Zelenskyy on Russian attack on Ukraine: Russians ignore Trump's request

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that the Russians disregarded a request from the United States and broke the energy truce by launching a powerful attack on Ukraine on the night of 2-3 February.

Source: Zelenskyy during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Kyiv

Quote: "The Russians once again ignored the efforts of the American side. There was a request from the president of the United States to refrain from strikes on the energy sector and critical infrastructure – you know this – during the period when our negotiating teams were meeting, and the American president said that strikes should be avoided for a week. This was a very important decision. In fact, this [the energy truce – ed.] began on the night of Friday, and last night, as we see it, the Russians broke that promise.

Either Russia now believes that a week consists of fewer than four days instead of seven, or they are genuinely betting on war and simply waited for the coldest days of this winter, when temperatures across large parts of Ukraine are below minus 20 degrees Celsius."

Details: Zelenskyy stressed that Russia launched 71 missiles and 450 drones in the latest attack, increasing the number of missiles and UAVs in order to strike at the coldest moment.

The Ukrainian president emphasised that he would contact the American side regarding the attack and said he expects partners not to remain silent about what is happening in Ukraine. Zelenskyy emphasised that Kyiv needs more missiles for Patriot systems.

Background:

• On the night of 2-3 February, Russia carried out a combined attack on Ukraine using missiles of various types launched from air and ground platforms, as well as attack UAVs. Air defence downed or jammed 450 Russian targets out of 521 launched. A total of 27 missile hits and 31 drone strikes were recorded at 27 locations.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted that the work of the Ukrainian delegation in negotiations concerning a peaceful settlement would be adjusted due to the Russian attack on Ukraine's energy sector on 2-3 February.

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