Heavy Missile Strikes Hit Kyiv Ahead of Invasion Anniversary

On February 22, 2026, Kyiv endured a significant overnight missile and drone strike from Russia, resulting in damage to energy installations and residential buildings. This attack occurs just two days before the fourth anniversary of Russia's broader military invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022. Ukrainian officials reported that Russia unleashed approximately 50 missiles and 300 drones during this assault.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the situation through social media, expressing concern that Russia appears to prioritise military assaults over diplomatic efforts. He noted, "Moscow continues to invest in strikes more than in diplomacy," stressing that the primary targets during the attacks were energy-related facilities. Ordinary residential structures also suffered damage, alongside railway infrastructure, worsening an already dire energy crisis for many regions.

The overnight attacks resulted in casualties, with one person reported dead and twelve injured, including four children, according to Ukraine’s national police. Rescuers responded to a two-storey residential building in the village of Sofiivska Borshchagivka, now largely destroyed. One resident, Olga, described the terrifying moment of impact, stating, "I felt the building shaking... the force was strong."

Anton, another resident nearby reiterated the absence of military sites, emphasising that the area boasts schools and homes rather than military installations. The Russian military claimed that their strikes were focused on reaching facilities used by Ukraine's armed forces, alleging that they successfully hit all identified targets.

The missile barrage has elevated security alerts across Ukraine, extending even to its western border. In response to the strikes, Ukraine's Energy Ministry announced power outages affecting six eastern and southeastern regions of the country.

The conflict's toll continues to escalate as Russia is reported to have occupied nearly a fifth of Ukraine's territory, particularly in the eastern Donbas region. Ukrainian operations have seen successful counterattacks, reportedly reclaiming approximately 300 square kilometres (approximately 116 square miles) of territory. President Zelenskyy has publicly stated, "We are definitely not losing the war," with victory remaining a key objective.

The situation was further complicated by Hungary's announcement that it would hinder the European Union's latest sanctions package against Russia unless Ukraine permitted the reopening of the Druzhba oil pipeline. This pipeline previously sustained Russian oil deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia but was damaged during earlier strikes in January.

The intensity of these recent attacks has raised alarms globally, with the United States advocating for a cessation of hostilities and facilitating discussions to promote peace, although tangible progress lacks clarity. The attack on February 22 serves as a reminder of the ongoing humanitarian and infrastructural crisis faced by Ukraine as the nation prepares to commemorate the grim four-year milestone of the invasion.