Ukraine marks four years since Russia's full invasion as Moscow says its 'goals' not yet achieved"

Four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the war continues with no clear end in sight, as both sides mark the grim anniversary amid frozen front lines, mounting casualties, and deepening geopolitical divisions. Ukrainian leaders commemorated the date with ceremonies honoring soldiers and civilians killed since February 24, 2022, while Moscow reiterated that its military objectives remain unfinished.
In Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation in a solemn speech, praising what he called the “unbreakable spirit” of Ukrainians who have resisted one of Europe’s largest military assaults since World War II. Church bells rang across several cities, and moments of silence were observed in schools and government offices. Memorials and mass graves in towns such as Bucha and Irpin served as stark reminders of the early months of the invasion, when Russian forces were pushed back from northern Ukraine after heavy losses.
The anniversary comes at a time when the battlefield has largely stabilized into entrenched positions across eastern and southern regions. Russian troops still occupy significant portions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, while Ukrainian forces continue to conduct limited counteroffensives and long-range strikes on logistics hubs and military infrastructure. Both armies are heavily reliant on drones, artillery, and electronic warfare, signaling a shift toward a grinding war of attrition rather than rapid maneuver warfare.
Moscow used the occasion to restate its justification for the invasion. Russian officials said their “special military operation” had not yet achieved all of its goals, which include preventing Ukraine from joining NATO and securing what the Kremlin calls Russian-speaking territories. In a statement carried by state media, the defense ministry claimed that Russian forces were “steadily improving their tactical positions,” despite Western intelligence assessments suggesting high casualties and equipment losses.
For Ukraine, the war has transformed nearly every aspect of national life. The economy has been reshaped around defense production and foreign assistance, while millions of citizens remain displaced inside the country or abroad. Power stations, ports, and factories have been repeatedly targeted, leaving communities to rebuild under constant threat of missile and drone attacks. Yet Ukraine has also deepened its ties with Western allies, receiving advanced weapons systems and financial aid that have allowed it to sustain resistance far longer than many analysts initially predicted.
International reactions on the anniversary reflected both solidarity and fatigue. European leaders reaffirmed support for Kyiv, emphasizing that the conflict is not only about Ukraine’s sovereignty but also about the future of international law. The United States repeated its commitment to military and humanitarian assistance, though debates in Congress and among voters highlight growing concerns over the cost and duration of the war. Meanwhile, some Global South countries have continued to call for negotiations, urging both sides to seek a diplomatic path out of the conflict.
Humanitarian agencies warned that the war’s toll on civilians remains severe. Tens of thousands have been killed or wounded, and millions still face shortages of electricity, heating, and medical supplies, particularly in frontline regions. Children have grown up amid air raid sirens and online schooling, and an entire generation has been shaped by conflict.
Analysts say the fourth anniversary underscores a strategic stalemate. Neither side appears capable of delivering a decisive blow in the near term. Ukraine depends heavily on sustained Western backing, while Russia has expanded arms production and strengthened economic ties with countries outside the Western alliance system. Prospects for peace talks remain slim, as trust between the two governments is virtually nonexistent.
As Ukraine marks four years since Russia’s invasion, the country stands as both a symbol of resistance and a warning of prolonged war in the modern era. For many Ukrainians, the anniversary is not only about remembering the past but also about enduring an uncertain future. And as Moscow insists its objectives remain unmet, the conflict continues to shape global politics, energy markets, and security calculations far beyond Eastern Europe.