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Sunday 22/02/2026

Russian Missile Strikes in Ukraine Leave Dozens Dead as Zelensky Attends NATO Summit

Destroyed school and hospital in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Russian missile strikes in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region killed at least 19 people and injured nearly 300, including children.
  • The attacks coincided with President Zelensky's arrival at the NATO summit in the Netherlands, where defense spending and sanctions on Russia were discussed.
  • Ukrainian officials accused Russia of attempting to sabotage peace talks and prolong the conflict.
  • The UK announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, funded by interest from frozen Russian assets.
  • Russian air defense reportedly intercepted dozens of Ukrainian drones over various regions, including Voronezh and Rostov.

A series of Russian missile strikes on Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people and left nearly 300 injured, according to Ukrainian officials. The strikes, which targeted schools, hospitals, and a passenger train, occurred as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the Netherlands for a NATO summit, where discussions focused on defense spending and sanctions on Russia.

Devastation in Dnipropetrovsk

The industrial region of Dnipropetrovsk has been under increasing pressure from Russian forces, who recently claimed to have gained a foothold in the area. Governor Sergiy Lysak reported that 17 residents of Dnipro were killed, with two additional fatalities in the nearby town of Samar. The attacks damaged critical infrastructure, including educational facilities and a children's hospital.

Zelensky's Diplomatic Efforts

President Zelensky's visit to the NATO summit aimed to strengthen defense arrangements and push for further sanctions on Russia. The summit is expected to endorse a new defense spending goal of 5% of GDP, a significant increase from the current 2%. Zelensky also plans to discuss acquiring US weapons, including Patriot missile defense systems, with US President Donald Trump.

Accusations of Sabotage

Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of deliberately timing the attacks to coincide with Zelensky's diplomatic efforts, aiming to derail peace talks. Previous negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have yielded limited results, with only agreements on prisoner exchanges.

UK Military Aid Announcement

In a significant move, the UK announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, funded by interest from frozen Russian assets. The package includes 350 advanced air defense missiles, marking the first time UK funds linked to Russia have been used to directly support Kyiv.

Russian Drone Interceptions

Meanwhile, Russian officials reported intercepting dozens of Ukrainian drones over various regions, including Voronezh and Rostov. Despite the interceptions, some drones managed to damage infrastructure, such as a sports complex in Taganrog and a grain storage area in Azov.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The recent escalation in missile strikes and drone activity underscores the ongoing volatility of the Ukraine conflict. As President Zelensky seeks to bolster international support at the NATO summit, the increased defense spending target could signal a more robust collective response to Russian aggression. However, the timing of the attacks raises concerns about Russia's intentions to prolong the conflict and undermine diplomatic efforts. The UK's decision to use interest from frozen Russian assets for military aid may set a precedent for other nations, potentially increasing pressure on Moscow. As the situation evolves, the international community will need to balance military support with diplomatic efforts to achieve a sustainable resolution.