Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says intelligence indicates Russia is preparing further large-scale attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure and urged that Ukraine’s air defenses be properly configured. He delivered the remarks in a nightly video address on Monday, February 16.
“Air defenses must be configured correctly. Russian attacks keep, if you will, ‘evolving.’ Evil develops too, unfortunately. These are combined strikes that require special protection and appropriate support from partners,” Zelensky said.
He warned that any slowdown in supplying air-defense missiles or any delays in deliveries only amplify the damage from attacks.
“Everything we discussed in Munich with partners must be implemented swiftly. It’s important that partners do not remain silent,” he said.
Zelensky stressed that peace will reward those who know how to use strength, adding there should be no illusions: if Russia does not answer for its aggression, it will not live in peace with anyone seeking cooperation with it.
He added that all sides are awaiting the continuation of trilateral talks, saying the Ukrainian delegation is already in Geneva and preparing for negotiations.
“Russia cannot resist the temptation in the last days of winter cold and wants to strike Ukrainians painfully. The greater this evil from Russia, the harder it will be for everyone to agree on anything with them. Partners must understand this - above all, the United States,” he said.
Overnight on February 16, Russian forces launched six missiles and 62 attack drones at Ukraine. Most enemy targets were shot down or suppressed by air-defense and electronic-warfare units.
