INTERNATIONAL — February 15, 2026

Russia Reports Missile Strike Killing Ukrainian Special Forces Near Kharkiv

Russian officials reported a missile strike using Tornado-S launchers that killed Ukrainian special forces and destroyed equipment near Kharkiv's Kazachya Lopan, as Moscow-Kyiv talks continue. Kyiv seeks long-term security guarantees amid ongoing hostilities.

The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Khaama Press2 min read

Russia Reports Missile Strike Killing Ukrainian Special Forces Near Kharkiv
Image courtesy Khaama Press

Russian authorities reported that missile strikes targeted Ukrainian special operations units near Kharkiv, killing personnel and destroying military equipment.

According to Russian officials cited by state news agency TASS, Tornado-S multiple rocket launchers struck Ukrainian forces near the settlement of Kazachya Lopan on the Kharkiv front.

The reported strike comes as negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv continue. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated that the country faced thousands of drones, missiles, and guided bomb attacks in January alone.

Zelenskyy emphasized that Kyiv seeks peace but warned that any settlement must not create future security gaps that could allow renewed hostilities. Ukrainian authorities indicated that negotiations proceed alongside ongoing military pressure, with Kyiv seeking security guarantees lasting at least 20 years to prevent future conflict.

The incident underscores persistent battlefield tensions amid diplomatic efforts for a durable peace settlement.

Read the original reporting at Khaama Press

Reliability assessment

Single source provides direct, on-record attribution to Russian officials and TASS with concrete, checkable details (Tornado-S launchers, specific location Kazachya Lopan, Kharkiv front); reports Russian claims of their own action, not an unconfirmed ground event.

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InternationalRussia, Ukraine, Kharkiv, Zelenskyy, TASS

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