Russia fires scores of missiles at Ukraine as Hungary threatens to block EU sanctions

The Guardian World

by Luke Harding in Kyiv and agencies. Photographs by Alessio Mamo

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Russia has escalated its military campaign against Ukraine by launching a barrage of missile and drone strikes targeting key logistics and energy infrastructure. These attacks, which included 297 drones and nearly 50 missiles, were carried out just two days before the fourth anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Moscow for prioritizing military action over diplomacy, emphasizing that a significant portion of these incoming weapons were intercepted by air defense systems but still causing widespread destruction. The strikes have intensified in recent weeks, with a particular focus on energy facilities and transportation hubs. This pattern suggests an effort to disrupt Ukraine's ability to move resources and supplies, further complicating the country's logistics network. Zelenskyy has called on international allies to bolster Ukraine’s air defense systems, highlighting the growing threat posed by Russia’s sustained offensive. Meanwhile, Hungary has emerged as a potential sticking point in the EU’s efforts to impose stricter sanctions on Russian oil imports. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has threatened to block the measures unless certain conditions are met, including additional financial support for Hungary and exemptions for its railway transportation of Russian oil. This stance could significantly impact the unity of EU member states and their ability to implement cohesive sanctions policies. The situation underscores the delicate balance between maintaining solidarity against Russia and addressing individual member states' economic concerns. As Europe grapples with energy security and inflationary pressures, divisions over sanctions could weaken the bloc’s collective response to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The outcome of these negotiations will have far-reaching implications for both the war in Ukraine and European energy policies. This escalation in military action and political tensions highlights the complex and evolving nature of the conflict, with significant consequences for global stability and international relations.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/22/2026