President Volodymyr Zelensky marked the four-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine by accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of attempting to take over the country, saying Moscow had failed to achieve its objectives. In a video address highlighting Ukrainian acts of resistance during the opening days of the conflict, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine was committed to securing a strong and lasting peace.
Since Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022, hundreds of thousands have d, making it the deadliest war on European soil since World War II. Talks mediated by the United States have so far failed to halt the fighting, which has left Ukraine facing a massive reconstruction challenge.
“Putin has not achieved his goals. He did not break the Ukrainians. He did not win this war. We have preserved Ukraine, and we will do everything to achieve peace and ensure justice,” Zelensky said. He stressed that any agreement “must be accepted by Ukrainians” to be legitimate.
Leaders of Ukraine’s allies, including Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, visited Kyiv on Tuesday to mark the anniversary. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed Europe’s unwavering support for Ukraine, including financial and military assistance through the harsh winter, and emphasized that peace must come on Ukraine’s terms.
The United States continues to push for an end to the conflict, but Russia occupies roughly 20 percent of Ukrainian territory and insists on full control of eastern Donetsk, threatening force if Kyiv does not comply. Ukraine has rejected such demands and insists on security guarantees from allies to deter future s.
The war has also damaged Ukrainian energy infrastructure, leaving millions without heat and electricity in winter. Moscow has redirected oil exports to Asia due to international sanctions, while Russian troops advance slowly in eastern Donbas. Ukraine has called for European troop deployments to enforce any ceasefire, but Russia has rejected these proposals.
The conflict has devastated Ukraine, one of Europe’s poorest countries before the invasion. Reconstruction costs are estimated at $588 billion over the next decade according to a World Bank, EU, and UN report. Putin frames the war as defensive, claiming it preserves Russia’s borders and strategic parity, while Ukraine views it as an imperialist attempt to subjugate its people.
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