Ukraine remembers its dead as war enters a fifth year

Ukraine is remembering its dead as the country enters its fifth year of war against Russia. The conflict began four years ago, with Russia launching a full-scale invasion that has resulted in significant military losses on both sides. Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that his country has defended its independence and statehood, while the Kremlin acknowledged that its initial goals have not been fully achieved. Despite controlling around 20% of Ukrainian territory, Russia continues to attack Ukraine, with near-daily aerial attacks on the population. A minute's silence was observed in Kyiv's Maidan square, where people laid flowers on graves of fallen soldiers, as a sense of solidarity and remembrance filled the air. The war has taken a heavy toll on Ukraine, with many lives lost and families affected.

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.

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.

Russian and Ukrainian envoys will meet in Geneva next week, February 17-18, for US-brokered talks aimed at finding a resolution to the ongoing war. This round of negotiations follows two previous meetings in Abu Dhabi and comes as the conflict approaches its fourth year. The primary sticking point remains the future of the Donbas region, with Russia demanding Ukraine withdraw from the portion of Donetsk it still controls. Ukraine seeks Western security guarantees to prevent future Russian offensives. The US has reportedly given both sides a June deadline to reach an agreement. The conflict, which began in 2022, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of military and civilian casualties.

As Ukraine prepares for upcoming peace talks, Ukrainian officials report increased pressure from the Trump administration to make concessions to Russia, aiming to end the war by early summer. President Zelensky expressed frustration that the U.S. is pressing Ukraine harder than Russia, but acknowledges the need to maintain American engagement, especially with the approaching midterm elections potentially shifting U.S. focus. Zelensky stated that the U.S. desires to halt the war by June, and that the Trump administration was "likely to put pressure on the parties according to that timeline.” Ukraine is sending a delegation to Florida for talks next week, though Russian participation is uncertain. The U.S. strategy remains unclear if Ukraine doesn't concede on issues like territory and elections.

Russia launched missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities overnight amid stalled peace talks. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that Russia is hesitant to engage in another round of US-brokered negotiations, proposed to be held in Miami or Abu Dhabi next week. While Ukraine has confirmed its attendance, the Kremlin indicated that talks are expected "soon" without providing specifics. These developments occur as a US-led peace effort faces a June deadline, with disagreements over occupied territories in the Donbas region and Russian demands for further territorial concessions hindering a comprehensive settlement after four years of conflict.

On Thursday, February 12, 2026, Russia launched a barrage of missiles and drones at Ukrainian cities. This occurred as the possibility of another round of US-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine remained uncertain. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine had agreed to attend proposed negotiations in either Miami or Abu Dhabi, but Russia was hesitant. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that talks were expected "soon" without providing specifics. The US government has not commented on the potential for further negotiations, which are part of an ongoing peace effort. Zelenskyy previously stated that the US has set a June deadline for a deal between the two countries.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the U.S. has set a June deadline for Ukraine and Russia to reach a peace agreement to end their nearly four-year war. Zelenskyy stated that the U.S. is likely to pressure both countries to meet this schedule, potentially hosting trilateral talks in Miami next week. President Trump expressed optimism about the talks, and the U.S. described recent discussions in Abu Dhabi as "constructive," noting an agreement for a prisoner swap involving 157 prisoners from each side. The U.S. and Russia have also agreed to establish a new military-to-military communication channel led by General Alexus Grynkewich. The goal of these efforts is to create conditions for a lasting peace.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the U.S. has set a June deadline for Ukraine and Russia to reach an agreement to end their nearly four-year war. According to Zelenskyy, the U.S. intends to pressure both sides to meet this deadline, with potential trilateral talks to be held in the U.S. next week. Zelenskyy also mentioned that Russia presented the U.S. with a $12 trillion economic proposal. Meanwhile, Russian strikes targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure intensified, forcing nuclear power plants to reduce output and causing widespread power outages across the country. The attacks involved hundreds of drones and missiles and targeted energy grids, generation facilities, and distribution networks.

Ukrainian and Russian officials concluded the first day of US-mediated peace talks in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, with Kyiv's chief negotiator calling them "substantive and productive." Despite ongoing Russian attacks in Ukraine, including one that killed seven at a market, discussions are set to continue into a second day. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for concrete results from the talks, anticipating a prisoner exchange soon. While the Kremlin stated that the "doors for a peaceful settlement are open," Moscow will continue its military assault until Kyiv agrees to its demands. The negotiations, mediated by the United States, aim to find practical solutions to end the nearly four-year war.

Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine, targeting its energy grid and leaving hundreds of thousands without heating during freezing temperatures. The strikes occurred on Tuesday, coinciding with Ukraine experiencing its coldest weather since the Russian invasion began and damaging a WWII monument. The attack took place a day before scheduled peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators in Abu Dhabi. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, accusing Russia of prioritizing terror over diplomacy. The attack also coincided with a surprise visit to Kyiv by NATO chief Mark Rutte, who met with Zelensky.

In February 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in the war against Russia. He also stated that a large number of soldiers are considered missing. Zelenskyy's statement was made before the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion and during ceasefire talks in Abu Dhabi aimed at resolving the conflict. A Kremlin spokesperson stated that Russian forces would continue fighting until Kyiv makes the necessary decisions to end the war. The UN reported over 2,500 civilian deaths in Ukraine in 2025 due to Russian attacks.

Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, described as the "most powerful blow" this year, targeting power plants and infrastructure in Kyiv and other locations. The strikes, utilizing over 70 missiles and 450 drones, caused significant damage, including leaving over 1,000 Kyiv tower blocks without heating amid freezing temperatures and damaging a power plant in Kharkiv beyond repair. Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned the attacks as "terror and escalation," calling for increased pressure on Russia from allies and emphasizing the need for more air defense missiles. The attack occurred as temperatures dropped to -20C and coincided with a visit from NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and the expiration of an "energy truce" previously agreed upon. Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are scheduled to continue in Abu Dhabi later this week.

Following a week-long pause requested by US President Trump, Russia has resumed attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing widespread damage and leaving many without power and heating as temperatures plummet. UK Prime Minister Starmer condemned the attacks as "barbaric." The strikes have severely damaged facilities, including a power plant in Kharkiv and Kyiv's Darnytsia CHP plant, leaving over 1,000 tower blocks in Kyiv without heating. Residents are seeking shelter in metro stations and communal heating centers. US envoys are meeting with Ukrainian and Russian negotiators in Abu Dhabi to discuss a peace plan, but Russia has so far refused calls for a ceasefire. Ukraine's Energy Minister has described the energy situation as "difficult" and expects repairs to take time.

In January 2026, Donald Trump announced that Russia agreed to pause bombing Kyiv and other Ukrainian towns for one week due to extreme winter conditions. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy welcomed Trump's announcement, calling it an important step towards securing Ukrainian cities during the cold weather. The pause was reportedly discussed during ceasefire talks in the United Arab Emirates, with Zelenskyy expressing hope for the agreement's implementation. Trump stated that he personally requested the pause from President Putin, citing the "extraordinary cold." The announcement comes as Kyiv struggles to restore power and heating to residential buildings following recent Russian bombings, with temperatures expected to drop significantly.

Talks between the US, Ukraine, and Russia took place in Abu Dhabi, according to the Kremlin. While described as constructive, the Kremlin indicated that significant challenges remain. The discussions involved envoys from the US, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, alongside Putin's envoy Kirill Dmitriev. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was also present, holding a press conference in Vilnius, Lithuania, during the same period. The specific details of the challenges discussed and the goals of the meeting were not disclosed in the provided information. The talks occurred around late January 2026, based on the photo captions.

Talks between Russian, Ukrainian, and American officials aimed at ending the war in Ukraine are scheduled to continue next week. The announcement follows face-to-face negotiations held in Abu Dhabi last weekend, the first such meeting between Ukraine and Russia since June. While both Ukrainian and Russian officials expressed some optimism after the talks, a Kremlin spokesman gave little indication that Russia was ready to compromise on its aims in Ukraine. A major point of contention remains control of territory in eastern Ukraine, with Russia insisting on terms it claims were previously agreed to by the U.S. president. The ongoing negotiations also involve discussions about American involvement in postwar security guarantees for Ukraine.

Amid ongoing talks between Ukrainian, Russian, US, and Emirati officials, Ukrainians express skepticism about a near-term end to the war with Russia. The talks, held in Abu Dhabi, are viewed as a potential first step toward peace, but many Ukrainians are weary after nearly four years of conflict. Russia's continued attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have caused widespread power outages during a harsh winter, exacerbating war fatigue. A former advisor to President Zelenskyy believes the war will only end when Russia decides to stop or is forced to do so, neither of which he sees as likely before spring. Despite exhaustion, Ukrainians have shown resilience and adaptability throughout the conflict.

Delegations from the US, Ukraine, and Russia are meeting in Abu Dhabi on Friday for their first trilateral talks since the 2022 Russian invasion. The meeting was arranged after discussions in Moscow between Vladimir Putin, US envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. The purpose of the talks is to address security issues, though the full details and format remain unclear, including whether Ukrainian and Russian officials will meet directly. Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated the talks would last two days, while Witkoff mentioned a major unresolved issue in negotiations. Key points of contention between Russia and Ukraine include the status of Russian-occupied territory in eastern Ukraine and Ukraine's potential NATO membership.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner late Thursday to discuss a potential settlement in Ukraine. The Kremlin emphasized that resolving the territorial issue, specifically Ukraine's withdrawal from annexed eastern regions, is crucial for any long-term peace agreement. The meeting, which lasted past 3 a.m. Friday, occurred shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized European allies' slow response to the Russian invasion. Despite the territorial disagreements, Russian, Ukrainian, and US officials agreed to hold security talks in the United Arab Emirates on Friday regarding a prospective peace deal. Zelensky stated that peace proposals are nearly ready, but the status of Russian-occupied land remains unresolved.

Officials from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are scheduled to hold trilateral meetings in the United Arab Emirates on Friday and Saturday, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The purpose of these talks is to discuss ending the ongoing war. Prior to the scheduled meetings, attacks continued in Ukraine. Specifically, one person was killed and four were wounded in Russian glide bomb attacks on Komyshuvakha, located in Ukraine’s Zaporizhia region. The governor of the Zaporizhia region, Ivan Fedorov, reported the casualties. The meetings represent a potential diplomatic effort to address the conflict.

Ukraine condemned recent Russian strikes that killed one and injured 23 others, coinciding with ongoing peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the US in Abu Dhabi. The strikes, which targeted Kyiv and Kharkiv, damaged critical infrastructure and residential areas, including a maternity hospital and a hostel. Ukrainian officials described the attacks as "brutal" and proof that Putin is not interested in peace. The talks, the first trilateral discussions since Russia's 2022 invasion, have reportedly made some progress, but territorial disputes remain a major obstacle. Russia currently occupies roughly 20% of Ukraine and demands Ukraine cede large areas of territory, which Ukraine refuses to do.

Ahead of a second day of peace talks in Abu Dhabi between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States, Russian attacks on Ukraine killed one person and wounded 23 on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Drone attacks in Kyiv killed one and wounded four, according to the Kyiv City Military Administration. In Kharkiv, drone attacks wounded 19 people, according to the city's mayor. The talks in the United Arab Emirates represent the first known instance of Trump administration officials meeting with both countries to seek a resolution to Russia's nearly four-year invasion. The UAE's foreign ministry stated the talks aim to promote dialogue and find political solutions, while the White House described the first day as productive.

Russian air attacks struck Kyiv and Kharkiv, Ukraine, on January 24, 2026, resulting in at least one death and nearly 20 injuries. The attacks occurred as negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States prepared to meet in Abu Dhabi for a second day of peace talks. These negotiations are centered around a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at ending the nearly four-year-long war. The attacks highlight the ongoing conflict despite diplomatic efforts to find a resolution.