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President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that the United States is pushing Russia and Ukraine to end the war by this summer.
The Ukrainian leader told reporters that the Americans “want to do everything by June” in comments released on Saturday.
Other reports suggested that the United States is aiming to secure a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine as early as next month.
Three sources told Reuters that Ukrainian negotiators and US officials discussed the ambitious target during discussions in Abu Dhabi this week.
However, the timeline is likely to be delayed as both sides disagree on the key issue of territory, the report continued.
In the latest Russian attack, Moscow launched over 400 drones and about 40 missiles, targeting Ukraine’s power grid, generation facilities and distribution substations, Zelensky said.
Meanwhile, Russia blamed Kyiv for the shooting of a senior military general outside a residential building in Moscow, state media reported.
The Kremlin claimed that Kyiv was responsible for the shooting of Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev, without providing evidence. Ukraine has not commented on the attack. He is currently recovering in hospital.
Poland reopens airspace after Nato operation triggered by overnight Russian strikes on Ukraine
Poland has reopened two of its airports after unplanned military operations by Nato were conducted in its airspace.
Overnight strikes in Ukraine triggered the suspension of operations Lublin and Rzeszow airports.
The Polish army’s operational command thanked Nato and the German air force “whose aircraft helped ensure safety in the Polish skies today”.
“Ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems have returned to standard operational activities,” it said.
Eastern Poland’s Rzeszow and Lublin airports suspended operations for a time last month, citing routine operations and no threat to Polish airspace.
Maira Butt7 February 2026 13:35
Top Russian general reportedly behind Salisbury poisonings shot in assassination bid in Moscow
An unidentified gunman fired several shots at Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev, deputy head of the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence arm, before fleeing the scene, the investigators said.
It is the latest in a series of assassination attempts Russia has blamed on Ukraine.
Mr Alexeyev, 64, has previously been recognised by president Vladimir Putin with a Hero of Russia award. His position meant he would have been closely involved in prosecuting Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Maira Butt7 February 2026 13:25
In pictures: Aftermath of Russian strikes on Ukraine
Firefighters work at the site of a Russian drone and missile strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, in this handout picture released February 7, 2026. (via REUTERS)
A car drives on a street during a power blackout after critical civil infrastructure was hit by night’s Russian missile and drone attacks, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 7, 2026 (REUTERS)
A car drives on a street during a power blackout after critical civil infrastructure was hit by night’s Russian missile and drone attacks, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 7, 2026. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich (REUTERS)
Maira Butt7 February 2026 13:00
Who are the key players in peace talks between Washington, Ukraine and Russia?
Several countries and high-profile individuals are involved in the discussions, which have resulted in public disagreements. The Independent looks at some of the key characters below.
Maira Butt7 February 2026 12:35
Russia’s envoy proposed US-Russia cooperation deals worth $12 trillion, says Zelensky
President Volodymyr Zelensky said he has had reports from Ukrainian intelligence services that Russia’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev proposed cooperation deals between Russia and the US worth $12 trillion.
The Ukrainian leader insisted that such bilateral agreements could not violate the Ukrainian constitution.
Ukraine and Russia concluded two days of US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi this week without a major breakthrough but the two sides agreed to exchange 157 prisoners of war each, after a five-month pause.
Maira Butt7 February 2026 12:10
Ukrainian drones hit Russian missile fuel plant, says SBU
Ukraine’s drones struck a Russian plant that makes missile fuel, according to the country’s security agency in a statement on Saturday.
A huge fire is reported to have broken out at the plant in the Tver region of western Russia.
An official said that components for missile fuel for Russia’s X-55 and X-101 cruise missiles and other elements for diesel and aviation fuel were produced there.
“Even a temporary shutdown complicates the production of rocket fuel and reduces the enemy’s ability to maintain the intensity of shelling of our cities,” the official said.
Maira Butt7 February 2026 11:43
Russia to interrogate two suspects in connection with alleged assassination attempt of top Putin general
Russia is set to question two suspects in connection with the attempted assassination of top Russian military intelligence official General Vladimir Alexeyev, according to reports by Russia’s Kommersant on Saturday.
The two individuals will “soon be interrogated”, it said, but did not confirm if the people had been detained. Russia has not officially commented on the reports.
Alexeyev regained consciousness on Saturday after undergoing a successful surgery but remains under medical supervision, Kommersant said.
Alexeyev has regained consciousness after being shot in a suspected assassination attempt (via REUTERS)
Maira Butt7 February 2026 11:18
US wants Russia-Ukraine peace deal secured by next month
The United States is aiming to secure a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine as early as next month, according to new reports.
Ukrainian negotiators and US officials discussed the ambitious target during discussions in Abu Dhabi this week, three sources told Reuters.
However, the timeline is likely to be delayed as both sides disagree on the key issue of territory, the report continued.
President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters that the Americans “want to do everything by June” in comments on Friday that were embargoed until Saturday morning.
“The Americans are proposing the parties end the war by the beginning of this summer and will probably put pressure on the parties precisely according to this schedule,” he said.
“And they say that they want to do everything by June. And they will do everything to end the war. And they want a clear schedule of all events.”
(AP)
Maira Butt7 February 2026 10:48
Ukraine cuts nuclear power output amid fighting, says IAEA
Ukraine has been forced to halt its production over nuclear power amid ongoing military activity, International Atomic Energy Agency said on Saturday.
“Ukraine’s NPPs reduced power output again this morning after renewed military activity affected electrical substations and disconnected some power lines, IAEA Director General @rafaelmgrossi says,” the statement on X read.
“DG Grossi reiterates call for restraint as worsening grid situation compromises nuclear safety.”
(Getty Images)
Maira Butt7 February 2026 10:20
Ukrainians gather in metro stations to seek safety during nighttime air attacks
People sit on folding chairs while others sleep on the floor with sleeping bags as a man in military uniform walks past, in Kyiv, Ukraine on February 7, 2026. Civilians gathered in metro stations with bedding and basic supplies to seek safety during nighttime air attacks on the city. (Photo by Daniel Yovkov / Hans Lucas / AFP via Getty Images) (Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)
People sit on chairs and benches inside a metro station while taking shelter during the night, in Kyiv, Ukraine on February 7, 2026. Residents gathered underground with blankets, sleeping bags, and makeshift bedding to stay safe during nighttime air attacks on the city. (Photo by Daniel Yovkov / Hans Lucas / AFP via Getty Images) (Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)
Women sit on folding chairs inside a metro station while taking shelter during the night, in Kyiv, Ukraine on February 7, 2026. Civilians used metro stations as temporary refuges with chairs, blankets, and sleeping bags to stay safe during overnight air attacks. (Photo by Daniel Yovkov / Hans Lucas / AFP via Getty Images) (Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar7 February 2026 10:00