The conflict in Ukraine, ignited by Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022, has tragically entered its fifth year, solidifying its place as Europe’s deadliest since World War II. The human toll is staggering: nearly 1.8 million military casualties, hundreds of thousands dead, and over 15,000 confirmed civilian deaths, with millions displaced from their homes.
The war’s early days saw Russia’s rapid advance, but they failed to capture Kyiv, where President Zelensky rallied resistance. Iconic cities like Mariupol endured brutal sieges. The world recoiled at evidence of atrocities in Bucha, leading to international war crimes investigations and an ICC arrest warrant for Putin.
Ukraine, bolstered by Western weapons, launched successful counteroffensives in late 2022, reclaiming vast territories in Kharkiv and Kherson. Russia faced internal strife, including the Wagner mercenary group’s brief mutiny. However, by 2024, Russian forces regained momentum, slowly advancing in the east as Ukraine grappled with manpower and ammunition shortages, even as new, powerful weapons emerged.
The geopolitical landscape shifted with former US President Donald Trump’s re-election, creating uncertainty about continued aid to Kyiv and proposing controversial peace plans. Both sides have continued devastating attacks, with Russia targeting Ukraine’s energy network during winter, met by Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries. Diplomatic talks continue, yet the core demands – particularly over Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region – remain a major hurdle. This brutal conflict, now in its fifth year, continues to redraw Europe’s security map.
