MOSCOW
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that following Russia's overnight attack on energy facilities, Kyiv will "adjust" the work of its negotiating team scheduled to hold US-mediated talks with Russia in Abu Dhabi, UAE on Feb. 4-5.
Speaking at a news conference in Kyiv, alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Zelenskyy accused Russia of violating agreements on an energy truce.
He argued that US President Donald Trump had requested a week-long energy truce, and Russia accepted his proposal.
"Either Russia now believes the week has 4 days instead of 7, or they're really banking on war," he stated. "The work of our negotiating team will be adjusted accordingly."
Russia denies the energy ceasefire was agreed for one week. On Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that an agreement on an energy ceasefire with Ukraine was in effect until Feb. 1.
Separately, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on Tuesday carrying out a massive strike using precision long-range weapons from land and air, as well as combat drones.
It described the attack as a response to Ukraine's "terrorist attacks," and argued the operation targeted only military-industrial complex and energy facilities utilized for military purposes.
Zelenskyy confirmed the strike was "massive," saying it was even a record: "Today was a record Russian strike, 28 cruise missiles and 43 ballistic missiles."
The Ukrainian leader announced he intends to discuss the incident with the US, adding he expects partners "to speak out."
Asked about Ukraine’s response to the strike, Zelenskyy replied: "We will not inform the aggressor about our plans."
With today’s attack, he added, Russia has effectively disrupted de-escalation steps proposed by the US.
"Ukraine is ready to support any new US de-escalation initiatives, but will evaluate Russia's actions based on real actions, not statements," he noted.
He added that Kyiv expects a response from Russia after consultations and is ready for dialogue, but not for "capitulation."
For his part, Rutte reiterated NATO’s support for Ukraine, saying the alliance stands side by side with Ukraine now and in the future.
He noted that the goal is a lasting and just peace, for which Ukraine must have everything necessary for its defense.
Commenting on the overnight strike, Rutte called it "a very bad sign" ahead of the planned peace talks and evaluated the attack as one of the most powerful during the entire conflict.
"Ukraine is ready to negotiate on acceptable terms, but the incident calls into question the seriousness of Russia's intentions," he said.