Missiles pound Ukraine capital ahead of Russian invasion anniversary

Kyiv endures missile strikes ahead of Russia's invasion anniversary, intensifying the ongoing conflict as diplomatic efforts continue.

Explosions rocked Kyiv before dawn on Sunday (February 22, 2026) after officials warned of a ballistic missile attack, just two days before the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion.

AFP journalists in the capital heard a series of loud blasts beginning around 4:00 am (0200 GMT), shortly after an air raid alert was issued.

"The enemy is attacking the capital with ballistic weapons," the head of Kyiv's military administration Tymur Tkachenko said on Telegram, urging people to remain in shelters.

The air force later extended the alert nationwide, warning of a broader missile threat.

Kyiv, regularly targeted by Russian missile and drone attacks since the start of the invasion on February 24, 2022, has faced waves of overnight strikes in recent weeks as Moscow has intensified its winter assaults on energy and military infrastructure.

Temperatures had plunged to nearly minus 10C when the capital was struck again, with emergency services deployed across the city.