This week marks the four-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that began with an initial assault on Kyiv, which was unexpectedly repelled by Ukrainian forces. Despite the unexpected resilience of Ukraine and its military leadership under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the war has transformed into a protracted battle of attrition, with Russia making slow progress on the ground while Ukraine endures severe aerial bombardments targeting its infrastructure.

The devastation inflicted on Ukraine has been compounded by the ongoing military and humanitarian crises, despite the support from Western nations in terms of sanctions against Russia and donations of military equipment, including air-defense systems. Various peace efforts have emerged throughout the conflict, but these initiatives have often been seen as lacking genuine commitment from the involved parties, leading to further uncertainty about a potential resolution and the soaring human cost of the conflict.

Conversations with on-ground reporters such as Francis Farrell from the Kyiv Independent shed light on the complexities of the war, emphasizing not only the military and strategic dimensions but also the profound humanitarian impact on civilians subjected to ongoing violence. The future of Ukraine remains precarious as it navigates the harsh realities of war with little indication of an imminent end to the conflict.