What is the Russia-Ukraine War 2026?
The Russia-Ukraine War 2026 refers to the ongoing full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine, which began in 2014 with Russia’s occupation and annexation of Crimea and fighting in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and expanded with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. As of August 2026, the conflict is characterised by intensified long-range missile and drone attacks, continued attritional fighting along the frontline, and limited diplomatic progress. Both sides have conducted reciprocal strikes on energy infrastructure, logistics hubs, airfields and military facilities. The war has also led to cross-border incidents, including Russian weapons entering Moldovan and Romanian territory, raising the risk of unintended escalation involving NATO.
What are the latest developments from 22-28 August 2026?
From 1500 hours UTC on 27 August, Russian forces launched 164 Shahed, Gerbera and other drones towards northern, southern, eastern and central Ukraine, approximately half of which were jet-powered. Ukrainian air defences reportedly intercepted or suppressed 137 drones as of 0600 hours UTC on 28 August, while strikes were recorded at 16 locations. During the night of 26–27 August, Russian forces launched two Onyx anti-ship missiles, an unspecified number of Iskander-M or KN-23 ballistic missiles and 258 drones across Ukraine. Ukrainian forces reportedly intercepted seven ballistic missiles, one Onyx missile, three Banderol loitering munitions and 222 drones. Russian forces intensified operations against both ends of Ukraine’s Donetsk Fortress Belt, maintaining pressure toward Slovyansk in the north and Kostyantynivka in the south. Russian infiltration operations continued around Kostyantynivka, while increased strikes around Slovyansk sought to disrupt Ukrainian logistics and establish conditions for further ground operations. Russian forces intensified strikes against Ukraine–Moldova transport links, including infrastructure associated with the Zatoka and Mayakvi bridges and the Vynohradivka–Vulcaneisti, Reni–Giugulesti and Tabakyi border crossings. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree permitting the Russian government to assume temporary management of critical infrastructure considered inadequately protected against attacks or insufficiently restored following damage. Russian forces advanced east of Slovyansk, consolidating positions around Zakitne and Kryva Luka and reaching the southeastern outskirts of Pyskunivka. Russian drone operations intensified around Druzhkivka and Dobropillya, with Ukrainian military sources reporting approximately 1,500 to 2,000 radio-controlled first-person view drones every 24 hours against Druzhkivka and two logistics routes serving the city, alongside approximately 1,200 such drones every 24 hours in the Dobropillya direction.
What are the impacts of the conflict?
Russian missile and drone attacks could cause further civilian casualties, damage critical infrastructure and disrupt electricity, water, telecommunications and transport services across Ukraine. Ukrainian strikes against Russian oil refineries, logistics centres, airfields and military facilities could aggravate fuel shortages, disrupt military supply chains and reduce Russia’s operational capacity. Russian weapons entering Moldovan and Romanian territory increase the risk of cross-border damage and unintended escalation involving Moldova or NATO. Unforeseen airport closures or airspace restrictions due to missile attacks cannot be ruled out. Heightened military activity near nuclear facilities could prompt precautionary restrictions. Additional civilian displacement could increase pressure on accommodation, transport and public services. Continued attacks on telecommunications infrastructure and data centres could disrupt digital connectivity, financial transactions and critical business communications. Continued attacks on ports, railway networks and logistics hubs could disrupt international trade and delay cargo shipments. The decree permitting the Russian government to assume temporary management of critical infrastructure adds a layer of regulatory and operational uncertainty for businesses with assets in affected regions.
What should organisations and individuals do to prepare?
Monitor official platforms for real-time updates: Government of Ukraine, State Emergency Service of Ukraine, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation. Identify the nearest functioning shelter and move indoors immediately when air raid warnings activate. Avoid windows, exterior walls and open areas until authorities issue an all-clear. Maintain emergency supplies, including drinking water, essential medicines, food, flashlights, power banks, identification documents and sufficient cash for several days. Avoid military installations, government buildings, energy facilities, oil depots, railway yards, logistics centres, ports and recently affected locations. Allow additional travel time and maintain alternative routes due to checkpoints, emergency closures, unexploded ordnance, damaged infrastructure and sudden security restrictions. Restrict non-essential movement during active missile or drone attacks and avoid photographing or publishing the locations of Ukrainian military units, air defence systems or strike sites. Emergency contacts: Unified emergency services 112; Fire and rescue services 101; Police 102.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Russia-Ukraine War begin?
The war began in 2014 with Russia’s occupation and annexation of Crimea, and expanded with the full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022.
What are the latest developments in August 2026?
Intensified Russian drone and missile attacks, ground operations around Slovyansk and Kostyantynivka, strikes on Ukraine–Moldova transport links, and a decree allowing the Russian government to assume temporary management of critical infrastructure.
What are the main risks for businesses?
Supply chain disruptions, energy and digital infrastructure attacks, aviation and airspace restrictions, and cross-border escalation risks involving Moldova and NATO.
What are the emergency contact numbers?
Unified emergency services: 112; Fire and rescue: 101; Police: 102.
Download the full advisory now
MitKat’s Risk Flash on the Russia-Ukraine War carries the complete timeline, impact assessment and recommendations. Download the full advisory now to brief your travel and continuity teams.
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