Russia kills four Ukrainians on eve of fourth war anniversary
Al Jazeera
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Russian military has killed at least four Ukrainians in a recent wave of attacks, marking a grim milestone as the fourth anniversary of Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II approaches. In Odesa, Russian drones targeted industrial, energy, and civilian infrastructure, causing significant damage to production facilities, administrative buildings, and even an apartment where one drone failed to detonate. Meanwhile, in Zaporizhia, over 750 attacks were reported, resulting in two deaths. The northern region of Kharkiv also faced missile strikes, though casualty figures remain unclear due to ongoing damage assessments.
Amid the fighting, EU foreign ministers convened in Brussels to address a $106 billion loan package for Ukraine and a new round of sanctions on Russia. The sanctions include restrictions on Russian oil exports via sea, as well as financial measures aimed at curbing Russia’s economic activities. However, Hungary has threatened to block the loan unless Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline resume. This move has sparked criticism from other EU nations, with Poland and Estonia expressing shock over Hungary’s stance. Meanwhile, Ukraine accuses Russia of bombing the pipeline, while Hungary and Slovakia argue that Ukraine is responsible for halting oil deliveries.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges in uniting European countries against Russia, as internal disputes over energy supplies and financial aid complicate efforts to support Ukraine. With the war showing no signs of resolution, the international community remains closely watching the developments in Ukraine and the broader implications for global security and politics.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/23/2026