Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,461
Al Jazeera
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Russia-Ukraine conflict continued on day 1,461 with a series of significant incidents and developments. In Moscow, a man detonated an explosive device near a police patrol car in central Savyolovsky railway station square, killing one officer and injuring two others. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials reported multiple drone strikes across the country, including injuries to five people—including a child—in Zaporizhzhia and casualties in Odesa. These attacks targeted both civilians and infrastructure, with ports in Odesa hit by Russian forces, according to Ukraine’s minister for restoration.
Ukrainian forces made gains on the southern front, regaining control of 400 square kilometers of territory near the Druzhba oil pipeline. This marks a notable advance after months of relative dormancy in Ukrainian announcements about territorial progress. The conflict also saw political and diplomatic shifts, with Hungary vetoing new EU sanctions against Russia and a $106 billion loan package for Ukraine over disputes regarding oil supplies.
The Russian economy is under growing strain due to the weight of sanctions and ongoing warfare, as noted by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during his speech in Berlin. Meanwhile, EU leaders are grappling with internal divisions, particularly after Hungary’s veto derailed efforts to approve further sanctions against Russia. Discussions for potential peace talks have also emerged, with Ukrainian officials hinting at a possible round of negotiations later this week.
The conflict remains a focal point for international diplomacy, as NATO and the UN Security Council held commemorations marking four years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. While some European countries are pushing for stronger measures against Russia, Hungary’s stance has drawn sharp criticism from EU colleagues, with accusations that its energy policies are being exploited for political gain ahead of key elections.
As the war enters its fifth year, the situation remains fluid and highly charged. The ongoing attacks on civilians and infrastructure highlight the devastating human toll of the conflict, while
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/24/2026