Ukraine-Russia war latest: Kyiv drone strikes hit Black Sea ports ahead of crucial US-backed peace talks

Another round of US-brokered peace talks will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday in Geneva LiveupdatedNewsWorldEuropeUkraine-Russia war latest: Kyiv drone strikes hit Black Sea ports ahead of crucial US-backed peace talksAnother round of US-brokered peace talks will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday in GenevaSam Kiley World Affairs Editor in Kyiv, Arpan Rai & Bryony GoochMonday 16 February 2026 04:32 GMTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popoverUkraine warns of renewed Russian exploitation as Kyiv pushes for security guarantees and new sanctionsYour support helps us to tell the storyRead moreSupport NowFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read moreA Ukrainian drone strike ignited fires at one of Russia's Black Sea ports, officials said on Sunday, ahead of fresh talks next week in Geneva aimed at ending the war.The two sides have resumed strikes on each other's energy infrastructure in recent days, after a US-brokered moratorium on such strikes expired.On Saturday, drone strikes killed one person in Ukraine and another in Russia, Ukrainian officials said. An elderly woman died when a Russian drone hit a residential building in the Black Sea port city of Odesa, Ukraine's state emergency service said.Two people were injured in the attack on the port of Taman in the Krasnodar region, which damaged an oil storage tank, warehouse and terminals, according to regional governor Veniamin Kondratyev.The attacks came ahead of another round of US-brokered talks on Tuesday and Wednesday in Geneva, just before the fourth anniversary of the all-out Russian invasion.Earlier on Sunday, UK foreign secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK and its allies had exposed a “barbaric Kremlin plot” to poison opposition leader Alexei Navalny as she suggested new sanctions against Moscow could follow.The Russian embassy in London has denied Moscow was involved in Mr Navalny’s death.RecommendedTruth is the most ‘dangerous weapon’ against Russia, UK says as it hits back at denial over Navalny’s deathA critical point for Ukraine – and for EuropeInside the vast underground bunkers ready to protect Helsinki from PutinKim Jong un opens new housing district for families of North Koreans killed in Ukraine warKey PointsUkrainian drone strike sparks fires at Russian Black Sea portUkraine's ex-energy minister arrested after he tries to leave countryKyiv mayor says Ukraine's future 'still open question'Rubio says US does not dispute Navalny poisoning assessment by EuropeansUkraine attacks several Russian oblasts, causing power outage and airport shutdownUkraine attacks several Russian oblasts, causing power outage and airport shutdownUkraine has attacked several Russian oblasts with drone strikes, targeting regions including Moscow, Bryansk and Belgorod.Sergei Sobhyanin, Moscow’s mayor, said Russian air defence units shot down at least 13 drones heading toward the capital and emergency services are responding to debris at impact sites.The attack took place late last night.The drone attacks caused temporary flight restrictions at Domodedovo airport in Moscow but these were later lifted, state media reported.Bryansk oblast governor Alexander Bogomaz said the region had been under sustained drone attack since early morning, claiming that 120 drones were destroyed there.At least five municipalities and parts of Bryansk city were left without heat and electricity, he said.Earlier yesterday, Russia’s defence ministry said at least 102 Ukrainian drones were intercepted between 9am and 1pm across Bryansk, Kaluga, and Tula oblasts, as well as near Moscow.Another attack was reported on Belgorod city on Russian telegram channels.Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said preliminary information indicated significant damage to energy infrastructure and emergency services are assessing the extent of the damage.A young woman looks at her smartphone while on the subway in Moscow (AP)Arpan Rai16 February 2026 04:26Rubio says US does not dispute Navalny poisoning assessment by EuropeansUS secretary of state Marco Rubio has called a report by five European allies blaming Russia for killing late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny “troubling”, adding that Washington had no reason to question