Ukraine: The Latest Zelensky warns of ‘massive’ attack ahead of Sunday peace talks & rumours swirl of Ukraine-Russia energy ceasefire
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Jan 29, 2026 Toby Illingworth, head of the Yashchenko Foundation leading medical aid in Ukraine. James Kilner, foreign correspondent and Russia analyst tracking Kremlin messaging. They discuss Zelensky’s warning of a looming massive strike. They examine signs of a possible informal truce on energy infrastructure. They review Russian domestic stories from war memorial revelations to Kremlin scandals and Middle East manoeuvres.
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New Massive Strike Warning
- President Zelensky warned Russia is preparing "a new massive strike" based on intelligence and recent strike cadence.
- Dominic Nicholls notes major aerial strikes have occurred roughly every 10 days to two weeks, implying another is due.
Possible Energy-Targeting Truce
- Russian military bloggers report commanders were told not to target energy infrastructure, suggesting an undeclared truce.
- James Kilner cautions this is unconfirmed but would be a positive move if true amid Abu Dhabi talks.
Russian Oil Revenue Under Strain
- India remains Russia's largest crude buyer but is paying deep discounts, reducing Russian oil revenue.
- James Kilner notes Russian oil profits fell about 20%, signaling economic strain funding the war.