Four years since Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine is remembering its dead as the conflict shows no sign of ending. The Ukrainian military continues its resistance, but both sides are experiencing mounting losses. Russia, which anticipated a swift victory, acknowledges its war aims are not yet fully achieved and intends to continue its attacks.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated, "Ukraine never chose this war. We have defended our independence, we have not lost our statehood." Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov repeated accusations that Western support for Ukraine has escalated the conflict into a "confrontation between Russia and the West." Russia currently controls less than 20% of Ukrainian territory.
Kyiv observed a minute of silence, a somber yet palpable display of solidarity. In Maidan square, flags commemorating the war dead were lowered. In Bucha, a town known for the horrors witnessed in 2022, people laid flowers on soldiers' graves. "The war has taken a lot of lives," remarked one visitor. "No-one thought it would last this long."
World leaders, including Finland's Alexander Stubb, Sweden's Ulf Kristersson, and European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, joined Zelensky in Kyiv. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed skepticism about achieving short-term peace, noting the absence of Russian willingness for a robust peace agreement. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer asserted that Putin is the sole obstacle to progress.
The G7, in a joint declaration, reiterated unwavering support for Ukraine. Zelensky emphasized the need for American-made Patriot missiles and interceptors, noting that recent Russian attacks have depleted Ukraine's stock. The cost of the war on Russia has been immense, with UK estimates suggesting over 1.25 million casualties, surpassing US World War Two losses. Ukrainian battlefield deaths are officially reported at 55,000, with other sources suggesting up to 200,000.