Four years after Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine honors those lost in a conflict with no end in sight. As the war enters its fifth year, the nation faces daily aerial attacks and mounting military losses on both sides.

Zelensky's Defiance

President Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to defending its independence, declaring, "Ukraine never chose this war." He emphasized the country's resolve, stating, "We have defended our independence, we have not lost our statehood."

The Kremlin admitted its objectives remain unmet, blaming Western support for turning the conflict into a "confrontation between Russia and the West."

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Territorial Situation

Russia controls nearly 20% of Ukraine but has failed to capture the entire Donbas region. Despite heavy losses, Ukrainian forces continue to resist, preventing further Russian advances.

Nationwide Remembrance

A minute's silence paused Kyiv, as people gathered in Maidan Square to remember the fallen. Banners were lowered in silent contemplation. In St. Sophia Cathedral, Zelensky and his wife, along with European leaders, led a solemn prayer service.

In Bucha, symbolic of the invasion's horrors, a steady stream of people laid flowers on soldiers' graves. Valentyn, visiting fallen comrades, reflected on the toll, saying, "The war has taken a lot of lives."

International Support and Challenges

The Coalition of the Willing, involving 35 countries, met to support Ukraine. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer highlighted the cost to Russia, with substantial casualties incurred for minimal territorial gain.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed skepticism about achieving peace soon, citing Russia's reluctance to negotiate.

Ongoing Conflict and Diplomacy

Despite US-brokered peace talks, a breakthrough remains distant as Moscow demands the handover of Ukrainian land. Zelensky underscores the role of US security guarantees in any potential peace agreement.

In his video address, Zelensky urged for US interceptor missiles to defend against Russian strikes, as Ukraine's supplies have dwindled.

Casualties and Impact

The conflict continues to claim lives. The BBC identified over 186,000 Russian soldiers killed, though the true toll is likely higher. UK Armed Forces Minister Al Carns estimated Russian casualties exceeded US losses in World War II.

Zelensky reported 55,000 Ukrainian battlefield deaths, with some sources suggesting up to 200,000. Military cemeteries across Ukraine reflect the profound impact and human cost of the ongoing conflict.

In his address, Zelensky called attention to the need for continued international support, emphasizing the importance of unity in facing aggression. The situation on the ground remains dire, with many Ukrainians displaced and struggling for basic necessities amidst ongoing attacks.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 24 Feb 2026

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It’s heartbreaking to see Ukraine marking yet another year of this senseless invasion, with so many lives lost and families torn apart.

Every anniversary is a reminder not only of the resilience of the Ukrainian people and its leader, but also of the immense human cost inflicted by Russia’s campaign of terror against civilians.

What makes this tragedy even more disgusting is that the attacks continue with little regard for international law or basic humanity.

Russia’s actions have devastated communities, destroyed infrastructure, and left countless people mourning loved ones who should still be here today.

I can't help but wonder how the world will deal with Russia once this invasion finally ends. Can a country that has waged such indiscriminate violence against its neighbor simply return to “business as usual” with the international community?

Surely there had to be lasting consequences, political, economic, and moral, that reshape global relations for some time to come?

The world needs to continue supporting Ukraine and ensure that its sacrifices are not forgotten or in vain.

Salva Ukraine you heroic nation your courage inspires me.how I wish we had a real president and not an enemy tool,we should have never abandoned you or our principals for this New York City trust fund baby of an abomination of a president.sad

2 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:

I can't help but wonder how the world will deal with Russia once this invasion finally ends. Can a country that has waged such indiscriminate violence against its neighbor simply return to “business as usual” with the international community?

If the current leadership remains in power and the war ends without a clear sense of justice, the "West" will likely treat Russia as a pariah for a long time, perhaps generations. But if there is a massive change inside Russia (like a new government that apologizes and pays for damages), the "Germany model" shows that even the worst enemies can eventually become partners and be accepted back into the world.

Ukraine, a timely reminder to the next country planning to make bank as US/Nato puppet that your a$$ is going to get kicked.

14 minutes ago, Tug said:

Salva Ukraine you heroic nation your courage inspires me.how I wish we had a real president and not an enemy tool,we should have never abandoned you or our principals for this New York City trust fund baby of an abomination of a president.sad

So you're saying the usa no longer iprovides any aid or military supplies to Ukraine.

Interesting.

15 minutes ago, blaze master said:

So you're saying the usa no longer iprovides any aid or military supplies to Ukraine.

Interesting.

It is still providing aid and military supplies but it's now Europe that is mostly paying for them.

This war should never have happened in the first place.

The Russians invaded because the US and NATO overthrew an elected government and started provoking the bear.

How would the US have reacted if Russia had done something like that in Canada or Mexico?

6 minutes ago, Alan Zweibel said:

It is still providing aid and military supplies but it's now Europe that is mostly paying for them.

Perfect. So they didnt abandon them.

UN approves resolution on peace in Ukraine, US abstains

Disgraceful to join with rogue countries like Russia, North Korea and Cuba to abstain.

Most wars are about money. Follow the cash and you will find the answer. Kind of slick how the US talked Europe out of buying cheap Russian gas to buy more expensive US gas. I see Orban is blocking a hand out from the EU. Good for him he is the only one with any sense.

4 hours ago, DaddyWarbucks said:

The Russians invaded because the US and NATO overthrew an elected government and started provoking the bear.

If you believe the Ukrainian people have agency (the right to make their own choices), then saying the U.S. and NATO "overthrew" the government feels like a deflection. It ignores the millions of Ukrainians who risked their lives protesting their Yanukovych (Ukraine president at the time) who had suddenly backed out of a major trade deal with the European Union (which the public wanted) to take a $15 billion bailout from Russia instead. After nearly 100 people were killed by snipers, Yanukovych realized he had lost the support of the police and his own party, so he fled.

8 hours ago, blaze master said:

Perfect. So they didnt abandon them.

What do you call Donald’s attempts to humiliate Zelenskyy in the White House?what do you say to Donald’s attempts to surrender that nation to the raping hoards?what do you say to Donald’s sucky sucky groveling behavior towards putin?nope to lucid Americans it appears that the New York City abomination is more an asset to the enemy.the heroic people holding the invader at bay deserve our support not just our military goods being sold to them by the Europeans who see what Donald’s hero is trying to do.

8 minutes ago, Tug said:

What do you call Donald’s attempts to humiliate Zelenskyy in the White House?what do you say to Donald’s attempts to surrender that nation to the raping hoards?what do you say to Donald’s sucky sucky groveling behavior towards putin?nope to lucid Americans it appears that the New York City abomination is more an asset to the enemy.the heroic people holding the invader at bay deserve our support not just our military goods being sold to them by the Europeans who see what Donald’s hero is trying to do.

The usa is still providing help to Ukraine. Thats not what abandoned means.

As for the rest of your rant. Yawn.

12 hours ago, ASEAN NOW News said:

Russia controls nearly 20% of Ukraine but has failed to capture the entire Donbas region. Despite heavy losses, Ukrainian forces continue to resist, preventing further Russian advances.

I saw this and wondered what the source of this article was. Scrolled to the end of the article where the source is revealed as Source. Being forced to click the link I find the source is the BBC. As far as I can tell the Russians continue to advance on several fronts. Not according to the BBC it would seem.

13 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

As far as I can tell the Russians continue to advance on several fronts

Don't worry the latest tranche of sanctions,Musk turning off starlink and Putin banning social media apps that the army rely upon for field communication will see Zelenski victorious in Moscow excepting Putin's unconditional surrender any day now..just one last final push to the last Ukrainian.

13 minutes ago, johng said:

Don't worry the latest tranche of sanctions,Musk turning off starlink and Putin banning social media apps that the army rely upon for field communication will see Zelenski victorious in Moscow excepting Putin's unconditional surrender any day now..just one last final push to the last Ukrainian.

Actually the starlink thing has helped Ukraine but for now it only seems to be localised south of Pokrovske where Ukrainian forces have recaptured quite a bit of ground over the last two or so weeks. This retaking of ground is not shown on the DeepState map (Ukrainian MOD map) because it was never shown as being taken by Russian forces in the first place. As for Ukrainian losses it's fair to say that a large number has been because troops have not been pulled out in time.

2 hours ago, blaze master said:

The usa is still providing help to Ukraine. Thats not what abandoned means.

As for the rest of your rant. Yawn.

If I recall you are a Canadian citizen who is a trump supporter.hthat kinda makes you a regular joe Wilcox of a Canadian ehh?after all the trustfund baby wants to kill your country as well.( for those who don’t know) Joe Wilcox is considered the biggest Canadian traitor in their history (source google) as an American citizen born and bred in my view Donald trump betrays the very essence of what I feel is the spirit of my country not to mention the betrayal of the oath of office in regards to the constitution.

On topic in my view trump espouses Russian propaganda almost verbatim on a regular basis in regards to Ukraine.There is no doubt to a critical thinker that trump supports Russia over Ukraine that’s a betrayal of American ideals.pure and simple.

9 minutes ago, Tug said:

If I recall you are a Canadian citizen who is a trump supporter.hthat kinda makes you a regular joe Wilcox of a Canadian ehh?after all the trustfund baby wants to kill your country as well.( for those who don’t know) Joe Wilcox is considered the biggest Canadian traitor in their history (source google) as an American citizen born and bred in my view Donald trump betrays the very essence of what I feel is the spirit of my country not to mention the betrayal of the oath of office in regards to the constitution.

On topic in my view trump espouses Russian propaganda almost verbatim on a regular basis in regards to Ukraine.There is no doubt to a critical thinker that trump supports Russia over Ukraine that’s a betrayal of American ideals.pure and simple.

Another foolish rant filled with personal insults.

Vote kamala 2028.

8 hours ago, The Old Bull said:

Most wars are about money. Follow the cash and you will find the answer. Kind of slick how the US talked Europe out of buying cheap Russian gas to buy more expensive US gas. I see Orban is blocking a hand out from the EU. Good for him he is the only one with any sense.

Orban is the only one with any sense?

Which planet are you from? Are you Russian?

Orban is the most hated man and leader in Europe, and a Russian lover.

4 minutes ago, blaze master said:

Another foolish rant filled with personal insults.

Vote kamala 2028.

Naa she isn’t going to run I’m going to vote democrat no doubt about that most likely senator Mark Kelley or Gavin Newsome definitely not a spineless coward republican.

1 minute ago, Tug said:

Naa she isn’t going to run I’m going to vote democrat no doubt about that most likely senator Mark Kelley or Gavin Newsome definitely not a spineless coward republican.

Hahahaha did I mention hahaha...wait I forgot to tell you hahahahah

Newsome .

Ill probably vote liberal again in my next provincial election.

2 hours ago, dinsdale said:

I saw this and wondered what the source of this article was. Scrolled to the end of the article where the source is revealed as Source. Being forced to click the link I find the source is the BBC. As far as I can tell the Russians continue to advance on several fronts. Not according to the BBC it would seem.

They are not. If you follow the war now, Ukraine are taking back areas as we speak. Russian soldiers are drawing back at several fronts.

This is in fact going Ukraine's way right now. They gain more areas than they're losing at the moment. BBC is spot on.

14 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:

It’s heartbreaking to see Ukraine marking yet another year of this senseless invasion, with so many lives lost and families torn apart.

Every anniversary is a reminder not only of the resilience of the Ukrainian people and its leader, but also of the immense human cost inflicted by Russia’s campaign of terror against civilians.

What makes this tragedy even more disgusting is that the attacks continue with little regard for international law or basic humanity.

Russia’s actions have devastated communities, destroyed infrastructure, and left countless people mourning loved ones who should still be here today.

I can't help but wonder how the world will deal with Russia once this invasion finally ends. Can a country that has waged such indiscriminate violence against its neighbor simply return to “business as usual” with the international community?

Surely there had to be lasting consequences, political, economic, and moral, that reshape global relations for some time to come?

The world needs to continue supporting Ukraine and ensure that its sacrifices are not forgotten or in vain.

A very well written comment, understanding perfectly which country is the biggest threat against peace in the world today. Russia.

And you got 3 downvotes and a one laughing emoji.

I don't know what to say.

The gang of Russian lovers and ditto Trump supporters here on AN, is mind boggling to witness. They obviously want the world to burn down, before they admit they are on the wrong side of history and humanity.

5 minutes ago, thaibreaker said:

They are not. If you follow the war now, Ukraine are taking back areas as we speak. Russian soldiers are drawing back at several fronts.

The first part about Ukraine gaining back some territory is what I said. As for Ukraine taking back areas and Russians drawing back at several fronts which ones? Around Sloviansk and Kramatorsk? How about Sumy in the North? Kupiansk? Hard to know with Kupiansk as there's a lot of movement from both sides in that region. Maybe you can be more specific in what you're claiming and point out the regions where the Russians are pulling back and Ukraine is recapturing territory.

18 minutes ago, thaibreaker said:

A very well written comment, understanding perfectly which country is the biggest threat against peace in the world today. Russia.

China and Iran by a long way.

2 hours ago, dinsdale said:

The first part about Ukraine gaining back some territory is what I said. As for Ukraine taking back areas and Russians drawing back at several fronts which ones? Around Sloviansk and Kramatorsk? How about Sumy in the North? Kupiansk? Hard to know with Kupiansk as there's a lot of movement from both sides in that region. Maybe you can be more specific in what you're claiming and point out the regions where the Russians are pulling back and Ukraine is recapturing territory.

From the very trustworthy ISW:

The fifth year of Russia’s invasion is not beginning well for Moscow. Recent Ukrainian successes on the battlefield disprove Russian claims that things can only get worse for Ukraine the longer Kyiv delays surrendering to Russian demands. Battlefield realities as of late February 2026 show that continued significant Russian battlefield gains, let alone total victory, are not inevitable. Ukrainian forces have recently made the most significant gains on the battlefield since Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk Oblast in August 2024 and liberated the most territory in Ukraine itself since the 2023 counteroffensive.[1] Ukrainian forces began a series of counterattacks in the area of Kupyansk in mid-December 2025 that stabilized Ukrainian control over the town of Kupyansk and retook at least 183 square kilometers between December 11 and 25, pushing Russian forces out of several settlements near the town.[2] Ukraine has held its gains in Kupyansk since mid-December despite Russian efforts to reverse them, and current battlefield dynamics do not suggest that Russia will quickly regain land in the area. Ukrainian forces also began limited counterattacks in early February 2026 that liberated multiple settlements in the Oleksandrivka and Hulyaipole directions in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhia oblasts.[3] ISW has observed evidence to assess that Ukrainian forces have liberated roughly 200 square kilometers in some areas of the Novopavlivka, Oleksandrivka, and Hulyaipole directions, losing 35 square kilometers in other areas of those three directions during the same time frame for a net gain of 165 square kilometers in February.[4] Ukrainian forces continue limited counterattacks in these areas.

Events on the battlefield refute Moscow’s claims that a Russian battlefield victory is inevitable and that Ukraine should surrender to Russia’s demands before its position deteriorates further.

I am sure that all those Bentley's, Mercs and other luxury branded cars with Ukrainian plates (UA), seen cruising all over the prime luxury cities of Europe...I am sure that they are very grateful for the sacrifice of their boys, usually from the lower and poor classes of their society.

2 hours ago, dinsdale said:

China and Iran by a long way.

If you were located, or lived in Europe, you would have said Russia.

In our opinion neither China, nor Iran is anywhere near the threat coming from Russia.

Unless Donald Trump is pushing into a war either way (even on Greenland). Then I would say the US is the most dangerous country against world peace at the moment.

Neither China nor Iran are pushing for imperialistic gains. Russia is definitely doing that (and the US at Greenland), and it's impossible to know what Russia's endgame is.

2 minutes ago, Sigmund said:

I am sure that all those Bentley's, Mercs and other luxury branded cars with Ukrainian plates (UA), seen cruising all over the prime luxury cities of Europe...I am sure that they are very grateful for the sacrifice of their boys, usually from the lower and poor classes of their society.

That's the most ridiculous post I have read on AN.

Seriously, get a grip.