Devastation and frozen frontlines: Ukraine marks four years of Russia’s war
Al Jazeera
February 24, 2026
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Ukraine marks four years since Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, with a nation still standing strong despite immense suffering and loss. Hennady Kolesnik, a 71-year-old Ukrainian, reflects on the past four years as the "worst and longest" of his life. Initially fearing the fall of Kyiv and other key territories, Ukrainians were surprised by their resilience after Russian forces withdrew from around the capital and northern regions. However, the war's stalemate has left Ukraine unable to reclaim all lost territory, with Russia controlling about 19% of Ukrainian land, including Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk.
The conflict entered a new phase in 2023 as Ukraine attempted a counteroffensive aimed at severing Russia's "land bridge" from mainland Russia to Crimea. While Ukrainian forces managed to regain small territories in the east, progress was slow due to heavy losses and technological limitations on both sides. Russian troops advanced incrementally, but their gains were hindered by outdated equipment and communication challenges. The shutdown of Starlink internet terminals used by Russian soldiers and disrupted coordination via Telegram further stalled Moscow's advances.
The war has also taken a toll on Ukraine's infrastructure, with frequent attacks on energy systems leaving the country's functionality "hanging by a thread." Civilians face daily struggles, including power outages, while soldiers endure relentless drone strikes and outages in heavily fortified areas. The ongoing conflict raises concerns about Ukraine's ability to sustain long-term resistance, particularly if Russia intensifies its attacks on critical infrastructure.
For global readers, the war highlights the dangers of prolonged conflicts and their ripple effects on global security, economic stability, and democratic values. The resilience of Ukrainians, despite immense sacrifices, underscores the broader implications of resisting authoritarianism and defending sovereignty. As the war enters its fifth year, the world watches closely as Ukraine's future remains uncertain, with civilians bearing the br
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/24/2026