LONDON/KYIV — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark warning to the international community, urging global leaders not to “turn a blind eye” as Russia intensifies its long-range bombardment of Ukrainian civilians.
The appeal comes after a devastating week in which the Kremlin launched more than 3,300 munitions into Ukrainian territory, targeting the energy grid during the peak of winter.
Russia’s Escalating Winter Offensive: By the Numbers
According to figures released by the Ukrainian Presidency on Sunday, February 8, 2026, the scale of the recent aerial assault has reached unprecedented levels. In just seven days, Russia deployed:
- 2,000+ Attack Drones: Primarily Iranian-designed Shaheds and newer variants.
- 1,200 Guided Aerial Bombs (KABs): Devastating frontline positions and border cities.
- 116 Missiles: Including ballistic and cruise missiles aimed at critical infrastructure.
“Almost every day, they strike energy facilities, logistics infrastructure, and residential buildings,” Zelenskyy stated. “This is happening even as diplomatic efforts for peace are ongoing.”
Power Grid Under Fire: 101 Drones Target 13 Locations
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that on Saturday night alone, Russia launched 101 drones. While air defense units successfully shot down or suppressed 69 of these, 32 drones impacted across 13 different locations.
The strikes have primarily targeted:
- High-Voltage Substations: Aiming to decouple nuclear power plants from the national grid.
- Thermal Power Plants (TPPs): Specifically the Burshtynska and Dobrotvirska plants in western Ukraine.
- Logistics Hubs: Disrupting the transport of essential winter supplies.
The Strategy of “Untenability”
Zelenskyy’s latest rhetoric signals a shift in Ukraine’s diplomatic stance. By calling for the war to become “untenable” for Moscow, Kyiv is pushing for:
- Increased Sanctions: Targeted at the Russian “war economy” and oil refining capacity.
- Enhanced Air Defenses: Immediate requests for Patriot and SAMP/T systems to intercept ballistic threats.
- Long-Range Strike Capability: To target the launch sites of the 3,300+ munitions used this past week.
The escalation comes at a sensitive time, as trilateral peace negotiations mediated by the United States continue in Abu Dhabi, with reports suggesting a target for a peace deal by June 2026.
