On February 17, Russian troops launched a massive cruise missile attack on Ukraine. Air defense is actively working, but the threat remains high, especially for the western regions.
A secret international F-16 squadron of US and Dutch veterans is patrolling the skies over Kyiv region. The pilots detect and destroy cruise missiles and drones, sharing their experience with Ukrainian pilots.
Russian troops attacked Kryvyi Rih with ballistic missiles. The strike hit an infrastructure facility, Oleksandr Vilkul reported.
In January 2026, Russia launched 91 ballistic missiles at Ukraine, the highest monthly figure since the war began. The Ministry of Defense is working to accelerate the supply of MIM-104 Patriot missiles, having agreed on an urgent delivery from European warehouses.
In Lozova, Kharkiv region, train traffic has been restored on the damaged section, but on February 16, temporary changes in traffic are in effect in a number of regions. Some routes have been shortened or replaced by buses due to enemy attacks and unfavorable weather.
In Kyiv, 1,500 buildings remain without heating, with 1,100 high-rise buildings in the Dniprovskyi and Darnytskyi districts unable to receive heat due to critical infrastructure damage. More than 200 repair crews are working to restore the heat supply.
Russia attacked Ukraine with four "Zircon" missiles, one ballistic missile, one Kh-31P, and 62 drones. Two "Zircons" and 52 drones were shot down; information regarding the three missiles is being clarified.
Teremky metro station is operating as usual, train traffic is unchanged. The ceiling of one of the exits was damaged due to previous shelling.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that 90% of Ukrainians are against holding elections without a ceasefire. Elections are possible if there is a ceasefire for two to three months and changes are made to the legislation.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that continuous Russian air strikes on the capital's critical infrastructure over two months have brought the city to the brink of disaster. 3.5 million residents are enduring the harshest winter since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced agreements in Munich regarding energy and military aid to Ukraine by February 24. He emphasized the need for air defense to counter Russian terror.
Over the past day, 191 combat engagements were recorded, the enemy dropped 129 aerial bombs and used over 3,000 drones. The highest intensity of fighting is in the Pokrovsk direction, where the enemy carried out 55 attacks.
President Zelenskyy informed US Secretary of State Rubio about the situation at the front and the consequences of Russian strikes. Diplomatic process, aid to Ukraine in winter, and strengthening resilience were discussed.
Three young children died in a fire in a private house in Dnipropetrovsk region. The tragedy occurred in the village of Velyka Dolyna, Kryvyi Rih district.
Ukrainian and Czech Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Petr Pavel discussed military support for Ukraine. The talks focused on ammunition supplies and the Czech Republic's participation in the PURL initiative.
Due to the forecasted cold snap and the risk of new shelling, the energy system remains under increased load and in a state of readiness.
Andriy Sybiha appealed to the G7 countries to increase energy assistance to Ukraine and strengthen its air defense. He noted that Ukraine needs about $15 billion to finance air defense.
President Zelenskyy announced that air defense missiles received from partners were used just a few days after their arrival. They protected the Ukrainian sky during one of Russia's recent massive attacks.
Ukraine has more experience in drone defense than anyone else in the world, shooting down almost 90% of Russian drones. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine and its partners are producing more interceptor drones.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated at the Munich Security Conference that the most difficult thing is the news about the lack of missiles in air defense. This happens when intelligence warns of a new massive strike.
On the night of February 14, Russia attacked Ukraine with a ballistic missile and 112 drones. Air defense forces shot down or suppressed 91 enemy drones overnight.
In Kyiv, educational institutions in 5 districts are temporarily merged to continue in-person learning. This decision was made after the massive attack on February 12, which left 315 buildings without heating, including 163 kindergartens and 141 schools.
Energy supply stabilization continues in Ukraine after the shelling. Relevant ministries and heads of regional military administrations are preparing resources to respond to new attacks amid severe cold.
The SBU conducted searches at the main office of "Kyivteploenergo" on February 12 and 13, seizing technical documentation. This happened after a massive attack that left part of the capital without heat, and blocked restoration processes.
Rivne region suffered a repeated Russian attack in the afternoon, damaging buildings and a shop. One resident of the region was injured and hospitalized. In the morning, enemy aerial targets were shot down.
In Odesa region, the enemy attacked the port with drones, one person was killed, six were wounded. In Dnipropetrovsk region, railway infrastructure was attacked, with no casualties.
On the night of February 13, Russia launched a ballistic missile and 154 drones at Ukraine. The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine shot down or suppressed 111 enemy targets.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that the effectiveness of Ukraine's air defense over two years is about 74%. This indicator is sought to be increased through innovations and adaptation to constant threats.
Children from the Kyiv football academy "Lokomotyv", whose base was destroyed by Russian shelling, presented a ball to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. They are asking for support for Ukrainian children and for Russia not to be reinstated in international football.
The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine announced the all-clear for the ballistic threat. Monitoring channels noted that the targets did not enter the territory of Ukraine, and Andriy Kovalenko called it an imitation launch.
