Eastern and much of central and western Ukraine are under air raid alerts for drone swarms as of 3:20 AM local time on February 16, 2026, according to social media posts from Ukrainian observers. The alerts come just four days after a major Russian attack, suggesting a possible acceleration in Moscow’s tactics to pressure Kyiv ahead of diplomatic talks.

According to reports from Euan MacDonald, a Ukrainian military analyst, Russia has been conducting reconnaissance flights over Kyiv and western Ukraine for two consecutive days. This activity, combined with the movement of Tu-95MS strategic bombers toward launch positions, indicates heightened military activity on the Russian side.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has launched a wave of drone strikes toward Russia, targeting strategic locations in the south-west. Social media posts indicate that Russia has launched drones from six separate sites, and strategic bombers have been deployed to bases within striking range of Ukraine. There are warnings of a potential large-scale air raid, similar to previous Blitz-style attacks.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation earlier on February 16, emphasizing the need for continued military readiness and diplomatic pressure on Russia. He highlighted intelligence reports indicating that Russia is preparing new strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, urging international partners to accelerate the delivery of air defense systems and support.

Zelenskyy also spoke about the importance of sanctions against Russian individuals involved in the war, including those using sports to support Russian aggression. He expressed hope that European allies, the United States, and other partners would implement strong sanctions to hold Russia accountable for its actions.

On the energy front, Zelenskyy noted preliminary agreements on support packages from international partners, including the United States and European countries. He emphasized the need for concrete assistance to help Ukraine withstand ongoing Russian attacks and rebuild its infrastructure.

Separately, Georgia is facing domestic unrest as three women face criminal charges for protesting on the sidewalk, a repeat of a previous offense. The Georgian Dream party has introduced legislation that could criminalize the non-recognition of its legitimacy, potentially leading to harsher penalties for protesters.

Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin suggested that restoring diplomatic ties with Georgia could boost its economy, citing increased trade with Russia. However, this stance contrasts with the current geopolitical tensions and the Georgian government’s stance on Russian aggression.