Tuesday briefing: The long and winding road of war in Ukraine, as the human cost mounts

The Guardian World

by Martin Belam

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Four years after Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine, the conflict continues to escalate, with both sides showing little sign of yielding. While Russia has made slow but steady territorial gains in regions it previously destabilized through proxy groups, Ukraine has faced relentless aerial attacks on its infrastructure. Despite Western support—ranging from sanctions to advanced military aid—efforts to halt these assaults have been unsuccessful. The war’s trajectory remains a complex mix of attrition and incremental shifts, with peace initiatives failing to gain traction. This prolonged struggle underscores the immense human cost and highlights ongoing misunderstandings about the conflict among Western audiences and leaders. Meanwhile, former UK politician Peter Mandelson has been arrested and released on bail amid an investigation into alleged misconduct during his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. The case adds another layer of scrutiny to Mandelson’s political career, potentially damaging his reputation further. In education news, significant changes to UK policy will result in fewer children with special educational needs (SEN) receiving essential education, health, and care plans (EHCPs). Critics argue this reduction could disproportionately impact vulnerable students, raising concerns about access to adequate support systems. In UK politics, Reform UK’s proposal to establish an ICE-style deportation agency has sparked outrage, labeled as “sadistic” by critics. The plan reflects broader debates over immigration policies and human rights in the country. Elsewhere, the BBC issued a new apology for broadcasting the N-word during live coverage of the

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/24/2026