Russian missile strike kills three in Odesa as Ukraine targets Russian refineries
Russia escalated strikes on Ukrainian port cities while Kyiv's forces hit Russian oil infrastructure, as Ukraine hosted a regional summit in its capital.
The day on the war
A Russian missile strike on Odesa killed at least three people and wounded three more, hitting a seven-story residential building and port infrastructure. Ukrainian authorities reported that the attack was part of a "massive" drone and missile assault on the southern region, which has continued for a fifth consecutive day, targeting civilian, industrial, and port facilities.
In retaliation, Ukraine's military claimed strikes on two Russian oil refineries in the Bashkortostan and Krasnodar regions, with Russian authorities confirming fires at both the Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat complex and the Afipsky refinery. Ukrainian drone forces also reported hitting 20 Russian vessels in the Black Sea overnight, alongside a cumulative claim of 116 vessels struck in the Sea of Azov this month, disrupting Russian shipping and leading Moscow to consider rerouting cargo.
Along the front
Various
Development: Russian forces reported advances near Kupyansk, Krasny Liman, Konstantinovka, and Gulyaypole, with heavy fighting continuing near Stepnogorsk.
Source: Военное дело (Russian MoD claims)
Overall
Development: Ukraine's General Staff claimed Russian forces lost 1,470 personnel, 10 tanks, and 445 vehicles and fuel tankers over the past day.
Source: UA General Staff (claim)
Strikes & the grid
Odesa, Ukraine
What: Russian missile strike hit a seven-story residential building and port infrastructure.
Toll: At least three killed and three injured.
Sumy region, Ukraine
What: Russian forces carried out six strikes with guided aerial bombs.
Toll: At least three killed and seven wounded, with infrastructure hit.
Odesa and Chornomorsk ports, Ukraine
What: Russia's defense ministry claimed overnight strikes on ports handling Ukrainian military cargoes, hitting four vessels.
Toll: Unspecified damage to port infrastructure and vessels.
Black Sea
What: Ukrainian drones struck 20 Russian vessels overnight.
Toll: Unspecified damage.
Bashkortostan and Krasnodar regions, Russia
What: Ukrainian military claimed strikes on two Russian oil refineries (Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat complex and Afipsky refinery).
Toll: Fires reported at both facilities, confirmed by Russian authorities.
Sevastopol, Crimea (Russian-controlled)
What: Ukrainian attacks led to rolling power cuts.
Toll: Power outages and fuel shortages.
Diplomacy & talks
Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit. Kyiv hosted the fifth Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit, attended by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and leaders including the presidents of Serbia and Romania. Discussions focused on Ukraine's path to the EU, regional cooperation, and strengthening security and defense.
Aid & sanctions
United States Senators
Measure: New bill introduced
Detail: Bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation to allow $5 billion to $7 billion in frozen Russian assets to be used for Ukraine's military needs, expanding the existing REPO Act.
European Union
Measure: Temporary protection extension
Detail: EU countries agreed to extend temporary protection for those fleeing Ukraine until March 4, 2028. New applicants will need to comply with their military obligations in Ukraine.
What we'll be watching next 72h
- The progress of the US Senate bill concerning the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukrainian military aid.
- Further outcomes and statements from the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit held in Kyiv.
- Any Russian responses to Ukraine's strikes on oil refineries and shipping in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov.
- The impact of the EU's extended temporary protection on displaced Ukrainians and their military obligations.
Reporting + analyst voices: grounded via Google Search at publish time.