In a significant escalation of hostilities, Kyiv was rocked by a wave of missile and drone attacks early on February 22, 2026, just two days before the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion. Russian forces launched 297 drones and nearly 50 missiles, targeting energy and rail infrastructure as well as residential buildings, resulting in at least one fatality and injuries to two others, including a child. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Moscow for prioritizing military strikes over diplomatic efforts, stating, "Moscow continues to invest in strikes more than in diplomacy" (The Guardian, February 22, 2026). In a recent interview with the BBC, Zelensky emphasized the urgency of the situation, declaring that "Putin has started WW3 and must be stopped," underscoring the dire implications of the ongoing conflict (BBC News, February 22, 2026).