The article reflects on the four-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, noting that despite initial expectations, Putin's regime has failed to achieve its goals of subjugating Ukraine to Moscow's authority. The frontline situation has remained stable for an extended period, with neither side able to make significant breakthroughs. Concurrently, peace talks continue but have yet to yield any substantial success; there are increasing doubts among Ukrainians about Russia's willingness to agree to a fair peace, especially given President Trump's perceived pressure on Ukraine rather than Russia.

Moreover, the piece emphasizes the deteriorating condition of the Russian economy, yet the Kremlin remains prepared to continue the war despite these challenges. The article argues that Putin's actions have long-term implications for Russia's international influence, predicting a decline due to the sustained conflict and its repercussions. The war, having shifted into a prolonged phase characterized by fatigue, reflects neither side's ability to decisively defeat the other.

As the conflict has evolved, it has transformed from the more intense phase with rapid offensives experienced at the end of 2022 into a drawn-out war of attrition. The article argues that this shift indicates a broader strategic stalemate, with both sides inflicting minor but exhausting damage on one another. The current circumstances also suggest that without significant international intervention or change in strategy, the conflict may persist for an indeterminate period, continuing to affect both Ukrainian and Russian societies, as well as stability in the region and global geopolitics.