The Russian military has launched a series of intensive strikes targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. During the attacks on February 22, Russia deployed a significant number of drones, along with ballistic and cruise missiles. Authorities in Kyiv reported one fatality and extensive damage to critical infrastructure. The strikes primarily targeted the capital, Kyiv, the Black Sea port city of Odesa, and several regions in central Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the assaults also reached the regions of Dnipro, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Poltava, and Sumy.
President Zelenskyy stated that instead of seeking a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, Moscow remains focused on investing in its military and weaponry to further escalate the hostilities. According to the Ukrainian military, Russia has utilized over 1,300 drones, 1,400 guided bombs, and 96 missiles within the past week. The Ukrainian Air Force further specified that in the most recent wave of attacks, Russia deployed 50 missiles and 297 drones; however, 33 missiles and 274 drones were successfully intercepted and neutralized. In Kyiv, these attacks resulted in one death and five injuries, while causing significant damage to residential buildings across five districts. In Odesa, the strikes targeted energy facilities, leading to a major fire, according to local officials.
Meanwhile, the United States continues its efforts to mediate a peace agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine war. The most recent discussions were held in Geneva, Switzerland, from February 17 to 18. However, those talks concluded without achieving any significant progress.
