Russia Pounds Ukraine with Missile and Drone Strikes as Next Talks Remain Uncertain

Zelenskyy says Russia is 'hesitating' on U.S.-brokered peace talks, as Ukraine hits back with long-range drone and missile attacks on Russian targets.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Russia launched a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones at Ukrainian cities overnight, damaging civilian infrastructure and leaving thousands without power and water. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia is 'hesitating' about attending the next round of U.S.-brokered peace talks, which Washington has proposed to be held next week in Miami or Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, Ukraine has struck back with long-range drone and missile attacks on Russian military and industrial targets, including an oil refinery and a missile storage site.

Why it matters

The ongoing attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure highlight the continued violence and lack of progress in ending the conflict, now in its fourth year. The uncertainty around the next round of peace talks raises concerns about whether Russia and Ukraine can reach a comprehensive settlement on key issues like territorial control and security guarantees. Ukraine's ability to strike deep into Russia also demonstrates its growing military capabilities, but risks further escalation.

The details

Russia's overnight strikes damaged residential buildings and critical infrastructure in several Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Odesa. The attacks left thousands without heating, water, and power. Ukraine responded by hitting the Ukhta oil refinery in Russia's Komi region with a domestically-developed long-range drone, as well as striking a major Russian military storage site and a defense enterprise in other regions. The Ukrainian military confirmed it had also damaged a Volgograd oil refinery in a previous strike.

  • The latest Russian missile and drone barrage occurred overnight from Wednesday to Thursday.
  • Washington has proposed the next round of U.S.-brokered peace talks to be held next week.
  • Russia's invasion of Ukraine is approaching its four-year anniversary later this month.

The players

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The President of Ukraine who said Russia is 'hesitating' about attending the next round of U.S.-brokered peace talks.

Dmitry Peskov

The Kremlin spokesman who said another round of talks is expected 'soon' but provided no further details.

Volker Türk

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights who urged Russia to stop hitting Ukraine's electricity infrastructure, reminding Moscow that targeting civilian infrastructure is prohibited under international humanitarian law.

Oleksandr Hanzha

The regional head in Dnipro and Odesa who reported on the damage and casualties from the Russian strikes in those cities.

Oleksii Kuleba

The Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine who provided details on the impact of the attacks on heating, water, and power systems in Kyiv, Odesa, and Dnipro.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.