Russia Attacks Ukraine Ahead of Invasion’s 4th Anniversary

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by Kim Barker

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Russia escalated its military campaign against Ukraine, launching a barrage of drones and missiles that killed at least one man in Kyiv, just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The attack came despite recent U.S.-mediated peace talks in Geneva, which ended without significant progress. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed frustration over the lack of meaningful results from these negotiations, while Moscow resumed its assault on critical infrastructure across Ukraine. The offensive included hundreds of Russian drones and dozens of missiles targeting Kyiv’s power grid and other key locations. Ukrainian forces reported intercepting 33 out of 50 Russian missiles and 274 out of 297 drones. Tragically, a 49-year-old man was killed in Kyiv, with 15 others injured, including four children. In the western city of Lviv, an explosion claimed the life of a police officer, though it remains unclear if Russia was directly responsible for this incident. Ukraine is set to mark the fourth anniversary of the invasion on February 24, highlighting the ongoing struggle and the dire need for peace. The upcoming round of talks, expected by early March, offers hope for resolution but faces significant challenges due to Russia’s continued aggression. This latest escalation underscores the complex and dangerous situation in Eastern Europe, with immediate impacts on civilians and broader implications for global stability. The conflict’s persistence despite diplomatic efforts highlights the deep divisions between the two nations and the international community’s struggle to achieve a lasting peace. As Ukraine prepares to commemorate its苦难 anniversary, the world watches closely, recognizing the critical importance of resolving this conflict to prevent further loss of life and regional instability.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/22/2026