Russia Unleashes Over 440 Missiles and Drones in Devastating Ukraine Strikes – 2/8/2026, 8:28:18 PM

Thailand held elections for its new House of Representatives on Sunday, amid a shooting incident in Yala province that injured an election security guard.[1] Russia launched massive drone and missile strikes on Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure, with over 440 projectiles reported overnight and additional attacks killing at least one civilian.[1][2][4]

Russia-Ukraine Conflict

• Russian forces conducted large-scale strikes using Kinzhal hypersonic missiles on Ukrainian military and energy facilities, the second major attack on energy infrastructure in under a week; Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reported over 440 drones and missiles launched overnight, with Ukraine proposing a ceasefire on energy strikes that Russia has not accepted.[1][2][4]
• The US is pushing for a peace deal by June, amid trilateral talks where Russia demands Ukraine cede Donbas—a condition Kyiv rejects; a Russian airstrike on an eastern Ukrainian city killed one and wounded two.[2][4]
• Ukraine’s air force reported 101 Russian drones launched overnight.[2]

Middle East Developments

• Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu will meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on Wednesday to discuss Iran-US nuclear talks, emphasizing restrictions on Iranian ballistic missiles and proxy support; recent Oman talks involved US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.[1][3]
• Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called recent US nuclear talks “a step forward”; Iran sentenced Nobel laureate Mohammadi to 7 more years in prison.[1][2]
• In Gaza, two Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire in Beit Lahia; Hamas urged international pressure for a Palestinian administrative committee, following ceasefire violations and Israeli strikes.[1][3]
• Turkish President Erdogan met Jordan’s King Abdullah II amid Middle East tensions; Egypt condemned attacks on Sudanese aid convoys.[1]

US and Global Diplomacy

• The White House plans a Board of Peace leaders’ meeting on February 19 at the US Institute of Peace, inviting dozens of countries, though Italy declined due to constitutional conflicts.[1]
• Greenland-Denmark-US negotiations on Greenland remain unresolved, sparking boycott apps against US goods in Denmark.[1][2]
• South Africa is withdrawing troops from UN’s MONUSCO in DR Congo.[1]

Other Notable Events

• Portugal storm: A firefighter died during operations, raising fatalities to 14 from severe weather.[1]
• Russia: Suspect detained in Dubai for shooting a senior military intelligence general.[2]
• France: Former Culture Minister Jack Lang resigned over an Epstein-linked tax fraud probe.[2]
• UK: Nigeria’s president to make a state visit in March; Epstein files implicate figures like Prince Andrew.[2]
• Benghazi attack: Suspect extradited to US.[2]

These updates reflect reports as of February 8, 2026, primarily from morning and midday sources; ongoing events like elections and strikes may evolve.[1][2][3][4]