Newsletter 03/02/2026
A daily news digest covering important war, political, economic, and cultural topics in Ukraine
TOP
Victim toll of the Russian attack in Kyiv climbs to six
On the night of February 3, the Russian army launched a massive attack on Kyiv with drones and various types of missiles. In the Darnytskyi and Shevchenkivskyi districts of the city, high-rise buildings were damaged as a result of the enemy strike, and a kindergarten burned down in the Dniprovskyi district.
The victim toll of the Russian military strike on the night of February 3 in Kyiv has increased to six.
Russian drone attacks DTEK crew in Donetsk region, driver wounded
A DTEK crew returning to base was attacked by a Russian drone in the Donetsk region, wounding the driver.
Russia attacks TPPs and TPSs used exclusively for heating in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro, says Shmyhal
On the night of February 3, the Russian army launched strikes with several types of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones on eight regions of Ukraine, targeting energy facilities, including thermal power plants and thermal power stations.
Air Defense Forces destroy 38 missiles and 412 drones used by Russians to attack Ukraine
According to preliminary data, as of 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, Air Defense Forces shot down/jammed 450 targets, including 38 missiles and 412 drones of various types:
4 Zircon/Onyx missiles;
11 Iskander-M / S-300 ballistic missiles;
3 Kh-22 / Kh-32 cruise missiles;
20 Kh-101 / Iskander-K cruise missiles;
412 UCAVs of various types.
There were 27 missiles and 31 UCAV hits documented in 27 locations, as well as debris from downed UAVs falling in 17 locations.
Zelensky on negotiations in Abu Dhabi: We are ready to support steps toward de-escalation
President Volodymyr Zelensky said that during negotiations between delegations from Ukraine, the US, and Russia in Abu Dhabi, the parties will focus on the information the Russian delegation will bring. He also stressed that Ukraine will support any initiatives aimed at de-escalation.
Russians ignore Trump’s request for energy truce and strike with doubled force, says Zelensky
President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Russians ignored the US request and broke the energy truce. He stressed that the enemy had been gathering strength for a strike over the past few days.
Zelensky on response to Russian strike: We try not to inform aggressor of our plans
President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that he will not disclose information about Ukraine’s response to the Russian strike.
Rutte says Russian attacks show Kremlin is not serious about peace
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said during his address to the Verkhovna Rada that, despite diplomatic efforts by the United States and Ukraine to end the war, Russia continues to carry out attacks on Ukrainian cities, demonstrating that the Kremlin is not serious about pursuing peace.
Ukraine initiates amendments to IAEA Statute – Sybiha
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has instructed the Permanent Mission in Vienna to submit Ukraine’s proposals to the IAEA Secretariat regarding amendments to the organization’s Statute and to circulate them among member states.
Shmyhal shows Rutte consequences of Russian attack on one of Kyiv’s power plants
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal, together with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, visited one of Kyiv’s CHP plants that was attacked by Russia overnight.
War
Enemy deploys two new brigades to Huliaipole sector, says Voloshyn
The Russian command is transferring two motorized rifle brigades to the Huliaipole sector due to heavy personnel losses.
Ukrainian forces hit Russian targets in Zaporizhzhia, Belgorod regions
Ukrainian forces have struck an FPV drone training center, concentrations of enemy manpower, and an electronic warfare station belonging to Russian invaders.
Defense Forces eliminate Russian infantry who penetrated eastern outskirts of Hryshyne
War update: 50 battles on front line, almost half of them in Pokrovsk sector
Shellings
Energy facilities and houses damaged: Four people injured in Kharkiv after Russian attack
Four people were injured in Kharkiv as a result of a massive Russian attack, and residential buildings were damaged in addition to energy facilities.
Russians strike infrastructure facility in Vinnytsia region, 50 settlements left without electricity
During a combined Russian missile and drone attack in Vinnytsia region, 50 settlements were cut off from power after hits on critical infrastructure facilities.
Russian strike shatters glass at World War II museum
Russians attack Zaporizhzhia with drones: Two killed, seven injured
Russian troops attacked Zaporizhzhia with drones; two people are reported killed and seven injured.
Russian troops strike high-rise building in Kharkiv with Shahed drone, at least three people injured
Russian strikes damage residential buildings, educational institution in Konotop
Russian drone destroys house in Veselyi Hai, Zaporizhzhia region: One woman killed, one wounded
Defense
Sweden, Denmark to jointly purchase air defense systems for Ukraine
Sweden and Denmark will jointly procure and supply Ukraine with air defense systems worth 2.6 billion Swedish crowns ($290 million) to help it ward off Russian attacks.
Rutte says 90% of air defense missiles delivered to Ukraine came through PURL
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said that 75% of all missiles supplied to Ukraine for the front line and 90% of missiles for air defense had been delivered through the PURL (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) mechanism.
Politics
Senator Graham urges Trump to provide Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles after Russia’s massive strike
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham called on the U.S. President Donald Trump to begin transferring Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine following Russia’s overnight massive bombardment, saying that Washington’s current pressure on Moscow is not working.
Geopolotics
Britain withdraws accreditation of Russian diplomat
The United Kingdom is withdrawing the accreditation of one of Russia’s diplomats in response to Moscow’s decision to expel a British diplomat from Russia.
Energy
Strike on energy sector: Zelensky orders use of reserve equipment, appeals to partners for support
Following Russia’s massive attack on Ukraine’s energy sector on February 3, President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had instructed the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the government as a whole to provide equipment from reserves and urgently contact partners regarding additional support packages.
Major heat supply facility in Kyiv heavily damaged – mayor
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has said that a key infrastructure facility providing heat to homes in the Darnytskyi and Dniprovskyi districts had been heavily damaged following Russia’s February 3 missile and drone attack.
Ukraine prepares new energy projects with EBRD – Shmyhal
Currently, the signing is being prepared for a EUR 90 million loan for NPC “Ukrenergo” and the reallocation of EUR 160 million for gas purchases.
Society
Zelensky, Rutte honor fallen Ukrainian soldiers at Independence Square
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte have honored the memory of fallen Ukrainian defenders at Independence Square in Kyiv.