/07/2026 - 11:13

The Ukrainian electricity operating company announced on Saturday that a major Russian attack on the power grid caused a power outage in a wide part of the country.

Russia continues to carry out its attacks on Ukraine despite the two countries holding US-brokered talks to end the war that has been ongoing for nearly four years.

Ukrainian officials accuse Moscow of deliberately targeting energy infrastructure, causing power outages and leaving thousands of people without heat in temperatures well below zero.

Emergency outages in most areas

"Russia is launching a new large-scale attack on Ukrainian electricity network facilities," the Ukrainergo company said on Telegram, adding that "due to the damage inflicted by the enemy, emergency power outages have been implemented in most regions."

She noted, "The attack is still ongoing. Maintenance work will begin as soon as the security situation allows."

For its part, the Polish army announced that it had deployed aircraft to protect its airspace, as is often the case when Russian bombing of western Ukraine occurs.

Failed talks sponsored by America

Ukraine and Russia have held two rounds of negotiations under American sponsorship in Abu Dhabi since January.

The second round of negotiations, which was held on Wednesday and Thursday, ended without announcing any progress on the main issues, especially the thorny land issue, but the two sides exchanged dozens of captured soldiers on the same day.

Moscow accused Kiev of orchestrating an assassination attempt on a Russian military intelligence general on Friday, which resulted in him being injured. Kyiv did not issue any comment.

France 24/AFP

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