Ukrainians marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion on 24 February with solemn vigils and a nationwide minute’s silence, highlighting immense loss as the conflict persists.
In Kyiv’s Maidan Square and Bucha’s memorials, crowds laid flowers beside photos of the fallen and blue-and-yellow flags, fostering unity. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena led prayers at St Sophia’s Cathedral with allies including Finland’s Alexander Stubb and Sweden’s Ulf Kristersson.
From underground presidential corridors reminiscent of Churchill’s bunker, Zelenskyy stated in a video, “Ukraine never chose this war. We have defended our independence, we have not lost our statehood. Ukraine exists not just on the map.”
He invited U.S. President Donald Trump to visit, saying, “I know for certain: only by coming to Ukraine and seeing with one’s own eyes our life and our struggle, only then can one understand what this war is really about. And because of whom,” while requesting more Patriot missiles after Russian winter strikes depleted stocks.
Russia controls about 20 per cent of Ukraine but failed to take all of Donbas. The Kremlin admits aims “haven’t been fully achieved yet,” blaming Western aid for a “confrontation between Russia and the West.”
Casualties mount, with UK estimates over 1.25 million Russian losses and Ukrainian deaths between 55,000 and 200,000. The UK-France-led Coalition of the Willing discussed troop deployments for ceasefires.
Sir Keir Starmer noted Russia’s minimal 0.8 per cent land gain last year, declaring, “When it comes to talks, there’s one person standing in the way of progress. And that is Putin, and nobody but Putin.”
Emmanuel Macron cautioned, “Let’s be lucid. There is no willingness on the Russian side to have peace and, by the way, to have a robust and solid peace as we see it on our side.”
Putin alleged without evidence that Britain and France plan nuclear aid for Ukraine; Downing Street dismissed it as “a clear attempt by Vladimir Putin to distract” with “no truth.” A G7 statement backed Kyiv’s sovereignty as Ukraine faces blackouts and daily threats.