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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

On Russia's Defender of the Fatherland Day, President Vladimir Putin declared the development of Russia's nuclear triad an "absolute priority," emphasizing its importance for national security and global power balance. He pledged to strengthen the army and navy, enhancing combat readiness and developing advanced weapons systems. This announcement follows Russia's suspension of participation in the New START Treaty, the last arms control agreement with the U.S., though Russia claims it will still adhere to established limits. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Putin's invasion of Ukraine marks the beginning of "World War III," expressing concerns about Russia's territorial ambitions and the need to stop Putin's advance. Zelenskyy made these remarks in an interview with the BBC on February 23rd.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

Western officials claim that Russian battlefield losses in Ukraine exceeded recruitment by approximately 9,000 in January. This suggests Ukraine's strategy to inflict heavier damage on Russian forces is gaining traction. Despite these losses, Russian forces failed to achieve significant territorial gains during the same period. Ukrainian officials aim to increase Russian losses to 50,000 per month by summer, hoping to strain Russia's ability to replace troops without further mobilization. While December saw Russian losses roughly equal to recruitment, the January deficit indicates a potential shift in the conflict's dynamics, although the sustainability of this trend remains uncertain. The assessment of Western officials could not be independently verified.

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.

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.

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.

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 President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the U.S. is proposing a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war by June, potentially influenced by upcoming U.S. midterm elections. Zelensky indicated that the next round of peace talks could occur in about a week, following a proposed energy truce. The U.S. has advised both Ukraine and Russia to halt strikes on energy targets as a de-escalation measure, which Ukraine has accepted. However, shortly after Zelensky's comments, Russian forces launched a missile and drone barrage targeting Ukraine's power grid, leaving much of western Ukraine without essential services.

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.

Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine's power grid on Saturday, causing widespread emergency outages across most regions. Ukrenergo, the state grid operator, reported that the attack damaged energy infrastructure, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and heating. The ongoing assault occurred despite US-brokered peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, which have been held in Abu Dhabi since January. Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of deliberately targeting energy infrastructure during the nearly four-year war. Restoration efforts will commence as soon as the security situation permits.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Friday that the Ukrainian air force needs to improve its performance amidst ongoing Russian drone attacks. These attacks have been targeting Ukraine's energy sector, causing widespread blackouts, particularly in Kyiv. Residents are seeking refuge in emergency shelters called "Points of Invincibility" to cope with the power outages. In Zaporizhzhia, a Russian aerial strike hit a stray dog shelter, resulting in the evacuation of wounded animals. The attacks highlight the strain on Ukraine's infrastructure and the need for enhanced air defense capabilities.