Conflict Update: Third Day of War- 26 February 2022 (10:00 GMT+1)
As the third day of invasion begins, clashes in the capital city Kyiv seem to be gaining in intensity, primarily in the north of the capital’s centre – the Obolon District. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged the Ukrainians to keep on fighting in a video where he is seen standing outside his office with other members of the government. He has assured his citizens he will not be leaving the country.
Zelenskyy’s speech came at a time of increasing reports that claim Russia has been engaging in war crimes by targeting civilian infrastructures such as hospitals, kindergartens or orphanages. Ukraine is gathering evidence on Russia’s activities to be sent to the International Court of Justice.
Objectively evaluating losses on both sides is impossible at this time, but the Ukrainian military claims Russia has lost 3,500 soldiers, ‘14 planes, 8 helicopters, 102 tanks, 536 BBM, 15 heavy machine guns, and 1 BUK missile’ so far. Meanwhile, the Russian army claims it has taken control of Melitopol, a city in south-eastern Ukraine. The Russian defence ministry said Russia has destroyed eight naval boats ‘14 military airfields, 19 command posts, 24 S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems and 48 radar stations.’