February 24, 2026 marks four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, setting off the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II. What began as a rapid military offensive aimed at reshaping Ukraine’s political future has turned into a prolonged and devastating war that has reshaped global geopolitics, security alliances, and economic systems.

Over four years, tens of thousands of civilians and hundreds of thousands of soldiers have been killed. Millions of Ukrainians have fled their homes. Entire cities in eastern and southern Ukraine have been reduced to rubble. The war has not only transformed Ukraine but has also fundamentally altered relations between Russia and the West.

The Invasion: February 2022

On February 24, 2022, Russian forces crossed into Ukraine from multiple directions, including from Belarus in the north, Russia in the east, and Crimea in the south. Missiles struck major cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa.

Russian President Vladimir Putin described the operation as a special military operation. Ukraine and its Western allies condemned it as an unprovoked invasion.

In the early weeks, Russian troops advanced rapidly toward Kyiv. However, strong Ukrainian resistance, logistical challenges and international military support slowed the offensive. By April 2022, Russian forces withdrew from northern Ukraine, shifting focus to the eastern Donbas region.

Battle for the East and South: 2022–2023

After failing to capture Kyiv, Russia concentrated on eastern and southern Ukraine. Fierce battles erupted in cities such as Bakhmut, Toretsk and Vovchansk. These urban centres became symbols of destruction.

Bakhmut witnessed months of intense fighting. Artillery duels and close-quarter combat destroyed residential buildings, schools and hospitals. Similar devastation was seen in Toretsk and Vovchansk.

By late 2022, Russia had declared the annexation of four Ukrainian regions following referendums that were widely rejected by Ukraine and the international community.

Ukraine launched counteroffensives, reclaiming territory in the Kharkiv region and later pushing into parts of the south. However, front lines gradually stabilised into a grinding war of attrition.

Humanitarian Impact

The human cost of the war has been immense. Millions of Ukrainians fled to neighbouring countries, including Poland, Romania and Germany. Others were internally displaced within Ukraine.

Entire communities were uprooted. Infrastructure, including power plants, bridges and rail networks, suffered extensive damage.

According to the United Nations Mine Action Service, around one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory is contaminated by mines or unexploded ordnance. This poses long-term risks to civilians, particularly in agricultural regions.

Economic and Global Consequences

The war disrupted global grain exports, as Ukraine is a major supplier of wheat and corn. Blockades and attacks on Black Sea ports triggered global food price spikes in 2022 and 2023.

Energy markets were also shaken. Europe reduced dependence on Russian gas, accelerating investments in alternative energy sources and liquefied natural gas imports.

Sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union and other allies targeted Russian banks, industries and individuals. Russia responded by deepening economic ties with non-Western partners.

Military Developments: 2024–2025

As the war entered its third and fourth years, technological adaptation became central. Both sides increased use of drones, precision missiles and electronic warfare systems.

Front lines shifted slowly, with heavy casualties reported on both sides. Ukraine continued receiving military assistance from Western allies, including air defence systems and armoured vehicles.

Russia fortified occupied territories and intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, particularly during winter months.

By 2025, the conflict had settled into a prolonged stalemate in many sectors, with neither side achieving a decisive breakthrough.

Cities in Ruins

Cities such as Bakhmut became virtually uninhabitable. Satellite images showed vast stretches of destroyed buildings. Toretsk and Vovchansk suffered similar fates.

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