As of February 1, 2026, Ukraine’s international reserves have risen to $57.7 billion, marking a historic peak, according to the National Bank of Ukraine. This increase reflects the country’s ongoing economic resilience despite the prolonged conflict with Russia.
Military Developments
On February 6, 2026, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, provided an update on military operations during a media briefing. He noted that since the establishment of drone units in the summer of 2025, their effectiveness in engaging enemy targets has increased from 4% to 33%. Drones now account for approximately 60% of total firepower on the front lines.
General Syrskyi reported that Russian forces are deploying between 100 and 200 Shahed-type drones daily to strike Ukrainian territory. In response, Ukraine’s defense forces employ aircraft, helicopters, and interceptor drones, managing to neutralize about 70% of these aerial threats.
Over the past year, Ukrainian forces conducted three offensive operations, two of which took place on Russian territory. The enemy’s troop strength has remained stable at around 711,000 to 712,000 personnel, with daily losses estimated at 1,000 to 1,100 soldiers. The front line stretches approximately 1,200 kilometers.
International Reactions
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the introduction of the 20th sanctions package against Russia, which includes a complete ban on maritime transportation of Russian crude oil. This move is part of ongoing efforts to hold Russia accountable for its aggression against Ukraine.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe reaffirmed its stance that Russian and Belarusian athletes should not participate in international competitions under national flags as long as the aggression against Ukraine continues.
Pope Leo XIV has called for a temporary cessation of hostilities worldwide during the XXV Winter Olympics, which commenced in Italy on February 6, 2026.
Casualties and Humanitarian Impact
General Syrskyi reported that in January 2026, the total enemy casualties, including killed and severely wounded, exceeded 31,700, outpacing their reinforcements. Meanwhile, Russian attacks have resulted in significant damage across various regions. In Kirovohrad, power lines and residential buildings were damaged due to extensive shelling.
In Zaporizhzhia, Russian forces launched 517 strikes on 32 settlements within a single day, resulting in two fatalities and five injuries in the Zaporizhzhia district.
Energy Sector Developments
Recent reports indicate that the Chernobyl and Rivne nuclear power plants have seen an increase in drone activity, raising concerns about nuclear safety. As of February 6, five regions have reported new power outages due to Russian attacks, while severe weather has left 109 settlements without electricity across three regions.
Efforts to restore heating at the Darnytsia Thermal Power Plant are expected to be only partially successful within the next two months, pending a full technical assessment of the damage.
Diplomatic Engagements
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna to discuss ongoing support for Ukraine, including energy and defense assistance, as well as sanctions against Russia. Additionally, the Netherlands has pledged to supply transformers and a financial contribution of €23 million to support Ukraine’s energy sector.
In a separate development, the Ukrainian Parliament’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, engaged in discussions with the Russian ombudsman regarding the return of civilians and the verification of missing persons.
Conclusion
As Ukraine continues to navigate the complexities of war and international relations, its economic indicators, such as rising international reserves, reflect a degree of resilience. However, the humanitarian and military challenges persist, underscoring the ongoing impact of the conflict.
Ukraine's international reserves have reached a historic high of $57.7 billion, reflecting economic resilience amid ongoing military conflict. General Oleksandr Syrskyi reported significant drone effectiveness and enemy casualties, while international responses include new sanctions and calls for a temporary ceasefire during the Winter Olympics.
