The war between Russia and Ukraine entered its 1,460th day on February 23, with intensified drone and missile strikes targeting major cities and critical infrastructure across Ukraine.
Civilian casualties and damage reported
Russian missile and drone attacks killed at least three people and injured dozens across multiple Ukrainian regions, including Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, and Lviv. In Lviv, near Ukraine’s border with Poland, a 23-year-old police officer was killed and at least 24 others were wounded in what local officials described as a “terrorist act.”
Ukraine’s capital Kyiv and surrounding areas also came under overnight assault, leaving one person dead and 17 injured, including four children. Several residential buildings were damaged, forcing emergency teams to conduct rescue and recovery operations.
Energy infrastructure remains a major target
The latest wave of attacks again focused on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, triggering power outages in Kyiv and several other regions, including Dnipro, Poltava, Mykolaiv, and Sumy. Ukraine’s power operator said energy facilities, railway infrastructure, and civilian housing were among the damaged sites.
Ukrainian air defence units reported that Russia launched a total of 345 aerial weapons, including 50 missiles and 297 drones, with many intercepted before reaching their intended targets.
Ukraine strikes back with drone attacks
Ukraine also carried out drone strikes targeting Russian-controlled territories and infrastructure. A Ukrainian drone attack caused a fire at a fuel storage site in Luhansk, while Russian officials said missile and drone strikes in Belgorod disrupted electricity, heating, and water supplies.
Authorities in Moscow briefly suspended airport operations after air defence systems intercepted multiple Ukrainian drones approaching the capital.
Calls for tougher international sanctions
Ukrainian officials urged the international community to increase pressure on Moscow. Ukraine’s foreign minister called for stronger sanctions, warning that continued attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure pose a major threat to national security and humanitarian conditions.
Conflict continues ahead of invasion anniversary
The renewed escalation comes just days before the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, highlighting ongoing instability and the lack of a negotiated settlement. Military activity remains intense on both sides, with drone warfare playing an increasingly dominant role in the conflict.
Leave a Reply