February 26, 2026
Welcome to our coverage of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine reports major bombardment on eve of Geneva talks
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia launched an overnight barrage of about 420 drones and 39 missiles, including 11 ballistic missiles, striking critical infrastructure and residential areas across eight regions. He credited partners for help intercepting most missiles after the rapid delivery of air defense systems agreed at the recent Ramstein meeting, but said there were still hits.
Geneva talks and follow-up plans
US and Ukrainian delegations met at Geneva’s Hotel des Bergues to continue negotiations. Ukraine’s lead negotiator Rustem Umerov said bilateral talks with the American delegation—including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—were held to synchronize positions ahead of planned trilateral talks. Zelenskyy said the Geneva meetings increased readiness for the next trilateral format, which he expects to take place in Abu Dhabi in early March.
Russia signals no hurry to stop fighting
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told state media Russia had no deadlines for ending fighting, saying Moscow had tasks to complete rather than timelines. Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev attended Geneva and reportedly spoke with US officials, but declined to comment on outcomes or whether he spoke with Ukrainian negotiators.
South Africa confirms two citizens died fighting for Russia
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said at least two South African nationals died fighting for Russia after being lured by a recruitment scheme that promised employment or training. Lamola did not name the deceased but said families had been informed. He visited families of 11 returnees who had been recruited with promises of security training; four others were previously repatriated, two remained in Russia with severe injuries.
Kenya arrests alleged recruiter in trafficking probe
Kenyan police arrested a man suspected of trafficking 25 Kenyans to Russia last year as part of an investigation into schemes that allegedly convinced people to travel to Russia and fight in Ukraine. The arrest in Moyale followed protests by families over disappearances and deaths. Kenya’s government has said more than 1,000 Kenyans were recruited, with dozens still on front lines, hospitalized, missing, or confirmed dead. The Russian embassy in Nairobi denied issuing visas for fighters but noted foreign nationals may volunteer for Russian service.
Geneva talks conclude after Umerov meets US officials
Delegations left Geneva after the sessions aimed at aligning US and Ukrainian positions ahead of trilateral negotiations. Umerov reiterated efforts to coordinate strategy with American counterparts as discussions continue.
Context
The negotiations follow a yearlong US-led push to broker an end to the four-year war since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, with deep divisions remaining between the parties. Ukrainian officials emphasize the conflict’s roots in Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and the broader long-running dispute that preceded 2022.
(End of updates)