Ukraine claws back southern territory as Russia’s war enters fifth year

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is currently blocking a significant European Union loan intended for Ukraine. This action coincides with Orban facing a tough re-election campaign in Hungary. Analysts suggest the timing of Orban's obstruction is strategically linked to his domestic political goals. By withholding support for the EU loan, Orban is likely attempting to bolster his standing with voters in Hungary. The situation highlights Hungary's role as a potential obstacle within the EU regarding aid to Ukraine.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is currently blocking a significant European Union loan intended for Ukraine. This action coincides with Orban facing a strong challenge in upcoming Hungarian elections. Analysts suggest the timing is strategic, aimed at bolstering Orban's support within Hungary. By obstructing the EU loan, Orban is seen as appealing to his domestic base. The situation highlights Hungary's role as a potential obstacle within the EU regarding aid to Ukraine. The delay in the loan disbursement has implications for Ukraine's financial stability amid ongoing conflict.

As the war in Ukraine entered its fifth year, Ukrainian forces claimed territorial gains in the south. President Zelenskyy initially reported regaining 300 square kilometers since an unspecified time, while his commander later cited 400 square kilometers gained since late January. These gains, along with improved air defenses protecting Kyiv, occurred despite Russian drone and missile attacks. The Institute for the Study of War attributed Ukraine's success to disruptions in Russian military communications caused by the disconnection of illegal Starlink terminals and the partial disabling of Telegram. Despite these Ukrainian gains, Russia has captured 1.5% of Ukraine over the past three years at a high cost. The battle for Pokrovsk, a logistics hub in the Donetsk region, ended in a Russian victory after two years.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accused Ukraine of pursuing an "anti-Hungarian policy" and endangering Hungary's energy supply by blocking the Druzhba oil pipeline, which carries Russian oil through Ukraine to Hungary. Orbán published an open letter to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demanding a change in policy and ordered increased security at Hungary's critical energy infrastructure sites, citing alleged Ukrainian actions to disrupt the country's energy system. Ukrainian officials deny blocking the pipeline, attributing disruptions to Russian drone attacks. Hungary has threatened to block a proposed €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine unless Russian oil shipments resume. The accusations come as Orbán faces an upcoming election and as billboards depicting Zelenskyy asking for money have appeared across Hungary.

The article reports on several European developments. Firstly, Poland estimates that defending NATO's eastern flank from Russia would cost €1.2 trillion, 24 times its current defense budget. Secondly, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has requested the EU establish a fact-finding mission to inspect the Druzhba pipeline, citing escalating tensions with Ukraine and disruptions to oil transit affecting Hungary and Slovakia. Orbán assured the EU that Hungary would accept the mission's findings. Finally, Nordic countries are on high alert due to a potential threat against their energy infrastructure, allegedly linked to a foreign power. Authorities and police units are closely monitoring critical infrastructure in response to the reported threat.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused Ukraine of disrupting oil supplies to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline, which has been halted since January 27th, allegedly due to Russian strikes. Orban claims Ukraine is deliberately delaying the pipeline's reopening, imposing an "oil blockade," and has stationed soldiers at key Hungarian energy facilities in response. Ukraine has not responded to the accusations, but has been attacking Russian oil facilities, including the Druzhba pipeline section in Russia. Hungary vetoed a €90bn EU loan to Ukraine over the dispute. The EU states that Hungary and Slovakia are not at risk of oil shortage, as alternative sources, including the Adria pipeline, can cover their needs.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban ordered increased security at critical energy infrastructure sites, alleging Ukraine is planning to disrupt Hungary's energy system. Orban stated intelligence services indicated Kyiv is preparing actions to disrupt operations, citing an existing "oil blockade" as pressure. He announced the deployment of soldiers and increased police patrols around key facilities. This follows accusations from Budapest that Kyiv is deliberately holding back Russian oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline, which Ukraine denies, attributing disruptions to a Russian drone attack. Hungary, along with Slovakia, maintains significant Russian energy imports despite the war in Ukraine and has threatened to block EU aid to Kyiv until oil shipments resume. The Druzhba pipeline has been out of commission since January 27.

In February 2026, as the Ukraine war enters its fifth year, Moscow believes the 2022 invasion was a necessary gamble, not a failure. Russian political elites view the war as ending on their terms, driven by pragmatic motives, primarily to prevent NATO expansion towards Russia's borders. The conflict allowed security elites to eliminate pro-Western opposition and consolidate power. The decision to invade also stemmed from Ukraine's initial attempts at rapprochement with Russia under President Zelenskyy, which were later abandoned due to internal pressures. Many Russians see the war as a proxy conflict with NATO, benefiting security elites and hawkish Western lobbyists.

Marking the fourth anniversary of the Ukraine war, President Zelensky stated that Russia's President Putin has failed to achieve his goals in the conflict, including breaking the Ukrainian spirit and winning the war. In a video address, Zelensky highlighted Ukrainian resistance and affirmed Ukraine's commitment to securing a strong and lasting peace. The war, which began on February 24, 2022, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and devastated Ukraine. Despite ongoing talks facilitated by the United States, a resolution remains elusive. Zelensky emphasized that any peace agreement must be accepted by the Ukrainian people to ensure its durability and justice.

On the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Al Jazeera reports that Russia controls 20% of Ukrainian territory. The "special military operation," announced by Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022, began after Russia recognized the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk. In the initial advance, Russian forces occupied approximately 27% of Ukraine, but Ukrainian counteroffensives in the latter half of 2022 reclaimed significant territory. Since 2023, the conflict has become a war of attrition, particularly in the Donbas region, where Russia has made incremental gains, including Soledar, Bakhmut and Avdiivka. The report also highlights the use of drones and attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its fifth year, peace talks have accelerated, particularly with renewed U.S. involvement under President Trump, who aims for a peace agreement by June. Despite these efforts, fighting continues, with Russia making slow, costly advances in eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Donetsk region, while Ukraine mounts tactical counteroffensives. According to the Institute for the Study of War, Russia shows little sign of compromise, reiterating pre-war demands and employing tactics to influence the U.S. administration. An expert from ISW suggests Russia is positioning for a prolonged war, evidenced by preparations for a potential spring or summer offensive and continued focus on capturing remaining Ukrainian-held areas of Donetsk.

On the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared the conflict "the most critical issue of our age." Starmer announced continued and increased UK support for Ukraine, emphasizing Britain's unwavering commitment. He stated that the war tests the endurance of Ukrainian and European freedom, asserting that Russia is not and will not be victorious. Starmer affirmed the UK's dedication to standing with Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is achieved, highlighting Ukraine's courage in defending shared values against Russian aggression. The statement was part of a press release announcing further UK assistance to Ukraine.

The UK Parliament is set to debate the release of documents concerning Prince Andrew's appointment as a UK trade envoy. A government minister has indicated that the government will likely not prevent MPs from voting to publish these documents. Separately, Keir Starmer acknowledged the resilience of the Ukrainian people, noting the initial expectation of a swift Russian victory four years ago. He recounted his visit to a Kyiv hospital and a primary school, highlighting the severe injuries and loss experienced by Ukrainians due to the conflict. Starmer urged people to combat the false narrative of Russia winning the war.

On the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, European officials visited the country to demonstrate their support. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation, commending the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Memorial services were held in Lviv to honor fallen soldiers, with relatives gathering at the Field of Honorary Burials. Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, along with the Prime Ministers of Sweden and Norway, traveled to Kyiv to meet with Zelenskyy and attend a service at St. Sophia Cathedral. The visits served as a show of solidarity with Ukraine as the war continues.

In a video address marking the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Donald Trump to visit Ukraine, specifically Kyiv. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has not been broken and will not betray its people in negotiations with Russia. He emphasized that seeing Ukraine firsthand is crucial to understanding the reality of the war and identifying Russia as the aggressor. Zelenskyy recalled a phone call from President Biden offering to help him leave the country, but he declined. The address included footage from the early days of the invasion and showed Zelenskyy at a memorial for fallen soldiers. Trump has not yet accepted Zelenskyy's invitation to visit.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced on February 23, 2026, that Slovakia is halting emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine. This action follows a two-day ultimatum issued to Ukraine to reopen the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Slovakia. Fico stated that the stoppage will remain in effect until oil transit resumes, citing a "purely political decision" by Ukraine to halt supplies. Ukraine claims the pipeline was shut down due to a Russian drone strike in late January. While Ukraine's grid operator stated they haven't been officially informed and it won't significantly impact their power system, Fico threatened further reciprocal steps, including reconsidering Slovakia's support for Ukraine's EU membership. Slovakia and Hungary, both reliant on Russian oil, have been urging Ukraine to resume deliveries.

On the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, EU support is faltering as Hungary threatens to block both a new package of sanctions against Russia and a €90 billion ($106 billion) financial aid package for Ukraine. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who maintains close ties with Russia, has a history of delaying EU sanctions. Ukraine needs the aid package to fund its defense and essential needs, expecting the first installments this spring to avoid a budget crisis. Hungary cites disruptions to the Druzhba pipeline, which supplies Russian oil, as the reason for its opposition, despite Ukraine stating the damage was caused by a Russian attack and repairs are underway. The EU is attempting to resolve the situation, but Hungary's stance highlights the challenges of the bloc's consensus-based decision-making.

EU diplomats are working to overcome Hungary's threat to derail a new package of sanctions against Russia. The diplomatic efforts took place at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday, February 23, 2026. Hungary's Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, has voiced opposition to the proposed sanctions, creating a challenge for the EU to maintain a united front against Russia. The specific reasons for Hungary's opposition were not detailed in this summary. The EU is attempting to find a solution that will allow the sanctions to proceed despite Hungary's concerns.

Four years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukraine reflects on the ongoing war. Despite initial predictions of a swift Russian victory, Ukraine has maintained its resistance, and Kyiv remains active. Russia has gained approximately 10% of Ukrainian territory, but has also suffered significant losses of both land and personnel. According to Russia, NATO expansion is the root cause of the war. Despite limited battlefield successes, Ukrainians express resilience, viewing each day of survival as a victory. The war has also led to the expansion of NATO with the addition of Finland and Sweden.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin has started World War III. In an interview with BBC, Zelensky expressed his differing view on the conflict compared to US President Donald Trump. He believes Putin's actions have already led to a global conflict and Ukraine is preventing it from escalating into a full-scale war. Zelensky attributes Russia's intentions to impose a different way of life on the world, which he sees as a threat. He also emphasized the need for reliable security guarantees from the US that are not dependent on individual presidents, citing the importance of institutional stability. The comments were made ahead of the fourth anniversary of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The article provides a numerical overview of the impact of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, four years after it began. It uses a series of photographs to illustrate the human cost of the war, showing funerals of soldiers, damage from Russian attacks in cities like Kharkiv, and Ukrainian servicemen on the front lines. The images also depict the destruction of infrastructure and the efforts to provide aid to civilians, such as the setup of emergency tents in Kyiv during winter. One photo shows a man planting sunflowers in his garden amongst the wreckage of war in a village near Kyiv. The article aims to quantify the wide-ranging effects of the conflict on Ukraine and its people.

After four years, the war between Russia and Ukraine continues despite efforts to reach a settlement, including a push from the United States. The conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has now lasted longer than Russia's involvement in World War II. The fighting persists, with Ukrainian servicemen actively engaging Russian positions in regions like Kharkiv. Diplomatic efforts have included meetings between U.S. President Donald Trump and both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, but a resolution remains elusive. The ongoing war highlights the deep-seated challenges in achieving peace between the two nations.

In Lviv, western Ukraine, a 23-year-old female police officer was killed and 25 people were injured in what Ukrainian officials are calling a terror attack. Two homemade explosive devices, planted in waste bins, detonated after police responded to a reported break-in early Sunday. A 33-year-old Ukrainian woman was detained as a suspect, with police stating she acted on the instructions of a Russian special services agent. The explosions occurred in the city center, with the first blast happening upon the arrival of a police car and a second when another crew arrived. The incident is being investigated as an act of terrorism. Separately, Ukraine faced overnight Russian strikes targeting the energy sector, residential buildings, and railways, resulting in at least one death in the Kyiv region.

On Sunday, just before the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion, Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack targeting Ukrainian infrastructure. The attacks, which began around 4:00 am, impacted energy and rail infrastructure, as well as residential buildings across Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia launched approximately 50 missiles and 300 drones. One man was killed and a dozen people were wounded, including four children, in and around Kyiv. Rescuers were seen searching through the debris of damaged buildings in the Kyiv region. Zelensky condemned the attacks, stating that Russia is prioritizing strikes over diplomacy.

Hungary is threatening to block the European Union's 20th round of sanctions against Russia, planned for discussion at the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels on Monday. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that Hungary will not approve the sanctions package until Russian oil deliveries to Hungary resume via the Druzhba pipeline. Deliveries have been interrupted since January 27, reportedly due to damage from Russian drone attacks on the pipeline within Ukrainian territory. Hungary accuses Ukraine of deliberately withholding the oil shipments. Because the EU requires unanimous agreement from all 27 member nations for sanctions to pass, Hungary's opposition could stall the entire package, which the EU hopes to approve by the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Tuesday.

Hungary is threatening to veto a 90 billion-euro EU loan to Ukraine unless Russian oil shipments via the Druzhba pipeline resume. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó claims Ukraine is intentionally halting oil transit to disrupt Hungary's fuel supply, accusing Kyiv of blackmail and violating EU agreements. The EU loan package, intended to support Ukraine's budgetary and military needs through 2027, requires unanimous approval. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has rejected Hungary's demands as "ultimatums and blackmail," asserting that such actions threaten regional energy security. The Druzhba pipeline remains a key route for Russian oil to Central Europe, despite broader EU efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has threatened to cut off electricity supplies to Ukraine if it does not resume pumping Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline within two days. Oil flows were halted after a reported Russian drone strike in late January 2026. Slovakia and Hungary, both reliant on Russian oil, are demanding Ukraine resume deliveries. Fico accused Ukrainian President Zelenskyy of acting maliciously towards Slovakia, citing previous gas supply disruptions and Slovakia's refusal to participate in a 90 billion euro military loan for Ukraine. Slovakia is a key electricity provider for Ukraine, which has suffered damage to its grid from Russian attacks. The ultimatum highlights tensions between Slovakia and Ukraine amidst ongoing debates over EU financial aid to Ukraine.

On Saturday, Ukrainian drones struck an industrial site in Russia's Udmurt Republic, wounding 11 people. While regional head Alexander Brechalov confirmed the attack and resulting damage, he did not identify the specific site. However, a Russian news channel, Astra, reported the target was the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant, a key state-owned missile factory that produces Iskander and intercontinental ballistic missiles. The attack, which occurred over 1,400 kilometers from Ukraine, prompted the suspension of operations at the Udmurt Republic's main airport and others nearby. This strike follows unsuccessful U.S.-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine held in Switzerland earlier in the week, as the fourth anniversary of the war approaches.

In Kyiv, Ukraine, wounded Ukrainian veterans are performing in a stage adaptation of Ivan Kotliarevskyi’s "Eneida," a Ukrainian reimagining of Virgil's "Aeneid." Premiering at the National Academic Molodyy Theatre, the play features veterans, both men and women aged 20s to 60s, who sustained severe injuries, including amputations, burns, and sight loss, during Russia's full-scale invasion. Director Olha Semioshkina draws parallels between the actors' combat experiences and the characters they portray. The production marks the first time an amateur troupe has entered the repertoire of a professional drama theater in Ukraine. The performance provides a platform for veterans to share their experiences and connect with audiences through epic poetry.

Hungary is posing an obstacle to the European Union's plan to loan 90 billion euros to Ukraine. During a meeting of ambassadors on Friday, Hungary raised an objection, delaying the plan to fund the loan by issuing debt backed by the EU budget. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that Hungary is blocking the loan until oil transit to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline resumes, accusing Ukraine of blackmail by halting oil transit in coordination with Brussels. The Druzhba pipeline, which supplies Russian crude oil to Hungary and Slovakia, is experiencing disruptions. The move comes as Ukraine urgently needs funding and ahead of an April election in Hungary. The EU requires unanimous approval from all 27 member nations to proceed with the loan.

Hungary has threatened to block a 90 billion euro EU loan to Ukraine, citing halted oil shipments via the Druzhba pipeline. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto accused Ukraine of "blackmail" and violating the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement after oil flows stopped on January 27th, reportedly due to a Russian drone attack. Hungary and Slovakia, reliant on Druzhba for Russian oil, have blamed Ukraine for delaying the restart of flows. To address the shortage, Hungary announced it would tap into its strategic oil reserves, though Croatia's JANAF pipeline operator stated that there was no need to do so as they are transporting non-Russian oil for MOL Group.

In February 2026, Ukraine expressed growing frustration with ongoing US-sponsored peace talks with Russia, stating that the US is unfairly pressuring Kyiv while Russia continues military strikes. President Zelenskyy said ceding more territory in the Donetsk region, as demanded by Moscow, is unacceptable to the Ukrainian people. He suggested freezing the current line of contact as a basis for a ceasefire and future negotiations. Zelenskyy refuted claims that Ukraine is hindering a peace deal, arguing that Russia is not negotiating in good faith. US senators visiting Ukraine echoed this sentiment, advocating for increased pressure on Russia. Public opinion polls indicate that a majority of Ukrainians oppose ceding territory to Russia, even with security guarantees.

Envoys from Ukraine and Russia convened in Geneva for a second day of US-brokered talks aimed at addressing political and military differences arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The negotiations, held on Wednesday, follow previous discussions in Abu Dhabi earlier in the year. Rustem Umerov, head of the Ukrainian delegation, stated that working groups are clarifying parameters and mechanisms of previously discussed decisions. These talks represent the third round of direct negotiations organized by the U.S. Washington's envoy, Steve Witkoff, noted that the U.S. efforts have led to "meaningful progress" in the past year. The goal is to find a path toward resolving the ongoing conflict.

Talks between Russia and Ukraine, mediated by US envoy Steve Witkoff, are ongoing in Geneva, Switzerland. Witkoff stated that the negotiations have made "meaningful progress" towards ending the war. However, hopes for a breakthrough remain low due to Russia's continued demands for Ukrainian territory, specifically the Donbas region. Ukraine insists on robust security guarantees from the West before any agreement can be reached. Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov said the first day focused on practical issues, while Zelensky stated Ukraine is ready to refrain from strikes and seek a worthy agreement, questioning Russia's intentions. These talks represent the third round of trilateral negotiations.

Trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States resumed in Geneva, Switzerland, on February 18, 2026, marking the third round of negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. The talks occur as the four-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches. While details remain scarce, US special envoy Steve Witkoff indicated "meaningful progress," stating both sides agreed to update their leaders and continue working towards a deal. Ukraine's lead negotiator, Rustem Umerov, acknowledged the constructive engagement of the American counterparts. Previous talks in Abu Dhabi yielded prisoner exchanges but failed to address the core issue of territorial disputes, with Russia demanding the Donbas region, a demand Ukraine constitutionally opposes. The negotiations focus on practical issues and potential solutions.

While U.S.-backed negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Geneva stalled, Ukraine achieved its fastest territorial gains in years along the southeastern front near Zaporizhzhia. Over five days, Ukrainian forces retook approximately 78 square miles, exploiting reported disruptions in Russian battlefield communications and command-and-control. Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War suggest Ukraine is leveraging limitations affecting Russian connectivity, creating opportunities for localized counterattacks around Huliaipole. Despite these advances, experts caution that the front remains fluid and the gains do not indicate a collapse in Russian defenses. The fighting has centered east of Zaporizhzhia, where Russian forces have steadily advanced since mid-2025.

Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the former army chief of Ukraine and now ambassador to the United Kingdom, has revealed a rift between himself and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In an interview with the Associated Press in London on February 2, 2026, Zaluzhnyi, who is seen as a potential political rival to Zelenskyy, discussed the previously unseen tensions. The article suggests the disagreement may stem from differing views on the direction of the war and potentially, political ambitions. The revelation comes after Zaluzhnyi was removed from his position as army chief in February 2024. The details of the rift and its potential impact on Ukraine's political landscape remain to be seen.

Delegations from Russia and Ukraine are set to meet for another round of peace talks in Geneva, beginning on Tuesday. The two-day talks are likely to focus on the issue of territory, specifically the remaining 20 percent of the eastern region of Donetsk that Russia is demanding Kyiv cede. US President Donald Trump has been pressing Moscow and Kyiv to reach a deal soon, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stating that his country is facing significant pressure from Washington to make concessions. The talks come just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Kremlin says the discussions will be held behind closed doors without media present, following two earlier rounds in Abu Dhabi that did not yield a breakthrough. The outcome of these talks remains uncertain, with both sides expressing differing views on the prospects for an end to the conflict.

Negotiators from Ukraine and Russia met in Geneva on Tuesday for US-mediated peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. The talks, following two prior rounds in Abu Dhabi, are focused on security and humanitarian issues. US President Donald Trump is urging both sides to reach a swift agreement, though Ukraine's President Zelensky has expressed concerns about pressure to make concessions. Despite ongoing discussions, including military representatives, a breakthrough has yet to be achieved. The meeting occurred against a backdrop of renewed Russian air strikes across Ukraine, including significant damage to Odesa's power network.

Ukrainian and Russian officials met in Switzerland on Tuesday for U.S.-brokered peace talks, the third such meeting in recent weeks. Expectations for a breakthrough were low, as previous discussions in the United Arab Emirates yielded minimal progress beyond a prisoner exchange. The core issues of contention remain unresolved, including the status of Ukrainian territory in the east, which Russia seeks to control, and Western security guarantees for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelensky has warned against ceding territory and urged progress on security guarantees. The U.S. delegation is led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while Russia is represented by Vladimir Medinsky, among others. The talks, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in Geneva, also include separate negotiations focused on Iran.

Russian and Ukrainian delegations are set to meet in Geneva for the latest round of US-brokered talks on Ukraine, a week before the fourth anniversary of Moscow's full-scale invasion. The talks will be mediated by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with Ukrainian representatives including National Security Council secretary Rustem Umerov and President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov. Expectations for a breakthrough remain low, as Russia has not wavered from its maximalist demands for Ukrainian territory. Meanwhile, strikes continue on a nightly basis, with Moscow carrying out a large combined aerial attack on Ukraine earlier in the day, hitting 12 regions and killing at least three people. The US President has urged Ukraine to make concessions, while Ukraine's deputy energy minister announced that at least three energy workers were killed in Monday's overnight attacks.

On day 1,454 of the Russia-Ukraine war, February 17, 2026, Ukraine claimed to have recaptured 201 sq km of territory, exploiting a Starlink outage affecting Russian forces. Ukraine anticipates further Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, complicating peace negotiations. Overnight, Russia launched 62 strike drones and six missiles, while Russia claimed to have downed 345 Ukrainian drones and captured two settlements, Pokrovka and Minkivka. A fire, reportedly caused by a Ukrainian drone attack, damaged the Black Sea port of Taman in Russia. Ukraine has received 4.4 million rounds of ammunition through a Czech-led initiative. Ceasefire talks are scheduled in Geneva between Ukrainian, US, and Russian delegations, with Russia aiming to discuss a broader range of issues, including territory.

After President Trump's return to the White House in January 2025, his promise to quickly end the war in Ukraine has not materialized. In 2025, the conflict worsened for Ukrainians, with increased civilian casualties and Russian territorial gains. Trump shifted U.S. policy by reducing aid to Ukraine by 99% and halting weapon shipments unless paid for, while simultaneously making overtures to Russia. Meanwhile, Russia increased weapons production and attacks, severely damaging Ukraine's power grid. Negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. are scheduled, as Trump seeks to be credited with ending the war.

A Ukrainian delegation is heading to Geneva for US-brokered talks with Russian officials ahead of next week's fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, is expected to be low-key, with little anticipation of significant progress on ending the war. Both sides appear to be sticking to their negotiating positions on key issues, including the future of Ukrainian land occupied or still coveted by Russia. The US has set a June deadline to reach a settlement, but no breakthroughs are anticipated. Ukraine's defenders continue to engage in a war of attrition with Russia along the 1,250-kilometer front line, while civilians face repeated aerial barrages and drone attacks. The talks come as Russia reports having shot down 229 Ukrainian drones in the previous 24 hours.

Senior Ukrainian and Russian officials will meet in Switzerland this week for a second round of talks, brokered by the Trump administration, ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The two-day meeting, starting Tuesday, will include representatives from Washington, Kyiv, and Moscow, similar to negotiations held earlier this month in Abu Dhabi. The purpose of the meeting is to foster diplomacy between the warring countries. However, expectations for a significant breakthrough are low due to Russia's continued hardline demands on Ukraine. Despite renewed US efforts, the situation remains tense.

Representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the US are meeting in Geneva, Switzerland on February 16, 2026, for a third round of negotiations aimed at resolving the four-year war between Ukraine and Russia. These talks, brokered by the United States, follow two previous rounds held in the UAE in January and early February. While both sides have described the talks as constructive, no breakthroughs have been achieved. Key points of contention include the future of the Russian-occupied Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, with Russia demanding Ukraine withdraw its troops and recognize annexed territories. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed hope for substantive discussions but noted disagreements on concessions, particularly regarding pressure on Ukraine.

On February 16, 2026, day 1,453 of the Russia-Ukraine war, fighting continued with both sides launching attacks. Russian forces struck multiple regions in Ukraine, including Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, and Odesa, causing injuries and damaging infrastructure, leaving some without heat. Ukraine targeted a key oil terminal in the Krasnodar region of Russia, near Crimea, and launched a drone attack on the Russian Black Sea port of Taman, causing damage and fires. Russia claimed to have captured the village of Tsvitkove in the Zaporizhia region, while Ukrainian attacks left areas in the Bryansk region of Russia without heat and electricity. Russian air defenses also downed drones approaching Moscow.

Russian army chief Valery Gerasimov visited troops in Ukraine and announced that Russian forces had seized 12 villages in eastern Ukraine during the first two weeks of February 2026. The announcement, made by the defense ministry, comes ahead of US-mediated talks in Geneva aimed at ending the nearly four-year war. Gerasimov noted the advances occurred despite severe winter conditions. While the pace of Russia's advance has increased since autumn, they have yet to achieve their goal of capturing the entire Donetsk region. Russia is demanding Kyiv withdraw from Donetsk as a condition for ending the conflict, a demand Ukraine rejects.

On day 1,452 of the Russia-Ukraine war, February 15, 2026, fighting continued with drone attacks on both sides. Russia launched a drone attack on Odesa, Ukraine, killing one, while Ukraine reportedly attacked Russia's Bryansk and Belgorod regions, causing casualties. A "massive drone attack" by Ukraine on a village in Russian-occupied Luhansk wounded at least 19. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated Russia was suffering heavy losses in Ukraine, estimating 65,000 soldiers in two months, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio estimated 7,000-8,000 weekly losses. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported damage to every power plant in Ukraine. Zelenskyy also spoke with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner regarding upcoming ceasefire talks in Geneva, expressing concerns about pressure for Ukrainian concessions.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated at the Munich Security Conference that EU governments are not prepared to give Ukraine a specific date for membership. This statement comes despite President Zelensky's demand for a date as part of security guarantees for a peace package with Russia. While a 2027 membership date was reportedly discussed in a peace plan between the US, Ukraine, and the EU, many EU governments consider any fixed date unrealistic. They maintain that EU accession is a merit-based process dependent on Ukraine aligning its laws with EU standards. Kallas emphasized that "there's a lot of work to be done" before membership can be considered.

In a speech at the Munich Security Conference on February 15, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope for upcoming US-brokered peace talks with Russia in Geneva. He stated that Ukraine is "too often" being asked to make concessions, while the US does not pressure Russia in the same way. Zelenskyy also argued for greater European involvement in negotiations, as Moscow has opposed it. He emphasized the need for clear security guarantees as the foundation for lasting peace. The talks, mediated by the US, follow two previous rounds in Abu Dhabi that yielded no breakthroughs after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Ahead of upcoming talks with Russia and the US, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated Ukraine seeks a 20-year security guarantee from the US as a prerequisite for signing a peace deal. Speaking at the Munich Security Summit, Zelenskyy also requested a clear timeline for Ukraine's EU membership. He expressed concern that the US focuses on Ukrainian concessions rather than Russian ones. While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered partnership with Europe, it was conditional on climate, migration, and tariff agreements. Zelenskyy revealed the US offered a 15-year guarantee, but Ukraine desires a legally binding 20-year agreement detailing US support for a planned European reassurance force in Ukraine.

Upcoming Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Geneva are facing challenges after deadly drone strikes killed one person in each country. The strikes occurred as Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and US Secretary of State Rubio expressed concerns about the negotiations, which are scheduled for next week as the conflict enters its fifth year. Zelenskyy stated that negotiations often feel unproductive, with the US focusing on Ukrainian concessions. Rubio questioned Russia's sincerity in seeking peace. A key point of contention is Russia's demand for Ukrainian troop withdrawal from Donetsk, which Ukraine rejects without Western security guarantees. Zelenskyy hopes for continued US involvement and increased European participation in the peace process.