Recent attacks and counterattacks have escalated tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with reports of strikes impacting both countries. The developments come as diplomatic efforts to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict continue.
On Sunday, February 22, 2026, a Ukrainian attack reportedly left one person dead and dozens injured in Crimea, according to early reports. The attack involved drones and targeted the Crimean Peninsula, a region Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.
Ukraine has also claimed responsibility for striking a missile manufacturer deep within Russian territory. Officials in Kyiv stated that the attack targeted a facility producing ballistic missiles. UOL Notícias reported that the strike hit a manufacturer of ballistic missiles.
In response, Russia launched latest attacks against Ukraine hours before scheduled negotiations. CNN Brasil detailed the renewed Russian offensive, occurring just prior to planned talks.
Russia’s seizure of Crimea in March 2014 was swift and largely bloodless, significantly straining relations with the West. The annexation, widely considered illegal internationally, was recognized by only a handful of countries, including North Korea and Sudan. The Associated Press reported on the events surrounding the initial annexation.
The Crimean Peninsula holds strategic importance due to its naval bases and access to the Black Sea. Russia has frequently used Crimea as a launchpad for missile and drone attacks against Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, which President Putin has termed a “special military operation.” InfoMoney highlighted the peninsula’s role in the ongoing conflict.
The future of Crimea and four other Ukrainian provinces occupied by Russia remains a key point of contention in negotiations involving the United States, Russia, and Ukraine. The situation underscores growing regional tensions and could significantly influence future diplomatic efforts.
