It is already clear that Russian President Vladimir Putin is deliberately buying time. His negotiators send enough conciliatory signals to ease U.S. pressure while Russian missiles and drones destroy Ukrainian infrastructure.
Source: Bukvy
On the eve of the talks in Abu Dhabi, Russia launched 450 drones and 71 missiles at Ukraine’s energy grid in temperatures of -20 °C. A few days later, new strikes targeted the high-voltage lines that form the backbone of the power network. Ukraine’s largest private electricity producer, DTEK, reports that about 80% of its thermal generation capacity was damaged or destroyed.
The consequences for the population are critical: power outages, freezing homes, elevator stoppages, and disruptions in water supply. In Kyiv, electricity is supplied only for a few hours a day, and nearly 600,000 residents have left the city.
The Kremlin’s goal is twofold: to force Ukrainian civilians into submission and to demonstrate to the world the “inevitability” of its victory, while simultaneously draining Ukraine’s resources. In nearly four years, Russia controls only 1/5 of Ukraine’s territory, has suffered approximately 1.2 million military losses, and spends about 40% of its federal budget on defense.
Europe has already sent emergency generators and relocated a thermal power plant from Lithuania, but Ukraine still needs additional air defense systems, transformers, and equipment to strengthen the grid.
At the same time, the U.S. and EU must increase pressure on Russia’s oil export revenues. A bipartisan bill in the U.S. Senate and a new EU sanctions package—including a ban on insurance, repair, and financing of tankers carrying Russian oil—could significantly limit the Kremlin’s financial capabilities.
International law prohibits attacks on objects necessary for the survival of civilians. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Russian commanders for strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Therefore, the Kremlin’s attempts to present these attacks as a “path to peace” are absurd. The U.S. and its allies must state this clearly.
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