Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,445 | Russia-Ukraine war News
Key Developments on Day 1,445 of Russia’s War on Ukraine
February 8, 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported significant developments over the weekend in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Military Actions
Russian forces conducted a substantial overnight attack on Ukraine, launching over 400 drones and approximately 40 missiles, primarily targeting the nation’s power infrastructure including generation facilities and distribution substations. This was confirmed by President Zelenskyy, who highlighted the impact of these assaults on civilian heating in the capital city, where more than 1,000 apartment buildings are reportedly without heat amid freezing temperatures.
Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that two thermal power stations in western Ukraine sustained damage during the strikes. The International Atomic Energy Agency noted that military activity has led to decreased output at Ukrainian nuclear power plants, affecting electrical substations and disconnecting several power lines.
In a response to the attacks, Polish authorities temporarily suspended operations at the Lublin and Rzeszow airports near the Ukrainian border; however, they later confirmed that there was no breach of Polish airspace and resumed operations.
In terms of counteroffensive operations, Ukrainian military officials reported strikes on Russian targets, including an oil depot in Saratov and a missile fuel component facility in Tver. An additional strike in Russia’s Bryansk region reportedly resulted in injuries and power disruptions, while the Russian Defence Ministry claimed control of the village of Chuhunivka in eastern Ukraine.
Peace Negotiations
President Zelenskyy announced a new diplomatic timeline, stating that the United States has encouraged both sides to reach a resolution by June. Following recent talks in Abu Dhabi, a meeting in Miami is being proposed, with both Kyiv and Washington advocating for a ceasefire that would include strikes on energy infrastructure.
Zelenskyy indicated that while Ukraine is prepared to halt attacks on Russian energy facilities, Moscow’s agreement is still pending. He also noted that proposed cooperation deals valued at approximately $12 trillion from Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev must not contravene Ukraine’s constitution.
Despite ongoing discussions, Zelenskyy admitted that Ukraine and Russia remain divided on territorial agreements, particularly regarding the Donetsk region, which is predominantly occupied by Russian forces.
Political Context
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Abdrii Sybiha expressed support for a ceasefire during the upcoming Winter Olympic Games, following calls for peace from Italy and Pope Leo. Additionally, Moscow’s Kommersant newspaper reported that two suspects connected to the attempted assassination of Russian military intelligence chief General Vladimir Alexeyev will soon be interrogated.
Alexeyev was injured in a shooting incident and has since undergone successful surgery. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested that Ukraine was behind the assassination attempt, alleging it was an effort to hinder peace negotiations.
In a separate diplomatic move, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order eliminating a 25 percent tariff on Indian imports linked to Russian oil purchases, alongside a trade agreement to reduce tariffs on Indian goods.
Volunteer Marat Darmenov serves free hot food to Kyiv residents during a blackout caused by Russia’s regular air attacks on the country’s energy system, in Kyiv on Saturday [Sergei Grits/AP]
