The situation 1437 – February 26, 2026

1. Russia launched another massive missile and drone strike against Ukraine on the night of February 25 to 26, primarily targeting energy infrastructure.
2. The US and Ukraine continue bilateral engagements as part of ongoing peace negotiations.
3. Ukraine’s and SpaceX’s efforts to shut off Russian forces’ access to Starlink terminals continues to disrupt Russian drone operations across the frontline.
4. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) remains a critical enabler of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
5. A Russian fiber-optic first-person view (FPV) drone reached the outskirts of Kharkiv City for the first time on February 25.
6. Russia is reportedly deploying elements of at least one newly re-formed military unit to the Kupyansk direction.
7. The PRC reportedly issued a warning to Chinese citizens in Russia about a law compelling service in the Russian military.
8. The PRC consulate’s warning is an indicator that the PRC may be concerned that Russia will coerce its citizens living in Russia into military service through this law.
9. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area. Russian forces recently advanced in northern Sumy Oblast, the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area, near Pokrovsk, and in western Zaporizhia Oblast.

The full update of the Russian offensive 1437 is available on UNDERSTANDING WAR.