4 years since the War in Ukraine

2026-02-24 08:50:00, Blog CNA

This February 24th marks the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has become one of the most important moments in global politics of the 21st century.

Tens of thousands of lives have been lost since the Kremlin ordered a "special operation" expected to last only ten days, but which has continued for 1,460 days with heavy losses on both sides.

4 years since the War in Ukraine

Europe gains more influence

Rather than remaining a conflict with another goal, this war strategically changed Europe and global partnerships, accelerating the reshaping of alliances and security priorities.

4 years since the War in Ukraine

Today, Europe has become more active in helping Ukraine, with military supplies, economic aid, and efforts to ensure collective defense.

Foreign discussions and analyses show that, although the US remains an important actor, Europe is beginning to play a more active role in sharing the security burden on the continent, strengthening cooperation between member countries.

With the arrival of Donald Trump in the White House for a second term, the US attitude towards the war changed significantly: military aid to Ukraine was reduced and the priority of direct diplomacy with Moscow increased at the expense of traditional NATO and Western policies.

4 years since the War in Ukraine

Trump has underlined the need for direct dialogue with Russia and suggested restrictions on Ukraine's membership in NATO as part of an effort to reach a peace deal.

Asia-Europe Perspective and Global Order

The war has brought Europe and Asia together strategically, due to shared interests in the disciplines of defense, technology, and global security. Cooperation between Europe and Asian partners, especially counterbalancing the power of Russia and China, is becoming a key component of the new global order.

4 years since the War in Ukraine

Peace negotiations and the reality on the ground

Trilateral talks between the US, Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi and Geneva have failed to produce a lasting ceasefire. Ukraine has accused Russia of obstructing the negotiations, and without clear support from both international parties, no short-term solution seems likely.

4 years since the War in Ukraine

What does this anniversary mean?

After four years of war, the conflict remains unresolved and has changed the way Europe, the US and other allies think about collective security. The global order is being re-established through shared military, economic and diplomatic interests between the West and the rest of the world.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly warned that he will pursue his objectives by force if diplomacy fails.

4 years since the War in Ukraine

In an interview with the BBC broadcast on Sunday, Zelensky said he believed Putin had already started World War III.

Reconstruction of

The difficult four-year war has devastated Ukraine, which even before the fighting was one of the poorest countries in Europe.

4 years since the War in Ukraine

According to a joint report by the World Bank, the European Union and the United Nations, the cost of post-war reconstruction is estimated at around $558 billion over the next decade.

4 years since the War in Ukraine

During a medal ceremony to mark "Defenders of the Fatherland Day," Putin insisted that his soldiers were defending Russia's borders in Ukraine, ensuring strategic parity between powers and fighting for the country's future.

Ukraine, a former Soviet republic, for its part considers the war a revival of Russian imperialism aimed at subjugating the Ukrainian people./ CNA