28 February 2026
Articles
“He wanted Henichesk to have its own voice”. The story of Hennadii Osmak, a journalist imprisoned by Russian occupying forces
To learn more about the journalist’s work and the circumstances of his detention and imprisonment, ZMINA spoke with his colleague and a person close to the journalist, whose name we cannot disclose for safety reasons
“Hands Off Women’s Rights”: The first Women’s March in Kyiv since the start of the full-scale war
The Human Rights Centre ZMINA team also joined the march and covered the event
News
Russian strikes kill five adults and a teenager in Ukraine on March 29
Russian military strikes on March 29 claimed the lives of six civilians in the Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Kherson regions. Additionally, dozens of people sustained injuries, notably in the Dnipropetrovsk region, according to the National Police of Ukraine
Russian shelling kills 13-year-old boy and two civilians in Kramatorsk (updated)
The specific type of weaponry used and the full extent of the damage are currently under investigation
U.S. allocates $25 million to trace and rehabilitate Ukrainian children abducted by Russia
According to the media note, the "Department of State continues to support President Trump’s efforts to bring about durable peace and prosperity in Ukraine through new assistance programming to aid the return of Ukrainian children forcibly relocated to Russian-controlled territories."
Zelenskyy insists U.S. security guarantees conditional on Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas
Ukraine wants to sign security guarantees before the war ends, along with a recovery package. Those guarantees would take effect after a vote in the U.S. Congress, and Congress would vote only after the war is over
CPJ urges Ukraine to investigate threats against journalists following International Legion unit exposé
The investigation, co-published on February 18, 2026, revealed allegations of abuse and torture within a Brazilian-led foreign fighter unit operating under an international DIU unit called the International Legion, which led to the death of a 23-year-old Brazilian recruit on a Kyiv military base in late December 2025
Russian attacks kill one, injure four in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions
In total, Russian forces conducted 971 strikes on 42 settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. In particular, the Russians carried out 17 airstrikes, deployed 717 drones, launched four attacks using multiple-launch rocket systems, and carried out 233 artillery strikes
Russian shelling kills two across Ukraine on March 25
Toll of Russian shelling across Ukraine includes several civilian fatalities and dozens of injuries
Coalition of Justice: Sweden joins agreement for Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine
On March 25, the European Commission also proposed that the EU become a founding member of the Special Tribunal on the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine
Gazprom, Rosneft funded deportation of at least 2,158 Ukrainian children — Yale study
Yale report’s findings have added significance given the Donald Trump Administration’s decision on 12 March 2026 to temporarily authorize the sale, delivery, or offloading of Russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products that were already loaded onto shipping vessels in an attempt to stabilize global energy markets amid disruptions from the Iran war
Russian drone attacks kill two and injure nine across Kharkiv Oblast
The Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office reported that at around 11:40 a.m., Russian forces used Geran-2 attack drones to strike the two Kharkiv districts
Russia intensifies combat training for high schoolers in occupied Crimea — Irade human rights initiative
These actions directly violate Article 51 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits occupying powers from both compelling civilians to serve in their armed forces or conducting propaganda to secure voluntary enlistment
Peace talks stall amid Russia’s unwillingness to negotiate — Zelenskyy
Meanwhile, Moscow has launched the largest aerial attack on Ukraine over a 24-hour period since the war began, hitting cities across the country with 948 drones
Russia threatens parents with loss of custody to enforce propaganda in occupied schools — Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Russia has systematically replaced Ukrainian education with propaganda in occupied territories since 2022, forcing children as young as primary school age to glorify Russian soldiers and justify the invasion, while threatening parents with loss of parental rights if they refuse to comply
Elderly man killed in Kharkiv region after stepping on an explosive
Located on the right bank of the Oskil River, just 2 kilometers upstream from Kupyansk and a mere 6 kilometers from the front line, the settlement remains under constant enemy fire
Three Russians to face trial in absentia over 2022 seizure of Ukrainian search and rescue vessel “Sapfir” rescue ship
Investigators state that these individuals are responsible for the seizure of the "Sapfir" during the initial days of the full-scale Russian invasion. At the time, 21 people were on board: 17 crew members and four civilians. Among the civilians were Vasyl Vyrozub, a chaplain of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, and Ivan Tarasenko, a doctor from the Odesa Regional Children's Clinical Hospital
Russian attacks kill four, injure 11 overnight across four Ukrainian regions
Ukraine’s Air Force stated Russian forces attacked Ukraine with 251 drones of various types on the night of March 22-23
Russia plans to deploy all mobilized citizens of Ukraine from occupied Crimea to combat operations
Starting April 1, 2026, Russia plans to deploy all individuals mobilized from temporarily occupied Crimea into active combat. Specifically, there are plans to replace wounded and "unfit" personnel within the 810th Marine Brigade, stationed in Sevastopol, with these newly mobilized residents
Two killed as Russia strikes Dnipropetrovsk Oblast more than 30 times in one day
In the Nikopol District, Russian forces struck the city of Nikopol and the Pokrovske, Marhanets, and Chervonohryhorivka hromadas, damaging commercial properties and a house and setting a car ablaze. Both fatalities were recorded in this district
Nineteen-year-old attendant Ilona Vovk killed during evacuation passengers on Odesa railway
In addition to the loss of the attendant, one passenger sustained moderate injuries during the incident on the Odesa Railway
Hungarian security forces injected detained Ukrainian with Muscle relaxant — The Guardian
Another source said traces of a drug of this class were detected during blood tests conducted after the men returned to Ukraine
Russian strikes on Ukraine killed seven people on March 19
Russian shelling killed seven civilians in the Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions on March 19, 2026. According to the National Police, at least 26 others sustained injuries, with additional casualties reported in the Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv regions
Overnight Russian strikes kill at least five in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk; casualties and destruction in Dnipro and Odesa (updated)
Overnight Russian military shelling on March 20, 2026, resulted in civilian deaths and injuries across the Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, and Dnipropetrovsk regions, according to the local Oblast Military Administrations and the State Emergency Service
Russian strikes killed three people across Ukraine on March 17, with children among the injured
Russian shelling on March 17, 2026, killed three people in the Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions. According to the National Police, at least 34 others were injured, with casualties also reported in the Donetsk, Kherson, and Sumy Oblasts
Russian drones destroyed the house of the editor-in-chief of the newspaper “Vorskla” in Sumy region
Pasiuha shared that the destroyed house was a family legacy; its construction was started by his father, who also worked in journalism, and took nearly two decades to complete
Nine people perished from Russian strikes on Ukraine on March 16
Russian shelling on March 16 killed nine civilians across the Donetsk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Sumy regions. According to the National Police, at least 41 others were injured, with further casualties reported in the Dnipropetrovsk region
Georgia targets former Ombudsman Ucha Nanuashvili who helped OSCE document human rights abuses
Amnesty International stressed that the summoning of Ucha Nanuashvili is the latest in a worrying pattern in which researchers and human rights defenders who provide information or comments on the human rights situation in Georgia are subjected to questioning in criminal proceedings
Russian strikes killed three Ukrainians on March 15
As a result of shelling by the Russian military on March 15, in the Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv regions, three people died, and more than two dozen civilians received injuries, specifically in the Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Donetsk Oblasts
Targeting NABU detectives over their origins or relatives in occupied territories is discriminatory, ZMINA human rights advocate warns
Lunyova emphasized that the state often perceives individuals from occupied territories, or those with relatives there, as an additional security risk. Consequently, they may be suspected of disloyalty or even treason solely for maintaining contact with loved ones still under occupation. In her view, this approach contradicts the state's publicly declared policy
Since the beginning of March, Russian shelling in Druzhkivka has killed three people and injured nearly thirty others
The Donetsk Oblast is one of the areas most severely affected by Russian aggression. In over four years, the Russian military has officially killed more than 4,000 and injured over 9,000 civilians here alone
Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia kills 1, wounds 18 as rescuers pull victims from rubble (updated)
One woman and a 17-year-old boy are in critical condition, while other people were in moderate condition
Moscow strikes Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts after sanctions lifted by U.S.; casualties reported
The Kyiv region suffered the heaviest losses, with four people killed and at least 15 others injured. Additionally, four people were reported wounded following an attack on the Zaporizhzhia District. In the Kharkiv Oblast, Russian shelling injured two employees of Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways)
Russian strike near passenger bus in Kharkiv Oblast kills three, injures four
Investigators determined Russian forces carried out a missile strike near Nova Oleksandrivka in the Kupiansk District at about 9:05 a.m. Early reports indicate an Iskander-M missile was used
One killed, seven injured in Russian strikes across Dnipropetrovsk Oblast
The strikes also damaged infrastructure, residential buildings, and a disused building
Russian shelling killed four people across Ukraine on March 11
The National Police of Ukraine reported that as a result of Russian military shelling on March 11, 2026, four civilians were killed in the Kherson and Kharkiv regions, while more than 80 others sustained injuries, including in the Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Sumy regions
ICC opens investigation into Belarus over suspected crimes against humanity committed against political opponents
In the independent and impartial exercise of its mandate, the Office considered all submissions and views submitted to it during each preliminary examination
Ukraine has imposed sanctions against Russian judges who passed illegal sentences on Ukrainian prisoners of war — full list
According to the Geneva Conventions, POWs cannot be prosecuted for their participation in military operations. However, the Russian Federation disregards these norms and puts Ukrainian soldiers on trial, for instance, for their participation in the operation in the Kursk region
Russians killed a teenage girl in the Chernihiv Oblast overnight
Investigators have opened criminal proceedings regarding the shelling for the violation of the laws and customs of war
Seven civilians killed in Russian strikes across Ukraine on March 10
The National Police of Ukraine reported that as a result of Russian military shelling on March 10, 2026, seven civilians were killed in the Donetsk, Sumy, Kherson, and Dnipropetrovsk regions, while more than thirty others were injured, including in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast
More than 40 police officers injured as Russian drone destroys station in Shostka, Sumy Oblast
Reva told Ukrainska Pravda that, as of 9:20 p.m., the injury toll had risen to more than 40. All victims are police officers
The problem with civil society’s involvement in EU integration: Experts discuss interaction with authorities
Representatives of NGOs and think tanks participate in working groups on the development of European integration measures across various fields, according to their expertise. Experts point out that interactions with government authorities regarding work on changes often leave much to be desired.
Three killed in Kharkiv in Russian nighttime ballistic strike
Initial reports mentioned four casualties; however, information later surfaced regarding two fatalities. By nearly 9 a.m., the deaths of three civilians and injuries to six others were confirmed
Five Iranian footballers granted Australian visas after anthem protest
Australia's humanitarian visa programme grants permanent protection to refugees and people in humanitarian need. Visa holders can live, work, and study in the country
UN’s Independent Commission of Inquiry stated that Russia’s deportation of Ukrainian children amounts to crime against humanity
According to a UN commission, the abduction of Ukrainian children to Russia and Belarus constitutes a war crime and a crime against humanity. The acts are widespread, systematic, and coordinated by the highest levels of the Russian government
Russian airstrike on Sloviansk kills 4, wounds 17 including teenage girl
Six multi-story buildings and about 10 cars were damaged in the strike
Parliament removes mention of alternative service from law on social protection of military personnel
The bill's initiator is Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko. It was prepared within the Ministry of Defense, specifically following a government directive to review how the law on social protection aligns with the law on military duty
Russian strike on Kharkiv on the night of March 7: rescuers finish clearing rubble, four people missing
According to law enforcement officers, fragments of bodies were found under the destroyed structures, which forensics experts are attempting to identify; therefore, the death toll may rise. Currently, four residents are considered missing
Casualties rise in March 4 Russian strike on Odesa region as injured man dies in hospital
The other victims were reported to be in moderate condition. The Oblast Military Administration has not provided a recent update on its current status
Ukraine charges three Russians in absentia over murder of 17 Bucha residents
In February 2026, prosecutors issued new in absentia notices of suspicion against two of the men: Staff Sgt. Pervunin Vladislav and Cmdr. Kim Yuriy. Subordinates under Kim’s command are suspected of the killing of a total of 17 Bucha residents
Russian drone strike on gas station in Sumy Oblast kills one man, injures other
A 24-year-old man who was in a car was killed. Another man, 22, was injured and managed to get out of the car himself. He suffered severe burns and is being treated at a hospital
Kyiv and Kharkiv hit by ballistic missiles, killing at least 11 civilians, hours after U.S. treasury leader signals possible easing of Russia oil sanctions (updated)
A ZMINA correspondent in Kyiv reported hearing a series of explosions at 01:28 and 01:41
Russian shelling kills seven civilians in Ukraine on March 4
The highest number of casualties occurred in the Kharkiv Oblast, where at least 19 people were wounded. Among them were a teenager and nine adults from Novoprokopivka, which the Russians attacked with drones
Russian military abducted nearly two dozen villagers from the Sumy region border area
Journalists of "Kordon.media" specify that in Sopych, as well as in the neighboring villages of the same hromada —Komarivka, Bobylivka, Kharkivka, and Sydorivka — the Russians have been attempting to infiltrate since last December
Ukraine recommends refraining from traveling to Hungary
Meanwhile, Ukraine's National Police have opened criminal proceedings into the abduction of seven Ukrainian cash-in-transit guards and an Oschadbank service vehicle in Hungary
Russia killed nine people and injured more than 30 others in Ukraine on March 2
As a result of Russian military shelling on March 2, 2026, nine civilians were killed in the Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, and Chernihiv regions, and more than thirty others sustained various injuries, including in the Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Kharkiv Oblasts
Over 14,700 patients successfully treated for tuberculosis in Ukraine last year
Regional phthisiopulmonology centers operate for patients in the provinces, including in frontline territories, and treatment time has decreased due to new medications. For instance, therapy for the drug-susceptible form can last four to six months, while the drug-resistant form takes six to nine months. At the same time, protection has been maintained for over 10 years, according to officials
Trust issues regarding Ukraine remain unresolved following attacks on NABU and SAPO, EU Commissioner Marta Kos says
Kos elaborated that even after the controversial laws were repealed, trust is difficult to restore and does not return automatically: when a partner loses it, any subsequent actions raise doubts about the correctness of their decisions and motivations
Zelenskyy joins Muslim soldiers for Ramadan Iftar
The Head of State thanked all the defenders present, their brothers- and sisters-in-arms, for defending Ukraine and Ukrainians, strengthening our country, and being part of the shared strength of an independent Ukraine
Zelenskyy offers help to stop Iranian drones in return for truce — Bloomberg
Zelesnkyy added that the ceasefire could also be declared for two months or two weeks, "so that Ukrainians can help Middle Eastern countries protect civilians."
Russian military killed seven civilians in Ukraine on March 1
As a result of Russian military shelling on March 1, seven civilians were killed in the Kherson and Donetsk regions, and at least 11 others were injured, including in the Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv regions
Over the three winter months, Russia conducted 14 mass strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure
Between December 2025 and February 2026, the Russian military carried out at least 14 mass attacks on energy infrastructure in Ukraine
Russian attack on Kherson kills 4, including 2 elderly women
Russians killed four people in the Korabelnyi District of Kherson city on the afternoon of March 1, 2026
Russian attacks leave two dead, 14 wounded in multiple regions of Ukraine
Russian attacks on February 28 killed two civilians and injured at least 14 others across several Ukrainian regions, including Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, and Kharkiv
