On February 24, 2022, precisely four years ago, over 150,000 Russian soldiers launched an invasion of Ukraine, which was a calculated effort by Vladimir Putin to annex the country through a swift assault. However, the invasion did not succeed, as Putin miscalculated his forces and underestimated the resolve and capabilities of Ukrainian defenders. Now, five years into the war, the conflict has devolved into a grueling war of attrition along an extended front line.

This anniversary serves as a reminder that the war in Ukraine is not just a localized conflict; it has escalated into a significant international crisis. Throughout this period, Russia has made threats regarding the use of nuclear weapons, brought North Korean troops into Europe, and secured weaponry from Iran alongside support from China. The aggression demonstrated by Russia has seriously undermined security across the continent and altered geopolitical dynamics both in Europe and globally.

As Western Europe recognized early in the spring of 2022, Russia's intentions went beyond a mere territorial dispute; they posed a threat to regional and international stability. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to necessitate attention and action from the global community, as its ramifications impact security arrangements throughout Europe and potentially elsewhere in the world.