Ukraine says Russia launched a major aerial attack ahead of Geneva talks with US

On Thursday, February 26, 2026, Russia launched a major aerial attack on Ukraine, according to Ukrainian officials, ahead of planned talks between Kyiv and the US in Geneva. The overnight strikes on the southern city of Zaporizhzhia injured nine people and damaged a high-rise residential building and two shopping centers, as reported by the State Emergency Service and local authorities. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia launched 420 drones and 39 missiles at Ukraine. The attack occurred the day after Ukrainian soldiers were photographed firing at a Russian drone on the frontline in the Donetsk region.

On day 1,463 of the Russia-Ukraine war, February 26, 2026, both sides reported casualties from attacks. A Ukrainian drone strike on a fertilizer factory in Russia's Smolensk region killed seven and injured ten, while Russian attacks near Zaporizhzhia killed four. Russian forces also attacked the Kherson region, resulting in one death and eleven injuries, damaging civilian infrastructure. A Ukrainian drone attack killed one person in Russia’s Kursk region. Russia targeted Ukrainian gas storage and production facilities in the Kharkiv and Chernihiv regions. Ukraine plans to expand anti-drone net coverage over roads in front-line areas. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed hope that upcoming trilateral talks with the US and Russia in March will advance towards ending the war, following a call with US President Trump.