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Padmashree Anandhan
27 February 2026 |
What happened this week?
War on the ground
On 26 February, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for another round of Geneva talks “very soon,” confirming Ukraine’s responses to key negotiation issues under preparation.
On 24 February, marking the fourth anniversary of the invasion, Zelenskyy declared that Russia had not broken Ukraine and reaffirmed commitment to achieving a “strong and lasting peace.” Russia’s President Vladimir Putin stated that strengthening Russia’s nuclear triad was an “absolute priority.”
On 22 February, Ukraine conducted deep strikes inside Russia, targeting a missile production plant in Udmurtia and energy facilities in Belgorod and Samara. In response, Russia temporarily suspended flights at several airports.
Moscow’s claims
On 26 February, Russia launched aerial assaults, using nearly 300 drones and several missiles across Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rig and Lviv. The attack damaged energy grids, logistics corridors and residential infrastructure. Ukrainian air defences claimed to have intercepted a significant proportion of missiles.
The West View
On 25 February, the UNGA adopted a resolution supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity with 107 votes in favour, 12 against and 51 abstentions. On the same day, more than 30 leaders in the “coalition of the willing” urged Russia for an unconditional ceasefire.
On 23 February, Hungary and Slovakia threatened to block a EUR 90 billion EU loan package and further sanctions against Russia unless oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline resumed. The clash exposed internal EU tensions over energy and financial support for Ukraine.
What are the issues?
First, escalation in strike intensity rather than territorial breakthrough. In previous weeks, Russian advances around Pokrovsk and Kupyansk showcased increasing ground pressure. This week, however, a change was seen in the scale of reciprocal long-range attacks. Russia’s near-300-drone barrage expanded targeting into logistics networks, rail infrastructure and municipal systems, signalling an effort to degrade Ukraine’s defence. Simultaneously, Ukraine deepened its strike reach into Russian industrial and energy facilities.
Second, Europe’s energy relationship with Russia remains unresolved. While the EU reduced its reliance on Russian pipeline gas and imposed sanctions, Russian crude exports globally remain substantial (Asian markets). Within Europe, Hungary and Slovakia continue to rely heavily on the Druzhba pipeline, and this week’s dispute exposed how energy dependence still shapes political leverage. Despite declarations of energy autonomy since 2022, the EU has diversified rather than fully cut off Russian energy links.
Third, Ukraine’s defence systems are under strain. Ukrainian air defences intercepted a mass proportion of incoming drones and missiles, preventing wider devastation this week. However, the scale and frequency of Russian infiltration attacks reflect attempts to exhaust interceptor stocks and test resilience. The UK’s new support package, Europe’s joint low-cost drone initiative, and Ukraine’s expanding production partnerships in the UK and Germany also indicate a shift from emergency assistance to longer-term industrial integration.
Fourth, the UN Security Council continues to reflect paralysis in global governance. Since 2022, the Council has been unable to adopt binding resolutions condemning Russia’s invasion due to Russia’s veto power as a permanent member. While humanitarian briefings and emergency sessions continue, the UNSC has not altered the ground dynamics. Diplomatic momentum has shifted instead to the General Assembly, where resolutions carry political weight but no enforcement power.
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