Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,461 | Russia-Ukraine war News
Key Developments from Day 1,461 of Russia’s War on Ukraine
February 24, 2026
Fighting and Attacks
On Tuesday, intense clashes were reported across multiple regions as the conflict in Ukraine continues.
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A man detonated an explosive device beside a police patrol car in Savyolovsky Square, Moscow, resulting in the death of one police officer and injuries to two others, according to statements from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.
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In southeastern Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia, drone strikes reportedly wounded five people, including a child, as reported by the Ukrainian State Emergency Service.
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In the Odesa region, two individuals lost their lives and three were injured during recent drone attacks targeting port infrastructure, according to Ukraine’s emergency services. Oleksii Kuleba, Ukraine’s Minister for Restoration, confirmed the assaults.
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Seven police officers sustained injuries in Mykolaiv, with two being in critical condition following an explosion. The head of Ukraine’s national police, Ivan Vyhivskyi, characterized the attack as deliberate.
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An explosion at a police station in Dnipro caused damage but resulted in no injuries. Authorities did not comment on the cause of the incident.
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A Ukrainian security official reported that drones struck a Russian pumping station linked to the Druzhba oil pipeline, igniting a fire at the facility near Almetyevsk in Tatarstan.
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Ukraine’s armed forces announced regaining control over 400 square kilometers (154 square miles) of territory along the southern front, marking a significant advance against Russian forces.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged improvements in Ukraine’s resistance efforts, highlighting unexpected territorial gains this month and the increasing strain of sanctions on the Russian economy.
Politics and Diplomacy
Key diplomatic moves and discussions were underway as the conflict enters its fourth year.
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The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to meet to commemorate the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022.
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NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is expected to address the situation in Brussels.
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Hungary maintained its opposition to new European Union sanctions on Russia and a major loan package for Ukraine, amid tensions arising from oil supply disputes.
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In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized Hungary and Slovakia for their “ultimatums,” asserting that such demands should be directed toward Russia instead.
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EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas labeled Hungary’s veto as a setback, complicating the approval of a 20th sanctions package against Russia.
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European Council President Antonio Costa urged Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to fulfill commitments regarding the loan to Ukraine, valued at €90 billion (approximately $106.11 billion).
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Reports indicate that Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto faced criticism from fellow EU diplomats, with some accusing the Orban government of utilizing energy issues for political leverage before upcoming elections.
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Ukrainian officials suggested that another round of peace talks could occur later this week, as stated by Kyrylo Budanov, chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
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Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s former military chief now serving as ambassador to the United Kingdom, dismissed speculation about his political future until after the end of martial law.
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The EU imposed sanctions on eight individuals accused of serious human rights violations in Russia, including Aleksei Valizer, head of a penal colony, and two judges from St. Petersburg.
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Experts estimate the cost to rebuild Ukraine’s economy at $588 billion over the next decade.
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President Zelenskyy reiterated support for the release of Belarusian political prisoners, highlighting recent US-brokered exchanges.
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South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested the removal of a pro-war banner from the Russian Embassy in Seoul ahead of the conflict’s anniversary.
Energy Situation
Energy dynamics were also affected by ongoing tensions.
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Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that his country’s power grid operator would stop accommodating Ukrainian requests for emergency electricity supplies until oil deliveries resumed through the Druzhba pipeline.
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Ukraine’s national power company, Ukrenergo, stated that any refusal from Slovakia would not impact Ukraine’s power system.
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Slovakia’s Ministry of Economy confirmed that Ukraine had notified the local oil operator of plans for oil deliveries to resume via the pipeline on February 25.
As the conflict continues, these developments highlight the ongoing volatility in the region and the intricate international relations at play.
