Blackout
In February, 83 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning were recorded in Ukraine, affecting 150 people, including 55 children. 23 people died, according to the State Emergency Service.
In Iran, an almost complete internet shutdown has been recorded, with connectivity levels dropping to 4% of the norm. This occurred amid US and Israeli military operations, mirroring measures from last year's war.
Ukraine is assessing significant damage after Russian drone attacks on a key facility of the Druzhba oil pipeline, which could complicate the issue of EU aid to Kyiv and sanctions against Moscow. Hungary and Slovakia accuse Ukraine of withholding supplies, blocking EU aid.
President Zelenskyy announced the development of a strategy for Ukraine for next winter, taking into account the experience of the regions. Also, from March 1, pensions will be indexed by 12.1% for 10 million Ukrainians.
The Ministry of Energy reported that due to hostilities and shelling of energy infrastructure, some communities in Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv regions are temporarily without electricity. Most regions are experiencing scheduled outages, while some have emergency blackouts.
President Zelenskyy stated in an interview with Sky News that he is not the best father due to the war, as he spends little time with his children. He emphasized that defending Ukraine is his main choice and noted the resilience of Ukrainians during the winter of 2026.
The Vatican Postal Service has unveiled a stamp featuring the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Kyiv during a blackout. This commemorates the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion and expresses solidarity with Ukrainians.
The tanker "Seahorse" with Russian diesel fuel for Cuba has stopped in the North Atlantic. This delay threatens to deepen the fuel shortage on the island, where the electricity supply situation is already catastrophic.
In Belgorod and the surrounding district, electricity, water supply, and heating disappeared after the attack on February 26. The governor reported serious damage to energy facilities, which led to a critical situation.
Ukraine is finalizing its energy recovery and updated protection strategy by March 1 for the next winter. President Zelenskyy called for taking into account the experience of the regions for greater resilience.
Russia is attacking Ukraine's water supply infrastructure. Expert Andriy Kramarov assessed the risks and protection capabilities in the context of limited air defense resources.
Angelina Jolie once again appealed to the international community, emphasizing that the world has no right to get used to the tragedy in Ukraine. She cited data on 10.8 million people in need of assistance and 5.9 million Ukrainians who have gone abroad.
Northern European countries are on high alert due to a perceived "acute" threat to energy infrastructure. An attacker, likely linked to a foreign state, is threatening the energy grid.
Russia launched a massive attack on energy facilities in several regions, leaving some residents in 6 regions without power. Most regions are experiencing hourly blackouts, while some have intensified outages.
Ukraine will receive its first shipment of liquefied natural gas through the terminal in Klaipeda. Naftogaz and the Lithuanian Ignitis Group will ensure the supply of 90 million cubic meters by the end of March.
President Zelenskyy reacted to Russia's night attack with 420 drones and 39 missiles, which damaged homes and infrastructure in eight regions. Most missiles were shot down thanks to the prompt delivery of air defense systems from partners.
Russian troops attacked the energy infrastructure of Odesa region. An energy facility in the south of the region was damaged, but there were no casualties.
President Zelenskyy met with U4U MEPs. They discussed the restoration of Ukraine's energy system and the scaling up of the PURL program.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with Donald Trump, discussing the upcoming negotiations in Geneva and preparations for a trilateral meeting. Zelenskyy thanked the US for its efforts to end the war and noted that air defense missiles from the US are helping Ukraine.
Hungary is strengthening the protection of its energy infrastructure and deploying troops near key facilities. This decision was made after the halt of oil supplies via the "Druzhba" pipeline on January 27.
A program to provide portable charging stations to families with children with disabilities of subgroup A has been launched in Ukraine. 4,000 stations have already been sent out, and a total of 10,000 have been purchased.
President Zelenskyy stated that Norway's support in energy and air defense allowed Ukraine to maintain its energy system and protect infrastructure during winter. The aid included additional gas and PAC-3 missiles to counter ballistic threats, as well as NASAMS systems to protect energy facilities.
From February 26, electric transport on the right bank of Kyiv will gradually resume operation. This became possible due to the improvement of the situation in the energy system and the increase in electricity supply limits.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre confirmed the country's readiness to finance gas purchases for Ukraine. This will ensure stable passage through future winter periods and energy supply for industry and the population.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the European Commission's commitment to help restore Ukraine's energy infrastructure one of the most important outcomes of the meetings. The European Commission will support the repair and strengthening of the energy grid's protection before next winter.
The Minister of Energy announced that a meeting of the energy "Ramstein" will take place in March. The European Union has allocated 920 million euros to support Ukraine.
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže stated that Russia is systematically attacking Ukraine's energy and civilian infrastructure. This creates conditions for the physical destruction of Ukrainians, which is consistent with the Genocide Convention.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced three areas of support for Ukraine, including a 90 billion euro loan for defense needs. The EU will also provide 100 million euros for energy and has developed a winter plan for 920 million euros.
Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal reported that over four years of full-scale war, Russia has carried out 5796 attacks on the Ukrainian energy system. These attacks did not break Ukraine thanks to the resilience of Ukrainians and the work of energy workers.
In the Kyiv region, 20,359 criminal offenses under Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of the laws and customs of war) are being investigated. 152 occupiers have been notified of suspicion, and 22 have been convicted.