Major Russian Strikes Sweep Across Ukraine
Russia carried out a significant overnight barrage of missiles and strike drones hitting multiple regions of Ukraine in the early hours of 22 February 2026. The offensive targeted critical energy and transportation infrastructure across Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro, Poltava and Sumy regions, resulting in at least one civilian death and several injuries. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted many of the hundreds of projectiles, but several still struck residential areas and power facilities, igniting fires and disrupting supplies. Ukrainian officials condemned the assault as part of Moscow’s ongoing strategy to weaken Ukraine’s capabilities and morale.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed that Ukraine will continue to defend itself and called for stronger international military aid, even as peace negotiations remain stalled with no breakthrough in recent U.S.-brokered talks.
Budapest’s Veto Threat Puts EU Sanctions at Risk
In parallel with the military escalation, Hungary has taken a firm political stance by threatening to block the European Union’s 20th round of sanctions against Russia. The Hungarian government says it will veto the sanctions package — and even a planned €90 billion EU financial support loan to Ukraine — unless Russian oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline resume.
The pipeline, which historically carried Russian crude to Hungary and Slovakia via Ukrainian territory, has been out of service since a January attack that damaged energy infrastructure. Budapest and Bratislava insist Kyiv has delayed repairs and is withholding fuel supplies, accusations Ukraine rejects, pointing back to continuing Russian aggression as the cause of the outage.
Hungary’s decision has sparked diplomatic tensions within the EU, complicating efforts to maintain a united front against Moscow as the war enters its fourth year.
Growing Regional Strains and Broader Implications
Beyond Budapest’s stand, Slovakia has also signalled potential cuts to emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine if oil flows do not resume — a move Kyiv characterizes as “blackmail.” The energy dispute adds to broader frictions among EU members over the direction of support for Ukraine and the shape of sanctions policy.
These developments come just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, underscoring both the continuing human toll of the conflict and the political divisions emerging within Europe as pressure grows to balance energy needs, political unity, and long-term security strategy.
