Russian forces attacked Nikopol, Ukraine, on January 17, 2026. Two women died, and six people sustained injuries. The attack targeted the Dnipropetrovsk region.

Russia claimed to have seized five settlements in Zaporizhia in the last week. These include Zakotnoye and Zhovtnevoye. The Russian Defence Ministry admitted to attacking Ukrainian energy infrastructure and military facilities seven times in the past week. One attack was described as a major strike.

Oleksandr Hanzha, head of the Dnipropetrovsk regional administration, reported the Nikopol attack on Facebook. Ukraine has not yet issued an official response to Russia's claims of seized settlements.

Fighting in eastern Ukraine has been ongoing since 2022. Both sides have increased attacks on critical infrastructure. The conflict's reliance on AI for targeting and defense raises ethical concerns about autonomous weapons systems. AI-powered drones are increasingly used for reconnaissance and attack. This escalates the conflict's technological dimension.

Expect continued fighting in the coming days. International monitors will likely assess the situation in Zaporizhia. Further attacks on energy infrastructure are anticipated.