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

On the fourth anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, Ukrainian officials reported infrastructure damage in Zaporizhzhia following overnight Russian strikes. The renewed attacks occurred as the conflict entered its fifth year on February 24, 2026. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin has failed to achieve his objectives in the war. The strikes on Zaporizhzhia followed earlier reports of Russian missiles and drones targeting Ukraine's capital. The ongoing conflict continues with both sides engaged in active military operations.

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 fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin announced it would continue its military operation until its goals are achieved. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the West's attempts to "crush" Russia had instead united the country. Peskov also repeated unsubstantiated claims that Britain and France are preparing to arm Kyiv with nuclear weapons. The anniversary was marked by events in Europe, including a session of the European Parliament and visits by European leaders to Kyiv. Reports also indicate that over 200,000 Russian soldiers have been identified as killed in Ukraine.

On February 24, 2026, a number of European leaders joined Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv for a prayer service. The service marked the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The gathering served as a show of solidarity and remembrance on this significant date. The event took place in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, which has been a focal point of the conflict since the invasion began in 2022.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On February 22, 2026, Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine, targeting the energy sector, residential buildings, and a railway. Ukrainian officials reported at least one death and numerous injuries, with the most intense attacks occurring in the Kyiv, Odesa, and Kharkiv regions. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Moscow launched 50 missiles and 297 drones, most of which were intercepted. President Zelenskyy stated that Russia has launched over 1,300 drones, 1,400 aerial bombs, and 96 missiles against Ukraine in the past week alone, targeting multiple regions. Separately, in Lviv, a policewoman was killed and 25 injured by explosive devices; a Ukrainian woman was arrested in connection with the bombing.

In Lviv, Ukraine, a police officer was killed and 24 people were wounded by multiple homemade explosive devices that detonated around midnight on Sunday. The National Police reported that the explosions occurred after a patrol crew responded to a suspected shop break-in. A 23-year-old policewoman died, and twelve people remain hospitalized, with two in serious condition. A woman has been detained in connection with the incident, which Lviv's mayor described as a terrorist act. President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of orchestrating the attack, claiming the perpetrators were recruited online.

A "terrorist attack" in Lviv, Ukraine, resulted in the death of a 23-year-old policewoman and injuries to 25 others early Sunday morning. Ukrainian authorities responded to a reported break-in when two explosions occurred, triggered by improvised explosive devices hidden in garbage bins. President Zelenskyy confirmed the detention of a 33-year-old woman from the Rivne region in connection with the attack, which occurred in the city center on Danylyshyn Street. Investigators allege the suspect acted under the direction of a "curator" linked to Russian special services and manufactured and planted the explosives. Interior Minister Klymenko stated there is reason to believe Russia ordered the attack, accusing them of targeting Ukrainian law enforcement.

On February 22, 2026, a deadly incident occurred in Lviv, Ukraine, involving two explosions. The explosions took place while Ukrainian police were responding to an emergency situation at a store. Authorities have classified the event as a "terrorist attack." One police officer was killed in the explosions, and over a dozen other individuals sustained injuries. The investigation is ongoing to determine the motives and identify those responsible for the attack.

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.

Ukraine will boycott the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina Paralympics on March 6 in Verona due to the International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags. The IPC has allocated 10 combined slots to athletes from Russia and Belarus, sparking controversy given the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Paralympic Committee expressed outrage at the decision and demanded that its flag not be used in the ceremony. While Ukrainian officials will boycott the Paralympics, Ukrainian athletes will still participate in the Games. Russia will have spots in Para alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding, while Belarus will compete in cross-country skiing.

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.

As the Russia-Ukraine war approaches its fifth year in February 2026, numerous mediation attempts have failed to achieve a breakthrough. The latest US-led peace talks in Geneva, mediated by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, concluded without progress. These talks follow earlier unsuccessful efforts, including direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Belarus in early 2022 and regional talks in Antalya and Istanbul in March-April 2022. Despite a promise by US President Trump to broker a ceasefire, the conflict continues, with over a million casualties. The discovery of massacres in Bucha and Irpin further complicated negotiations.

In an interview with Axios published on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concern over what he perceives as undue pressure from former US President Donald Trump to resolve the ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelensky stated that Trump has been publicly calling on Ukraine, rather than Russia, to make concessions in peace negotiations. He added that any peace plan requiring Ukraine to cede territory in the Donbas region not currently occupied by Russia would be rejected in a referendum. Zelensky voiced hope that Trump's stance was merely a negotiating tactic. Trump recently stated that Ukraine needs to quickly come to the table for negotiations to be successful. The interview was conducted as Russian, Ukrainian, and US negotiators held talks in Geneva.

After a decade of sporting exile due to a state-sponsored doping scandal and the invasion of Ukraine, Russia will be represented by a small team at the 2026 Paralympic Games in Italy next month. Six Russian and four Belarusian athletes will participate in skiing events, with their national flag and anthem permitted for the first time since 2014. The International Paralympic Committee's decision has drawn criticism from Ukraine and European leaders, who view it as inappropriate while the war in Ukraine continues. Some officials are protesting the decision by refusing to attend the opening ceremony. This move signals a potential shift towards readmitting Russia into international sports, possibly paving the way for a Russian team at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has decided to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their own flags at the Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics 2026. This reverses the ban imposed following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine's Sports Minister has strongly condemned the decision, calling it "disappointing and outrageous," arguing that these nations' flags should not be present at international sporting events. The IPC's decision follows a vote in September 2025 to lift the partial suspensions of Russia and Belarus. Despite initial bans from international federations, Russia and Belarus won an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, enabling their participation. Approximately 10 para-athletes from the two nations are expected to participate.

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.

Russian and Ukrainian officials began a third round of US-brokered peace talks in Geneva on Tuesday, ahead of the war's fourth anniversary. The negotiations, led by Rustem Umerov for Ukraine, will address security and humanitarian issues. Despite the talks, Russia launched heavy air strikes across Ukraine, damaging infrastructure and leaving many without essential services. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy urged allies to increase pressure on Russia for a "real and just" peace deal. The US President Trump has pushed for a deal, stating Ukraine needs to come to the table quickly. Russia is demanding Ukraine cede the remaining 20 percent of the eastern region of Donetsk, which Ukraine refuses to do.

Russian and Ukrainian officials are in Geneva for US-brokered peace talks, commencing nearly four years after Russia's full-scale invasion. The two-day discussions, mediated by US envoys, aim to address the future of Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. Russia continues to demand Ukraine cede control of the eastern Donbas region. Military leaders from the US, Russia, and Ukraine will also discuss ceasefire monitoring implementation. Previous talks in Abu Dhabi explored the possibility of a demilitarized zone and military coordination.

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.

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.

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.