Russian Strikes Intensify in Zaporizhzhia and Across Ukraine

A widespread wave of Russian attacks, utilizing Shahed drones and missiles, targeted multiple regions of Ukraine on February 26, 2026, with Zaporizhzhia experiencing particularly heavy bombardment. The attacks triggered air raid alerts lasting over 16 hours in some areas and resulted in casualties and infrastructure damage.

Widespread Attacks Across Ukraine

Beginning in the early hours of February 26th, Ukraine faced a barrage of attacks. Monitoring groups reported the launch of numerous UAVs from various directions, including Sumy, Chernihiv and the east, targeting cities like Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia. The Ukrainian Air Force responded, engaging with incoming threats, but multiple impacts were reported.

Zaporizhzhia Under Heavy Fire

Zaporizhzhia bore the brunt of the attacks, with at least 24 Shahed drones directed at the city. A high-rise apartment building caught fire, resulting in at least 13 injuries, all women ranging in age from 21 to 62, suffering from shrapnel wounds and carbon monoxide poisoning.¹ Preliminary reports indicate damage to critical infrastructure and private residences.¹ Further explosions were reported in the city, with one person injured.²

Other Regions Targeted

• Kharkiv: Experienced a combined air attack with drones and missiles, resulting in explosions in the Shevchenko and Kyiv regions.
• Kryvyi Rih: A fire broke out, damaging a high-rise building and injuring an 89-year-old man.
• Kyiv: Was attacked with UAVs and ballistic missiles, with air defense systems activated.
• Nikolaev: UAVs were detected in the area, heading towards Krivoy Rog and the Odessa region.
• Cherkasy & Vinnitsa: Experienced multiple UAV overflights and missile threats.

Russian Tactics and Weaponry

Reports indicate the use of Shahed-type drones, some potentially equipped with thermobaric warheads, targeting civilian infrastructure.³ The attacks also involved launches of Kh-22 missiles and potential Kh-32 missiles from Tu-22M3 and Tu-160 strategic bombers.²

Ongoing Situation

As of February 26, 2026, air raid alerts remain active in several regions. Emergency services are working to extinguish fires, provide medical assistance to the injured, and assess the full extent of the damage. The situation remains fluid, and further updates will be provided as they become available.

¹ https://english.nv.ua/nation/russian-shaheds-strike-zaporizhzhya-spark-multi-story-fire-and-casualties-50554489.html

² https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hU5pzTIafXw

³ https://ukranews.com/en/news/1073018-russians-striking-zaporizhzhia-region-with-shaheds-with-thermobaric-warhead-south-defense-forces