Russia Batters Ukrainian Cities as U.S.-Led Geneva Talks Pivot to Reconstruction

Overview

• Ukraine said Russia launched 420 drones and 39 missiles overnight against critical infrastructure in eight regions, injuring dozens.
• Local authorities reported at least 23 people wounded and damage across Kyiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia and Kryvyi Rih, including strikes on energy facilities and residential buildings.
• Ukrainian negotiators met U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Geneva to focus on post-war rebuilding, security guarantees and preparations for trilateral talks expected in early March.
• Russia restated it has no deadlines to end the war, kept firm territorial demands in Donetsk, and signaled any leaders’ summit would come only after a completed negotiators’ agreement.
• Kyiv aims to attract about $800 billion for reconstruction over 10 years, while the World Bank pegs needs near $588 billion through 2025; Russia also said it returned 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers’ bodies in exchange for 35 Russians.