Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,458
Al Jazeera
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Russia-Ukraine war continued with significant developments on day 1,458, as Ukrainian forces launched counterattacks targeting Russian-held territories, causing casualties and infrastructure damage. In the Kharkiv region, a Russian drone attack near Serednii Burluk killed two police officers, while a warehouse in Malynivka saw its death toll rise to three following a Russian strike. Meanwhile, Russian forces fired ballistic missiles and 128 drones overnight, with Ukrainian defenses managing to shoot down 107 of them. The conflict also extended to energy infrastructure, with Naftogaz reporting damage to oil and gas facilities in the Poltava region.
In Zaporizhia, Russian attacks with guided bombs targeted Komyshuvas, injuring two individuals. On the frontlines in Belgorod, Ukraine’s counterattacks included a drone strike that killed two people and another that injured several others. Additionally, a hospital in Voronok was targeted by Ukrainian drones, though no casualties were reported. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant remained under heavy shelling, with Ukrainian forces intensifying their attacks on the region's electric grid, leaving parts of northwest Zaporizhia without power.
Politically, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are set to chair a virtual summit for Ukraine’s “Coalition of the Allies” on February 24, marking four years since Russia’s invasion. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported no progress in peace talks mediated by the U.S., with Russian forces showing no signs of retreat. The Kremlin remains non-committal about future谈判 locations, further complicating diplomatic efforts.
Energy developments also took center stage as the European Commission allowed Germany to assume control of Rosneft’s assets via its PCK Schwedt refinery, despite U.S. sanctions. Serbia secured an additional month of Russian oil imports under a Treasury waiver, while Hungary blocked EU loan disbursements for Ukraine until the Druzhba pipeline resumes operations. These moves underscore the ongoing economic and political challenges posed by the conflict.
The war’s global impact is evident in its far-reaching security and economic implications. As fighting intensifies and diplomatic efforts stall, the international community remains closely watching developments in Ukraine and Russia. The situation highlights the delicate balance of power and resources at play, with no end in sight to Europe’s energy crisis and the broader geopolitical instability fueled by the conflict.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/21/2026