Bombardment Barrage: Russia Launches 420 Drones and 39 Missiles at Ukraine

Russian forces launched 420 drones and 39 missiles at Ukraine overnight from Thursday 26 February to Friday 27 February 2026. Photographs of destruction documented the impact of the assault in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine.

The attacks struck multiple cities, including targeting critical energy infrastructure. The bombardment occurred hours before Ukrainian and US officials were scheduled to meet in Geneva for negotiations.

“Last night, Russia once again waged war against critical infrastructure and ordinary residential buildings,” said Ukrainian President Zelensky, according to AFP.

Dozens of people were reported injured in attacks across eight regions, with gas infrastructure and electrical substations targeted in several areas, including outside Kyiv.

This latest barrage extends Ukraine’s experience of sustained nightly bombardment over recent months. Russia continues to target major cities with missiles and drones amid extreme winter conditions.

President Vladimir Putin initiated this conflict four years ago, claiming the objective was to liberate Russian-speaking groups in eastern Ukraine, whom he alleged were facing severe persecution from Kyiv. The action was also intended to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO.

The United States is currently working intensively to end the conflict. Washington is known to be planning to meet with a Moscow delegation in Geneva in the near future.

The war has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. The fighting has destroyed much of the territory, particularly in eastern and southern Ukraine.