As the conflict initiated by Putin approaches its fourth anniversary, the repercussions for Ukraine are dire, with significant population losses noted since February 2022. Originally home to 46 million people, estimates now suggest that Ukraine's population has decreased by around 10 million, largely due to the refugee crisis, casualties in conflict, and the displacement of citizens in occupied territories. This dramatic demographic shift is creating a nation primarily composed of widows, further compounded by a plummeting fertility rate that is now at half the minimum required for population replacement.

From a strategic standpoint, it can be argued that Putin has effectively lost the war, as Russian military forces have demonstrated an inability to bring under control a smaller nation, whether in terms of demographics or military capability. The Russian domestic landscape has also suffered, with public freedoms severely diminished and rights curtailed, leading to a stark picture of oppression within the country. The ramifications of these failures extend beyond borders, casting a shadow over European geopolitics and presenting a critique of former U.S. President Trump's international policies regarding Russia.

Economically, while Russia has maintained a semblance of stability, the structure of its economy has shifted regressively, becoming heavily reliant on wartime expenditures. This transformation indicates a troubling trend where long-term economic vitality is abandoned for short-term military goals, raising concerns about the sustainability of Russia's economy moving forward. As the war endures, these multifaceted implications underline the broader impacts of the conflict on both Ukraine and Russia, as well as the international community's engagement with these nations.