Russian strikes on Ukraine continued overnight as Moscow launched a large wave of drones and missiles across several regions, damaging infrastructure and wounding civilians. The attacks came just hours before Ukrainian and US officials were scheduled to open talks in Geneva aimed at advancing negotiations to end the war.
The latest escalation underscored the continued intensity of the four‑year conflict despite ongoing diplomatic efforts supported by Washington.
Over 400 drones and multiple missiles launched overnight
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian forces launched 420 drones and 39 missiles during the night, targeting critical energy sites and residential areas across eight regions. He reported dozens of wounded and confirmed strikes on gas infrastructure and electrical substations near Kyiv.
In the capital, air defense units intercepted incoming drones and ballistic missiles. Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, urged residents to remain in shelters until alerts were cleared. Kyiv police said debris caused fires and structural damage in three districts, including non-residential buildings and a two‑storey house. No casualties were reported in the capital.
Casualties reported in Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk
The attacks extended across the country. Kharkiv regional chief Oleg Synegubov said 14 people were wounded in the city and a nearby village, including a seven‑year‑old boy. In Zaporizhzhia, regional head Ivan Fedorov reported seven wounded and damage to 19 apartment blocks, four homes and several facilities.
In the Dnipropetrovsk region, two people were wounded in Kryvyi Rig, said regional official Oleksandr Ganzha. Poland said it scrambled fighter jets in response to the trajectory of Russian missiles overnight.
Diplomatic push in Geneva amid stalled negotiations
Kyiv and Washington are opening a new round of talks in Geneva led by Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. A broader trilateral session including Russia is planned for early March.
The talks are part of a diplomatic framework initiated by the United States to break the deadlock in negotiations. Russia continues to push for full control of the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine and has warned it may seize the territory militarily if Kyiv refuses its terms.
Trump and Zelensky hold preparatory call
Ahead of the Geneva meeting, President Zelensky spoke with US President Donald Trump for 30 minutes. He said they discussed the issues to be addressed in the bilateral talks and preparations for the upcoming trilateral session with Russia. Zelensky stressed that a direct leaders’ meeting could be needed to resolve the most sensitive points of negotiation.
Russian economic envoy also expected in Geneva
Russian state agency Tass reported that Kirill Dmitriev, the Kremlin’s envoy for economic affairs, is expected to arrive in Geneva for discussions with US representatives on economic issues linked to the conflict.
Why the Geneva talks matter
The Geneva meetings could influence the next phase of diplomacy over the war. Ukraine insists that any agreement must include security guarantees that prevent future attacks, while rejecting Russian demands relating to territory in the Donbas.
For Iraq and the wider region, stable European energy markets and reduced geopolitical tensions remain significant, particularly due to global oil pricing and regional diplomatic alignments.
Conclusion:
The surge in Russian strikes on Ukraine underscored the challenges facing negotiators in Geneva. While both sides prepare for further discussions, the conflict continues to inflict heavy damage on civilians and infrastructure across the country.
