4th Anniversary of Putin's War: Ukraine Exhausted, But Not Broken | RealClearPolitics

RealClearPolitics

by The Guardian

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The article marks the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, highlighting Ukraine's remarkable resilience despite years of relentless conflict. Despite immense human toll and resource drain, Ukraine has managed to maintain its sovereignty and resist Russian dominance. The Kremlin's original objectives, including regime change in Kyiv and territorial expansion, remain unattained, underscoring the failure of Moscow's strategy. The piece emphasizes that the war has become a prolonged attrition battle, with both sides suffering significant losses. Ukraine's ability to withstand such pressure is attributed to strong international support, particularly from Western allies supplying military aid and economic sanctions against Russia. This external assistance has bolstered Ukraine's capacity to defend its territory and sustain its economy amidst adversity. Economic pressures on Russia are intensifying as the conflict drags on. The West's robust sanctions have led to severe financial strain, impacting Russia's war efforts and domestic stability. This economic squeeze poses a critical challenge to Moscow's ability to sustain military operations, potentially undermining its long-term strategic goals. The situation holds significant political implications, particularly for global security dynamics. Ukraine's resilience may deter other nations from pursuing aggressive expansionist policies, as the costs and risks associated with such ventures become increasingly apparent. The international community closely monitors these developments, recognizing the broader lessons for conflict strategies and state behavior in the modern era. In summary, the fourth year of Putin's war highlights Ukraine's unyielding resistance and the limitations of Russia's approach.

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Originally published on RealClearPolitics on 2/24/2026