Oksana Puhačova reflects on the fourth year of the war in Ukraine, emphasizing that despite the extensive coverage and documentation of the conflict, there is still insufficient awareness and understanding of its implications. Many were unprepared for the war to drag on for so long, and questions about when it might end remain uncertain.

She recalls the early days following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 when Ukrainian officials and activists pleaded with Russian mothers to prevent their sons from going to war, banking on maternal love and instinct. However, despite hopes for empathy and fear of loss, these appeals failed to sway the majority of Russians.

The piece highlights a stark reality where a significant portion of the Russian population continues to support the war enthusiastically, with a recent poll indicating that 73% of respondents back their leader's aggressive policies. Puhačova's analysis shows the depths of this support and raises questions about the future of the conflict and the potential for resolution.