Ukraine updates: Russia hits Odesa ahead of war anniversary
Deutsche Welle
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Russia escalated its attacks on Ukraine ahead of the fourth anniversary of its full-scale invasion, targeting Odesa while also intensifying efforts to disrupt critical infrastructure across NATO member states. Meanwhile, Hungary has emerged as a key obstacle to EU sanctions against Russia by blocking a 20th package over disputes tied to the damaged Druzhba pipeline. The pipeline, which transports Russian oil through Ukraine to Central and Eastern European countries, was targeted by Russian forces earlier this year, prompting accusations of deliberate sabotage from Kyiv.
Poland has also taken significant action, arresting an alleged Belarusian spy accused of gathering intelligence on critical infrastructure in Poland, Germany, and Lithuania. The suspect, identified as Pavlov T., faces up to five years in prison if convicted. This move comes amid a broader crackdown on suspected Russian and Belarusian espionage activities since the start of the war, with Poland previously detaining dozens of individuals tied to Russia.
In another critical development, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned Russia's invasion, describing it as an era of "utter barbarity." He highlighted Ukraine's significant territorial gains in February and noted that Russia's economy is struggling under the weight of sanctions and prolonged warfare. Meanwhile, retired US General Ben Hodges has warned that while Europe possesses the military power to influence the conflict, a lack of political unity could hinder efforts to achieve a decisive outcome.
The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine and its
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/23/2026