Russia's large-scale aerial strike targeted the energy grid and caused casualties among civilians

Russia launched aerial attacks across Ukraine overnight on March 13-14, 2026, killing at least seven civilians and injuring at least 46 others, according to regional authorities and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukraine's Air Force reported intercepting 402 of 430 drones and 58 of 68 missiles launched by Russian forces, though six missiles and 28 drones struck 11 locations, with debris from downed targets affecting seven more sites. The assault targeted multiple regions, including Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Mykolaiv oblasts, with emergency services responding to the aftermath.

The main focus of the strikes was energy infrastructure in Kyiv Oblast, but civilian areas—including homes, schools, and businesses—also suffered direct hits and damage. In Kyiv Oblast, four people were killed and 15 injured; one civilian was killed and 11 injured (including two children) in Kharkiv Oblast; one killed and seven injured in Kherson Oblast; one killed and seven injured in Zaporizhzhia Oblast; three injured in Donetsk Oblast; and three injured in Sumy Oblast amid nearly 80 strikes on 35 settlements. Zelensky expressed condolences to the victims' families and emphasized that such nightly attacks underscore the urgent need for reliable air defense supplies.

President Zelensky highlighted that every agreement on missile deliveries must be implemented swiftly, calling for full attention to boosting production of air defense systems—particularly those countering ballistic threats. He warned that Russia aims to exploit conflicts elsewhere, like the Middle East war, to inflict greater destruction in Europe and Ukraine, urging European partners to prepare by developing robust missile production capabilities.

"Europe is capable of ensuring such reliable protection," he stated, framing the strikes as a reminder of the persistent and expanding threat.

Progress in Ukraine peace talks is chaotic as Washington officials are unable to travel - Zelensky

Volodymyr Zelensky said that negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine have become increasingly complicated as the conflict in the Middle East disrupts diplomatic efforts.

According to Zelensky, officials from the White House are currently unable to travel because of the security situation following U.S. strikes on Iran. At the same time, Russia has refused to hold trilateral talks in the United States and has instead proposed meeting in Switzerland or Turkey. Zelensky said Ukraine’s delegation is ready to travel to Washington or Miami for negotiations.

Despite Moscow’s reluctance to hold talks in the United States, Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev met with representatives of U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on March 11. The latest trilateral meeting between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States took place on February 16 in Geneva.

Another round of negotiations planned for late February and later moved to early March was postponed shortly before the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran. Zelensky said that Ukraine remains in daily contact with Washington, but signals for a new trilateral meeting have not yet been received due to the ongoing crisis with Tehran.

Ukraine returned seven children from Russian occupation

Seven more children and teenagers have been returned to territory controlled by Ukraine from areas under Russian occupation, the initiative Bring Kids Back UA reported.

According to the program, the young people had faced pressure from occupation authorities, humiliation, and attempts to impose a Russian identity on them. Among those rescued is 19-year-old Viktor, who spent years living near the frontline without stable communication while under constant shelling. After a Russian strike hit a neighboring garden and shattered the windows in his room with shrapnel, he decided to leave. Viktor now plans to continue his studies at a Ukrainian educational institution.

Another teenager, 18-year-old Dmytro, was reportedly pressured by Russian authorities to join the Russian army despite serious health issues. A soldier allegedly told him to stop studying and go to fight. Six-year-old Nika was forced to march at her nursery under the supervision of armed guards, while her mother sought to remove her from Russian propaganda and enroll her in a Ukrainian school.

Rescuers also evacuated 18-year-old brothers Mark and Mykhailo, who risked forced mobilization after several of their peers were reportedly taken by Russian forces directly from exams. The brothers hid while studying online at a Ukrainian school and now hope to work for the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in the future.

The children are currently receiving psychological support, help with documents, and temporary housing at the Nadiia ta Vidnovlennia (Hope and Recovery) centers. The initiative warned that thousands of Ukrainian children remain in occupied territories, where authorities continue to increase pressure and complicate routes for their return.