KYIV, Ukraine — A high-level Ukrainian diplomatic team has arrived in the United States to advance peace negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing nearly four-year conflict, even as Russia continues its systematic targeting of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during freezing winter conditions.
The delegation, led by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Chief of Staff Kyrylo Budanov, includes key negotiators Rustem Umerov and Davyd Arakhamia. Their mission focuses on finalizing critical aspects of a proposed peace settlement, particularly regarding postwar security guarantees and economic recovery frameworks.
Budanov confirmed via Telegram that the team would meet with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, former presidential advisor Jared Kushner, and U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. The discussions represent a significant diplomatic push by the United States to broker a resolution to the prolonged conflict.
President Zelenskyy indicated that should American officials approve the proposed agreements, formal signing could occur as early as next week during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland—an event where former President Donald Trump is also expected to appear.
Meanwhile, Russia launched renewed attacks on energy infrastructure in Ukraine’s Kyiv and Odesa regions overnight into Saturday, leaving more than 20 settlements without power amid subzero temperatures. This continues Russia’s documented strategy of targeting energy systems during winter months, which Ukrainian officials describe as “weaponizing winter” to undermine national resistance.
Ukraine’s Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal reported that Russia conducted 612 attacks on energy targets throughout the previous year, with increasing intensity as temperatures plummet to -18°C (0°F). In response, Ukraine has implemented emergency measures including eased curfew restrictions to allow citizens access to public heating centers, while prioritizing energy supplies to hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure.
The government has also directed major state enterprises—including Ukrzaliznytsia, Naftogaz, and Ukroboronprom—to urgently procure imported electricity to cover at least half of their consumption needs.