The article marks the fourth anniversary of the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022, and has since escalated into the largest armed confrontation in Europe since World War II. It traces the conflict’s roots back to 2014, citing events like the annexation of Crimea and the Donbas conflict, and illustrates how the situation transformed into an expansive interstate war in 2022. In the early stages of the invasion, Russian forces made significant advances towards key Ukrainian cities such as Kyiv and Kharkiv, presenting this invasion as an unprovoked aggression against Ukraine's sovereignty.

As the article discusses the ramifications of the war, it emphasizes Ukraine's resilience in defending Kyiv, interpreting the Russian retreat from northern Ukraine in the spring of 2022 as a pivotal victory in preventing the nation from collapsing under fire. The ongoing struggle into 2023 has morphed into a protracted conflict, characterized by staggering casualties and displacement of millions. The article also highlights the Ukrainian perspective on the war, reinforcing the narrative of defending their right to self-determination against Russian expansionism.

Finally, the article mentions the framing of the war from the Russian side, describing it as a “special military operation,” and depicts the steady deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the region. The ongoing hostilities have triggered a humanitarian crisis, with millions affected, many citizens facing displacement, and the international community seeking ways to resolve the conflict, which remains unresolved four years on, depicting a grim outlook for the future of Ukraine and its people.