Russia reported “serious damage” in the border town of Belgorod after Ukrainian missiles pounded energy facilities, disrupting electricity, water and heating.
The attack on Belgorod, 40km from the Ukrainian border, and the surrounding district was the second in five days to cause serious damage.
"Serious damage has been caused to energy infrastructure facilities. As a result, there have been power outages, water supply disruptions, and heating failures," governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said.
There was no immediate comment from Ukrainian officials.
The International Monetary Fund, meanwhile, approved an $8.1bn, four-year loan for Ukraine, of which $1.5bn would be disbursed immediately to plug widening funding gaps.
Volodymyr Zelensky said the next round of US-brokered trilateral peace talks between Russia and Ukraine would likely take place in Abu Dhabi in early March, after the post-war reconstruction talks concluded in Geneva.
“Everything will have to be finalised. Everything that has been achieved for real security guarantees and preparing a meeting at the leaders' level," Zelensky said in his nightly video address, referring to the forthcoming meeting.
Key Points
- Serious damage in Russian town after Ukraine strikes Belgorod
- Ukraine reveal major new defence tactic in bid to combat Russia threat
- Ukraine to cover 4,000km of roads with anti-drone nets by year-end
- Russia used British island territories to route $8bn of trade since invasion – report
- Russia unlikely to launch a new major offensive on Ukraine amid major battlefield losses
- Putin plans mandatory reserve call-ups amid rising troops casualties – ISW
Russia attacked Ukraine with missiles and drones overnight, injuring at least 20 people
06:26 , Shweta SharmaRussia launched overnight missile and drone strikes on Ukraine, damaging residential buildings and injuring around 20 people in the eastern and southern regions, local authorities said on Thursday.
Ballistic and cruise missiles targeted Kyiv and the surrounding region, as well as Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine, while drones struck the southern city of Zaporizhzhia. Officials have not yet disclosed how many missiles and drones were used or identified the primary targets.
In recent months, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, destroying power plants and substations and causing prolonged blackouts across entire regions.
In the Kharkiv region, at least 14 people – including a seven-year-old boy – were injured, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said on Telegram. He added that the city was hit by two missiles and 17 drones.
Zaporizhzhia Governor Ivan Fedorov said seven people were wounded and 19 apartment buildings damaged in the city. Around 500 homes were left without heating due to infrastructure damage. He posted images showing shattered walls, destroyed houses and damaged shops.
In Kyiv, authorities reported that falling debris from intercepted missiles and drones damaged buildings in three districts of the capital.
Kenyan court charges man with recruiting people to fight for Russia
06:06 , Shweta SharmaA Kenyan court on Thursday charged a man with attempting to recruit and traffic 25 people to fight for Russia in its war against Ukraine, according to prosecutors and court documents.
Festus Arasa Omwamba, director of a recruiting company, was accused of trafficking the victims to Russia “for the purpose of exploitation by means of deception”, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions said. He pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors said 22 of the 25 individuals were rescued last September from an apartment complex in Athi River, a town in Machakos County near Nairobi, before they could travel to Russia. Three others who had already travelled allegedly ended up on the front lines of the war and later returned to Kenya with injuries.
At least two South Africans have been killed while fighting for Russian forces in Ukraine, foreign minister Ronald Lamola said on Thursday.
Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said more than 1,700 Africans were fighting for Russia, accusing Moscow of using deception to lure recruits.
Kenya’s National Intelligence Service said in a report last week that some recruitment agencies had colluded with rogue airport, immigration and other state officials, as well as staff at the Russian Embassy in Nairobi and the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow, to facilitate travel. The report estimated that more than 1,000 Kenyans could be in Russia.
Russia’s embassy in Nairobi denied any involvement in illegal recruitment, though it said foreign citizens were permitted to voluntarily join the Russian armed forces.
The court ordered Omwamba to remain in police custody pending a bail hearing. Kenya’s foreign ministry has said 27 stranded Kenyans have been rescued, and foreign minister Musalia Mudavadi is expected to visit Russia in March for talks on the issue.
In pictures: Russia's Belgorod town after strikes
05:35 , Shweta SharmaRussia said it suffered serious damage after Ukrainian missiles struck the Belgorod town.
Russian officials reported power outages and water and electricity disruptions.
The town has been frequently targeted by Ukraine’s military during the four years of war.
Over 90,000 Ukrianians missing since war began
05:19 , Shweta SharmaMore than 90,000 Ukrainians have been officially registered as missing since the start of Russia’s invasion, the country’s commissioner for missing persons said.
The figure was reported by Ukrainska Pravda, citing Commissioner for Missing Persons Artur Dobroserdov, as authorities continued efforts to trace thousands of soldiers and civilians whose whereabouts were unknown amid ongoing fighting and restricted access to Russian-occupied territories.
Ukraine marked the fourth anniversary of the war this week.
IMF approves $8.1bn loan for Ukraine
05:00 , Shweta SharmaThe International Monetary Fund has approved an $8.1bn, four-year loan for Ukraine, with $1.5bn to be disbursed immediately to support the government as the war with Russia enters its fifth year.
The new Extended Fund Facility will anchor a broader $136.5bn international support package and replace a $15.5bn programme agreed in 2023.
Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko said the funding would help cover a projected $136.5 billion budget gap over four years, alongside support including a €90bn EU loan.
The IMF said the programme would stabilise Ukraine’s economy, address its balance of payments needs and support reforms aimed at boosting growth, tackling corruption and strengthening institutions.
Ukraine’s economy is forecast to grow by 1.8–2.5% in 2026, while inflation is expected to ease to around 6.1%. The IMF put the cost of rebuilding the country at $588bn over the next decade, citing a joint assessment with the World Bank, EU and UN.
The programme will be reviewed quarterly and could be adjusted if peace talks progress.
Vatican takes unusual political step with new Ukrainian stamp
04:52 , Shweta SharmaThe Vatican has unveiled a new postage stamp honouring Ukraine's Catholics, featuring a striking image of Kyiv's Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ during a blackout.
This design marks an unusually pointed reference to the daily struggles faced by Ukrainians amid the ongoing war.
Typically, the Vatican Postal Service avoids political themes in its stamp designs, usually opting for religious figures or holidays.
Two South Africans killed fighting for Russia as 1,700 recruited
04:15 , Shweta SharmaAt least two South Africans have been killed while fighting for Russian forces in Ukraine, foreign minister Ronald Lamola said on Thursday, as 15 men who were reportedly misled into joining mercenary units were repatriated.
Ukrainian foreign minister said more than 1,700 Africans are fighting for Russia in its war in Ukraine, adding that Moscow was using deception to trick them into fighting.
"We clearly see that Russia is trying to drag African citizens into a deadly war," Andrii Sybiha told a news conference. "According to our data, there are currently over 1,780 citizens from the African continent fighting in the Russian army."
Eleven of them returned home on Wednesday, part of a group of 17 who had sought assistance from Pretoria after being stranded for months in the heart of the fighting in Ukraine’s Donbas region.
Four arrived last week, while two remain in Russia undergoing treatment for what Lamola described as “very severe” injuries.
“There are other South Africans that we have since discovered were part of the process, and we have since discovered that some have also died,” Lamola told state broadcaster SABC.
Zelensky says next trilateral talks to take place in Abu Dhabi next month
04:00 , Shweta SharmaThe next round of US-brokered trilateral peace talks between Russia and Ukraine is likely to take place in Abu Dhabi in early March, president Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday.
He made the remarks in an evening address following discussions in Geneva between US and Ukrainian officials on post-war reconstruction.
Zelensky said in his regular nightly address that there was “already more readiness for the next trilateral format”.
Reaffirming his call for direct talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin, he said preparations were needed for “a meeting at the leadership level”.
“This format can solve a lot,” he added.
Melania Trump will preside over a UN Security Council meeting in a first for a first lady
03:38 , Shweta SharmaUS first lady Melania Trump will preside over a UN Security Council meeting in what the United Nations on Thursday said would be a first.
When the wife of president Donald Trump takes her seat in the president's chair on Monday afternoon, it "will be the first time a first lady, or first gentleman for that matter, has ever presided over a Security Council meeting," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters.
The United States takes over the rotating presidency of the 15-member council for the month of March, and the first lady's office said the meeting she will preside over will "emphasize education's role in advancing tolerance and world peace."
Melania Trump has made children in conflict one of her signature issues, writing a letter to Russian president Vladimir Putin last year ahead of a summit with president Trump and later announcing that the effort had led to a group of children displaced by the Russia-Ukraine war reuniting with their families.
It comes as President Trump has criticized the United Nations, saying repeatedly that the 193-member world body has not lived up to its potential.
Dujarric said UN political chief Rosemary DiCarlo will be briefing the Security Council on behalf of the secretary-general at Monday's meeting presided over by the first lady and officially entitled "Children, Technology, and Education in Conflict."
Russia says it downed 220 Ukrainian drones over nine hours
03:21 , Shweta SharmaRussia’s defence ministry said on Thursday that its air defence units had shot down 220 Ukrainian drones over a nine-hour period, including 24 that were headed towards Moscow.
In its latest statement, the ministry said 53 drones were intercepted and destroyed in the three hours leading up to 11pm (2000 GMT).
Many of the drones were downed over regions in central Russia, with the ministry adding that 12 had been targeting the capital.
Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin, writing on Telegram, said 27 drones had been shot down while flying towards the city, starting at around 5pm.
Ukraine strikes Russia's Belgorod
02:10 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUkrainian missiles struck the Russian town of Belgorod near the border, inflicting serious damage on energy installations and disrupting power, water and heating, the regional governor said during the early hours of Friday.
The attack on Belgorod, 40km from the Ukrainian border, and the surrounding district was the second in five days to cause serious damage.
The area has been a frequent target of Ukraine's military in the four years since Russia invaded its smaller neighbour.
“Serious damage has occurred to energy infrastructure,” Vyacheslav Gladkov wrote on Telegram. “As a result, there have been disruptions to supplies of power, water and heating.”
Gladkov said the extent of the damage would be assessed at first light.
IMF approves $8.1bn loan for Ukraine
01:43 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe International Monetary Fund (IMF) said its executive board had approved an $8.1bn, four-year loan for Ukraine, of which $1.5bn would be disbursed immediately.
The IMF said the new Extended Fund Facility arrangement for Ukraine would help anchor a $136.5bn international support package for the war-torn country, which this week marked the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion.
The new loan, which replaces a $15.5bn program that was approved in 2023, will help Kyiv to maintain economic stability and keep public spending flowing, the IMF said.
Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko hailed the IMF loan as part of a broader financial framework that would cover an estimated budget shortfall of $136.5 billion over four years.
"It is very important for us that in the fifth year of the full-scale war, against the backdrop of systematic attacks on the energy sector, Ukraine has guaranteed international financial support from partners and the resources for the stable functioning of the state," she wrote on Telegram.
Kenya charges man with trying to traffic people to fight for Russia
Thursday 26 February 2026 23:58 , James ReynoldsA Kenyan court has charged a man with trying to hire and traffic 25 people to fight for Russia in its war with Ukraine, the prosecutor's office and a court filing said.
The court charged Festus Arasa Omwamba, director of a recruiting company, of trafficking the victims to "Russia for the purpose of exploitation by means of deception", the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions said.
Kenya has been trying to crack down on the conscription of soldiers following petitions from families who say their relatives have been lured in by lucrative job offers in Russia only to be sent to the frontlines:
From Korea to Kenya: All the countries dragged into fighting the Ukraine-Russia war
US 'slows sale of Lukoil assets to pressure Russia'
Thursday 26 February 2026 23:02 , James ReynoldsThe United States has slowed the sale of Russian oil giant Lukoil's international assets to pressure Russia in the Ukraine peace talks, according to four sources familiar with the discussions.
On Thursday, the US Office of Foreign Assets Control will extend the February 28 deadline to April 1 for deals to be concluded, an OFAC document reviewed by Reuters showed.
OFAC has already extended the deadline three times for potential buyers to negotiate with Lukoil for assets valued at $22 billion since Washington imposed sanctions on the two Russian oil companies in October.
Ukraine front line mapped: The 745 miles at the heart of the war with Russia
Thursday 26 February 2026 22:01 , James Reynolds“Russia will probably, in 2026, continue to make slow progress month by month,” assessed military analyst Emil Kastehelmi, as the war entered its fifth year.
“Likely their approach is that they are trying to beat Ukraine in an attritional war, which means bleeding out the Ukrainian army.”
The war has changed significantly since 2022, driven largely by the advent and scaling of drones on the modern battlefield:
Ukraine front line mapped: The 745 miles at the heart of the war with Russia
Attacks on Ukraine's energy system to lower economic growth: report
Thursday 26 February 2026 21:00 , James ReynoldsUkraine will see less growth this year due to extensive destruction of Ukraine's energy infrastructure by Russia over the winter, an international development bank has warned.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Redevelopment halved its 2026 growth forecast for the country to 2.5% in its current outlook from 5% growth in the previous estimate from September.
Here’s what it means for Ukraine.
Russia sets timeline for Telegram ban: report
Thursday 26 February 2026 20:02 , James ReynoldsRussia has reportedly decided on a time frame to block the Telegram messaging app, potentially by April.
The RBC news outlet is reporting that within months, Telegram will only be available on the frontlines.
The issue has been subject of debate as Russia argues it has been used as a platform for illegal content.
Telegram says Russia is trying to throttle it to force people onto a new state-run app.
Recap: Ukraine opens first drone production factory in UK
Thursday 26 February 2026 19:03 , James ReynoldsThe first Ukrainian drone production factory started operations in Suffolk on Wednesday, in a boost for Britain’s defence industry.
Ukrainian firm Ukrspecsystems has invested £200m into sites in Mildenhall and Elmsett, and is expected to create up to 500 British jobs at the locations and the wider UK supply chain.
Here’s what it matters:
In pictures: Devastation in aftermath of overnight strikes in Kharkiv
Thursday 26 February 2026 18:01 , James ReynoldsVolodymyr Zelensky said this morning that Russia had fired 420 drones and 39 missiles at Ukraine overnight.
“Destruction has been recorded in eight regions, with many private homes and apartment buildings damaged,” he wrote on social media.
At least 26 people were injured, according to local reports.
Watch: Russian soldiers describe harrowing moments they saw their comrades brutally killed
Thursday 26 February 2026 17:01 , James ReynoldsBritain seeks to ban firms from insuring Russian oil
Thursday 26 February 2026 16:29 , James ReynoldsThe UK would support a maritime ban on firms insuring Russian oil, a British diplomat said on Wednesday.
Esther Blythe, deputy director for Russia and Belarus sanctions at the Foreign Office, told the House of Commons Business and Trade Sub-Committee on Economic Security: “We would support moving to a full maritime services ban on Russian crude oil and refined oil products, working with international partners. We continue to discuss that with Europeans.”
The EU proposed a full maritime services ban for Russian crude as part of the 20th sanctions package.
Trade and Business Committee Chair Liam Byrne said he understood that “our American colleagues are not quite there yet.”
Russian envoy arrives in Geneva
Thursday 26 February 2026 15:55 , James ReynoldsRussian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev has arrived in Geneva, the Russian RIA news agency is reporting.
US and Ukrainian delegations met today without Russia. The next trilateral talks are expected in March.
RIA said Dmitriev arrived at the Four Seasons Hotel in Geneva at 4.25pm local time and is expected to hold talks with the US side only.
Russia sets timeline for Telegram ban: report
Thursday 26 February 2026 15:24 , James ReynoldsRussia has reportedly decided on a time frame to block the Telegram messaging app, potentially by April.
The RBC news outlet is reporting that within months, Telegram will only be available on the frontlines.
The issue has been subject of debate as Russia argues it has been used as a platform for illegal content.
Telegram says Russia is trying to throttle it to force people onto a new state-run app.
Russians describe senior officers ordering brutal execution of fellow soldiers
Thursday 26 February 2026 15:03 , James ReynoldsRussian troops have described the harrowing moments they saw their fellow soldiers executed for refusing to obey orders.
The men report being tortured for declining to take part in assaults they describe as verging on suicide missions in Ukraine in a new BBC documentary, The Zero Line: Inside Russia’s War.
As the war enters its fifth year, the UK Ministry of Defence estimates that 1.2 million Russian troops have been killed or injured.
Russians describe senior officers ordering brutal execution of fellow soldiers
EU 'must be mad' to ban Russian oil, says Kremlin
Thursday 26 February 2026 14:28 , James ReynoldsRussia said on Thursday that only a "madman" could propose a permanent ban on oil imports from Russia, as planned by the EU.
Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova added that Russia would retaliate against an EU decision to cut its diplomatic representation in Brussels, and said the move showed the bloc did not deserve to take part in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
Analysis - We’re experts on the Ukraine war. Here’s what we think will happen next
Thursday 26 February 2026 14:02 , James ReynoldsStefan Wolff, Tetyana Malyarenko, Scott Lucas and Mark Webber were interviewed four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine about what they think will happen in 2026:
We’re experts on the Ukraine war. Here’s what we think will happen next
Deployment of British troops in Ukraine will prolong war, says Russia
Thursday 26 February 2026 13:33 , James ReynoldsRussia’s foreign ministry said on Thursday that the deployment of British troops in Ukraine would prolong the war, rather than end it, after Britain and France pledged 5,000 soldiers each.
US-Ukraine meeting begins
Thursday 26 February 2026 13:32 , James ReynoldsThe meeting between the US and Ukrainian delegations in Geneva has started, the head of the Ukrainian delegation has said.
Britain would have to pull troops from bases to support Ukraine deal, defence figures say
Thursday 26 February 2026 13:03 , James ReynoldsThe UK would likely have to pull troops from bases in Europe to send a force to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal, senior defence officials have said.
Volodymyr Zelensky says that Britain and France have each committed to sending around 5,000 troops to Ukraine to help uphold the peace - a pledge still opposed by Russia.
But a senior defence official told The Times that Britain would likely have to “pull people out of the Baltics or out of Cyprus” to fulfil its promise.
“That would not be ideal,” they assessed. “If it’s the Baltics, it just opens us up on another front. And Cyprus has incredibly important capabilities.”
Ukraine opens first drone production factory in UK
Thursday 26 February 2026 12:26 , James ReynoldsThe first Ukrainian drone production factory started operations in Suffolk on Wednesday, in a boost for Britain’s defence industry.
Ukrainian firm Ukrspecsystems has invested £200m into sites in Mildenhall and Elmsett, and is expected to create up to 500 British jobs at the locations and the wider UK supply chain.
Here’s how the factory is hoped to help the UK and Ukraine:
Watch: Trump says he is 'working very hard to end the slaughter' in Ukraine
Thursday 26 February 2026 12:02 , James ReynoldsAt least 26 now injured in Russian strikes overnight
Thursday 26 February 2026 11:14 , James ReynoldsAt least 26 people were injured in the Russian strikes on Ukraine overnight, officials said, revising an earlier report upwards.
420 drones and 39 missiles targeted sites across the country, president Zelensky said.
Britain would have to pull troops from bases to support Ukraine deal, defence figures say
Thursday 26 February 2026 10:33 , James ReynoldsThe UK would likely have to pull troops from bases in Europe to send a force to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal, senior defence officials have said.
Volodymyr Zelensky says that Britain and France have each committed to sending around 5,000 troops to Ukraine to help uphold the peace - a pledge still opposed by Russia.
But a senior defence official told The Times that Britain would likely have to “pull people out of the Baltics or out of Cyprus” to fulfil its promise.
“That would not be ideal,” they assessed. “If it’s the Baltics, it just opens us up on another front. And Cyprus has incredibly important capabilities.”
Defending NATO's eastern flank would cost 1.2 trn euros, says Poland
Thursday 26 February 2026 10:02 , James ReynoldsPolish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski told parliament today that defending NATO’s eastern flank in case of Russian aggression would cost at least 1.2trn euros.
"Defending the countries of NATO's eastern flank in the event of a potential Russian aggression would cost at least twelve hundred billion euros – twenty-four times more than the Polish defence budget," he said on Thursday.
Ukraine reveal major new defence tactic in bid to combat Russia threat
Thursday 26 February 2026 09:03 , James ReynoldsUkraine is set to significantly ramp up its defences against Russian attacks with plans to deploy anti-drone nets across 4,000 kilometres of roads in frontline areas.
The Independent reported previously on how drones have completely changed the modern frontline.
Learn how the anti-drone nets will work:
Ukraine reveal major new defence tactic in bid to combat Russia threat
What to expect from today's peace talks
Thursday 26 February 2026 08:46 , James ReynoldsWhere are the talks?
Geneva.
When will they take place?
They are expected to start around lunchtime.
Who will attend?
Ukrainian negotiators and US officials, including US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
Why are they meeting?
Ukraine says they expect to talk about post-war reconstruction, including a prosperity package. They also want to discuss the next round of talks with Russia, slated for March.
Russia 'fires 420 drones and 39 missiles at Ukraine'
Thursday 26 February 2026 08:27 , James ReynoldsVolodymyr Zelensky said this morning that Russia had fired 420 drones and 39 missiles at Ukraine overnight.
“Destruction has been recorded in eight regions, with many private homes and apartment buildings damaged,” he wrote on social media.
“As of now, dozens of people are reported injured as a result of this attack, including children.”
Around 20 injured in Russia strikes against Ukraine overnight
Thursday 26 February 2026 08:01 , James ReynoldsRussia struck Ukraine with missiles and drones overnight, injuring about 20 people in the eastern and southern regions, local authorities said.
Ballistic and cruise missiles were directed at Kyiv, the wider region and Kharkiv in the east, while drones attacked Zaporizhzhia in the south.
At least 14 people were injured in the Kharkiv region, including a seven-year-old boy, Kharkiv Governor Oleh Syniehubov said on Telegram, adding that the city itself had been attacked by two missiles and 17 drones.
Four Ukrainian journalists killed working in Ukraine last year: report
Thursday 26 February 2026 07:28 , James ReynoldsFour Ukrainian journalists were killed by Russian forces last year, according to a report.
The Committee to Protect Journalists released new figures on Wednesday, finding a record 129 journalists and media workers were killed in the course of their work in 2025.
Russia's embassy in Washington did not respond specifically to the CPJ report, but referred to past Russian Foreign Ministry statements accusing Kyiv of responsibility for the deaths of more than 60 individuals working in Russian media since 2014.
Russia has previously denied deliberately targeting journalists and Ukraine denies targeting Russian reporters.
The New York-based organisation found Israel was responsible for two-thirds of the deaths last year, killing 86 journalists - claims the IDF “strongly rejects”.
Russia questions how Trump's Board of Peace will work with UN Security Council
Thursday 26 February 2026 07:19 , Arpan RaiRussia has questioned how president Donald Trump's Board of Peace would work with the United Nations Security Council, which has served as the fulcrum of collective international peacemaking since the end of the Second World War.
"The charter of the Board of Peace defines itself as a new international structure designed to replace 'mechanisms that have too often proved ineffective'," Russian foreign ministry official Kirill Logvinov told state news agency TASS.
"It is clear that this approach raises questions about how the Board of Peace will coexist with the United Nations and its Security Council, which is the only universally recognised body for maintaining international peace and security,” the Russian ministry said, posing signs of objection to Trump’s peace body.
Trump first proposed the board in September, when he unveiled his plan to end Israel's war in Gaza. Later, he said its remit would expand to tackle other conflicts globally - efforts traditionally overseen by the United Nations.
The board's mandate never mentions Gaza, Logvinov, the director of the ministry's international organisations department, added in an interview.
The US is the only permanent member of the UNSC to have joined the board. The other council members are Russia, China, Britain and France.
At least 20 injured in overnight attacks on Ukraine, including Zelensky's hometown
Thursday 26 February 2026 07:05 , Arpan RaiAt least 20 people have been injured in eastern and southern Ukraine after Russia attacked the country with missiles and drones last night, causing damage to residential buildings, local authorities said on Thursday.
Ballistic and cruise missiles were directed at Kyiv, the Kyiv region and Kharkiv in the east of the country, while drones attacked Zaporizhzhia in the south.
At least 14 people were injured in the Kharkiv region, including a seven-year-old boy, Kharkiv governor Oleh Syniehubov said on Telegram, adding that the city itself had been attacked by two missiles and 17 drones.
Zaporizhzhia governor Ivan Fedorov said that at least seven people were injured in the overnight attack on the city and that Russian drones damaged 19 apartment buildings, while another 500 homes were left without heating due to damage to infrastructure.
Fedorov published photographs of houses with holes in the walls, destroyed private homes and smashed shops.
The Ukraine Air Force is yet to disclose the total number of missiles and drones used in the attack on Ukraine, and the main targets that were struck.
Watch:
Thursday 26 February 2026 06:45 , Arpan RaiRussia attacks Ukrainian cities with missiles and drones overnight
Thursday 26 February 2026 06:35 , Arpan RaiRussia has launched a major overnight attack on Ukraine with missiles and drones, regional officials from Kyiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia and Kryvyi Rih confirmed.
The first explosions were reported in Kyiv around 4am local time, reported the Kyiv Independent as Ukrainian air defence said it was engaging incoming targets.
Russia was attacking the Ukrainian capital with both, ballistic missiles and drones, said Kyiv city military administration head Tymur Tkachenko.
He also urged the residents to remain in shelters until the air raid alert was lifted.
Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko also said defences were operating in the city and asked residents to stay in safe locations as the air defences continued to intercept drones.
