Russia ‘has not won’ as Ukraine war enters fifth year, Zelenskyy says

On the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that Russia has failed to achieve its goals and has not won the war. The anniversary, marked on February 24, 2026, saw a visit to Kyiv by numerous European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, to pledge continued support. The European Union promised ongoing assistance to Ukraine, while the G7 reaffirmed its support for peace negotiations led by the US. The war has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and widespread disruption, with analysts estimating potential casualties reaching two million by spring. Despite ongoing challenges, Zelenskyy asserted that Ukraine has defended its independence and statehood.

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 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 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.

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.

Peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US in Geneva this week concluded without a breakthrough. The meetings, aimed at resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine, were described as "difficult" by both Russian and Ukrainian representatives due to disagreements on territory and ceasefire terms. While a US envoy expressed initial optimism, key issues remain unresolved after four years of conflict. Despite the challenges, both sides indicated the discussions were "businesslike" and "substantive," with a potential future meeting planned. Ukrainian President Zelensky accused Russia of prolonging negotiations, while also suggesting a possible prisoner exchange. The US has signaled impatience with the deadlock, urging Ukraine to compromise, a sentiment Zelensky has rejected.

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.

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.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Vladimir Putin's historical arguments as a "delay tactic" in peace negotiations, urging a focus on ending the war. Zelenskyy stated that debating history would only prolong the process and that the only relevant discussion is how to achieve a swift resolution. His comments followed talks in Switzerland between Ukrainian, U.S., and Russian officials, which Zelenskyy suggested yielded limited progress, particularly on sensitive political matters. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte questioned Russia's seriousness about negotiations, noting the presence of Vladimir Medinsky, known for emphasizing historical narratives. Medinsky described the talks as "difficult but businesslike."

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 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.

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.

In February 2026, Russia intensified its air assaults on Ukraine, coinciding with visits from Western officials. These attacks, involving drones and missiles, targeted energy infrastructure across the country, causing widespread power outages and forcing a nuclear power plant to shut down. Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept a significant portion of the incoming weapons. The strikes have resulted in civilian casualties, including the deaths of children in Bohodukhiv and elsewhere. Russia's actions are seen as an attempt to weaken Ukraine's defenses and punish its growing ties with the West. Emergency crews are working to restore power and heat amidst freezing temperatures.

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.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the US 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 US is likely to put pressure on both parties to meet this timeline. The Trump administration has also proposed a new round of trilateral talks in Miami next week, which Ukraine has confirmed it will attend. These developments follow US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi that yielded little progress, with Russia demanding Ukraine withdraw from the Donbas region, a condition Kyiv rejects. Despite the lack of a breakthrough, both sides recently agreed to exchange 157 prisoners of war each, and Zelenskyy indicated that prisoner swaps will continue.

A second round of trilateral peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, initially scheduled for Sunday in Abu Dhabi, has been postponed to Wednesday and Thursday. The delay follows a meeting in Florida between U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev, where they discussed the conflict. Details of the Witkoff-Dmitriev meeting remain undisclosed, though Witkoff described it as "productive." Ukrainian President Zelenskyy alluded to potential delays due to U.S.-Iran tensions and stated Ukraine is awaiting details from the U.S. regarding further meetings. The first round of talks took place in Abu Dhabi in late January and were described as "constructive." Significant obstacles remain in reaching a peace agreement to end the war, which Russia initiated.

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.

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, including high-voltage transmission lines, power plants, and substations, causing widespread emergency outages. The strikes, involving hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, prompted Ukraine to request emergency electricity assistance from Poland. According to Ukraine's energy minister, the attacks forced nuclear power plant operators to reduce or shut down reactor output as a precaution. These strikes are the latest in a series targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure during the winter. The attacks occurred shortly after peace talks showed little progress, with the next round of negotiations scheduled for mid-February in Miami, involving delegations from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States.

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 and Ukraine conducted a prisoner exchange of 157 people each, including soldiers and civilians, after US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi. The exchange, the first in four months, involved the return of Ukrainians held captive since 2022 and Russian soldiers held by Kyiv. The talks, involving Russian, Ukrainian, and US teams, aimed to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict. Territorial concessions demanded by Russia and security guarantees for Ukraine are major obstacles to a potential agreement. While the US envoy described the talks as productive, no breakthrough was achieved, and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed a desire for faster progress.

Over 1,000 residential buildings in Kyiv were without heating after a Russian air attack during one of the coldest nights of the winter, with temperatures falling to -20C. The Kremlin launched 450 drones and over 70 missiles across Ukraine, causing damage in five districts and injuring at least nine people. The attacks occurred overnight, prompting an air raid alert that remained in effect for over five hours. Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the attacks as a demonstration of Russia's disinterest in peace talks, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday and Thursday. The attack also damaged facilities used to heat water for distribution to homes, leaving hundreds of thousands of families without heating during extreme cold conditions.

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.

Donald Trump claimed that Vladimir Putin agreed to a one-week halt of strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure after a personal appeal, citing extreme cold in Ukraine. This alleged ceasefire, unconfirmed by Russia, was announced during a White House meeting. Trump stated he informed Ukrainian officials, who were reportedly pleased. Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged expecting the implementation of such an agreement. The claim follows recent Russian strikes that left over a million people in Kyiv without power. Talks between Ukraine and Russia are expected to continue in Abu Dhabi this weekend, despite a Kremlin aide rejecting assertions that territorial issues are the only remaining obstacle to peace.

Former US President Donald Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to temporarily halt attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities for one week due to extreme cold weather. Trump said he personally requested this pause to alleviate the humanitarian crisis caused by disrupted power, heating, and water supplies resulting from Russian strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure. The request was made in light of record-setting cold temperatures affecting both Ukraine and Russia. Trump expressed confidence that Putin would honor the agreement, although there was no immediate confirmation from the Kremlin. The strikes have left millions of Ukrainians without essential services during the winter months.

Power outages impacted Ukraine and Moldova, exacerbating winter conditions in Kyiv on Saturday, January 30, 2026. The outages were widespread across several Ukrainian cities and neighboring Moldova. According to Ukraine’s Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal, a technical malfunction affecting power lines linking Ukraine and Moldova caused the disruption. This failure triggered a cascading outage in Ukraine’s power grid. The Kremlin has committed to U.S. President Donald Trump to pause strikes on Kyiv.

As temperatures in Ukraine are forecast to plummet below -20C this weekend, Ukrainians face a dire situation due to ongoing Russian attacks on the country's power grid. Many, like Yulia in Dnipro, have been without central heating since January, relying on makeshift methods to stay warm. While Donald Trump announced a week-long halt to attacks on major cities, the Kremlin clarified the pause ends Sunday, coinciding with the coldest weather. There has been no major strike since January 24th, but it is unclear whether Russia has actually paused anything. The repeated targeting of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, a violation of the Geneva Convention, has left it increasingly fragile and difficult to repair, raising concerns about a humanitarian catastrophe.

Negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian officials, facilitated by the United States, began in Abu Dhabi on January 23, 2026, to address the ongoing conflict. The primary focus of the talks is resolving territorial disputes, with the US seeking a resolution to the nearly four-year war. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasized Russia's need to demonstrate a willingness to end the conflict. These discussions follow a meeting between Zelenskyy and US President Trump in Davos, and a late-night meeting between a US envoy and Russian President Putin in Moscow. While the UAE is hosting the talks, significant disagreements remain, particularly regarding Russia's demand for Ukraine to cede the Donbas region.

Russian, Ukrainian, and American officials are holding rare three-way peace talks in the United Arab Emirates. These discussions, entering their second day on Saturday, aim to address a revised 20-point peace plan covering security, reconstruction, and prisoner exchanges. The plan originated last fall and has been updated with input from multiple countries. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated he expects "at least some answers" from Russia regarding the plan, but acknowledged it's too early to assess Russia's sincerity in negotiating, especially as attacks continue. Despite ongoing negotiations, Ukraine and Russia remain divided on key issues of security and territory.

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.

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.

On Saturday, Russia launched a large drone and missile attack on Kyiv and Kharkiv, Ukraine, resulting in at least one death and numerous injuries. The strikes occurred as US, Ukrainian, and Russian negotiators met in the United Arab Emirates for the second day of peace talks. The attacks caused widespread outages of heat, water, and power in Kyiv, with fires breaking out in several buildings. In Kharkiv, drones struck a dormitory for displaced people, a hospital, and a maternity hospital. The Russian strikes coincide with Russia's continued insistence on controlling the Donbas region, raising doubts about their commitment to peace.

Ukraine's foreign minister accused Vladimir Putin of undermining potential peace negotiations with recent large-scale strikes. This accusation comes as Russia insists that Kyiv must withdraw its troops from annexed eastern territories as a precondition for any peace agreement. Prior to the planned three-way talks, Putin reportedly discussed a Ukraine settlement with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in lengthy overnight discussions. The timing of the strikes, just before negotiations, suggests a deliberate attempt to weaken Ukraine's position at the negotiating table, according to Kyiv. The location of the strikes was within Ukraine.