Russia Attacks Kyiv & Ukraine Cities with Missiles | The Kyiv Independent

Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities came under attack from Russian ballistic missiles overnight on February 12, 2026, as Moscow continues to stall on renewed peace negotiations proposed by the United States. The attacks, which triggered power outages in the capital, represent the latest escalation in a conflict that has seen a sustained targeting of Ukrainian infrastructure.

Ukraine’s Air Force issued warnings around 2:20 a.m. Local time that ballistic missiles were heading towards Kyiv. Shortly after, journalists on the ground reported explosions and immediate power disruptions across the city. Following the initial missile barrage, Kyiv was also targeted by Russian Shahed-type drones, according to reports from Kyiv Independent journalists.

The Air Force also reported that the cities of Dnipro and Pavlohrad, located in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, were also targeted by Russian missiles. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that the ballistic missiles were aimed at the city’s infrastructure, with a preliminary strike reported on a residential building in the Darnytskyi district. Emergency medical teams were dispatched to the Dniprovskyi and Darnytskyi districts to respond to potential casualties.

The attacks are ongoing, and the full extent of the damage and casualties remains unclear. This latest assault follows a pattern of sustained Russian attacks on Ukrainian critical infrastructure throughout the fall and winter, leaving thousands without access to essential services like electricity and heating during freezing temperatures. A state of emergency was previously declared in Kyiv on January 14 due to the energy crisis caused by these attacks.

The timing of this renewed offensive coincides with Moscow’s refusal to commit to another round of peace talks initiated by the United States, as stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This reluctance to engage in diplomatic efforts raises concerns about the prospects for a negotiated resolution to the conflict.

On February 3, 2026, Russia launched what was described as the largest missile attack of the winter, targeting Ukraine’s power plants. That assault involved 71 missiles and 450 drones, including nearly 300 Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), according to the Air Force. The February 3rd strikes followed a brief period where Moscow had agreed to temporarily pause attacks on Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure, a commitment that ultimately lasted until February 1st.

President Zelensky, speaking at a joint news conference with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Kyiv on February 3rd, asserted that Russia had broken its promise regarding the energy truce. He stated that the truce had begun on January 30th, but was disregarded by Russia with the attacks on February 3rd.

Prior to the February 3rd attacks, U.S. President Donald Trump had reportedly appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin on January 29th to refrain from attacking Kyiv. The Kremlin had previously indicated it would pause strikes on energy facilities, but only until February 1st.

The renewed attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities underscore the escalating nature of the conflict and the challenges facing efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution. The targeting of infrastructure facilities, particularly during the winter months, has a significant impact on the civilian population, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and raising concerns about the long-term consequences for Ukraine’s energy security. The continued refusal to engage in meaningful peace talks further complicates the situation, leaving the future of the conflict uncertain.

On January 20, 2026, Russia also targeted substations at a nuclear power plant, adding another layer of concern to the conflict. President Zelensky stated on that date that Ukraine had received vital air defense missiles, which bolstered its defenses.