Ukraine remembers its dead as war enters a fifth year
Events were held across Ukraine to mark four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
Coverage by Political Leaning
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Notable Quotes
"Ukraine never chose this war"
— Volodymyr Zelensky , Politician
"We have defended our independence, we have not lost our statehood."
— Volodymyr Zelensky , Politician
"addressed the nation on the fourth anniversary of the start of the war, praising the stoicism of the Ukrainian people."
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy , Politician
"He has not broken Ukrainians. He has not won this war. We have preserved Ukraine, and we will do everything to secure peace and justice."
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy , Politician
"Only by visiting Ukraine and seeing our life and struggle with one's own eyes, feeling our people and this sea of pain, can one understand what this war is really about."
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy , Politician
"The goals haven't been fully achieved yet, which is why the military operation continues."
— Dmitry Peskov , Politician
"There is an absolute need to defeat Russia."
— Vladimir Putin , Politician
"We want peace. Strong, dignified, and lasting peace."
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy , Politician
"The goals haven't been fully achieved yet, which is why the military operation continues."
— Dmitry Peskov , Politician
"And to send a clear message to the Ukrainian people and to the aggressor alike: we will not relent until peace is restored."
— Ursula von der Leyen , Politician
"We have defended our independence. We have not lost our statehood."
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy , Politician
"We want peace – strong, dignified and lasting peace."
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy , Politician
"We have defended our independence, we have not lost our statehood; Putin has not achieved his goals."
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy , Politician
"The goals haven't been fully achieved yet, which is why the military operation continues."
— Dmitry Peskov , Politician
"We will not relent until peace is restored. Peace on Ukraine's terms."
— Ursula von der Leyen , Politician
Key People
Alexander Stubb is a Finnish politician and former Prime Minister of Finland.
European Council President.
Kremlin spokesperson, commenting on the role of European mediators in negotiations.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
European Commissioner for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy.
A Ukrainian soldier of the Azov brigade memorialized during a funeral ceremony.
Prime Minister of Denmark concerned by the train accident.
Olena Zelenska is the wife of Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine.
Leader of the Labour Party and Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras.
Stephane Sejourne is the EU Commissioner for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy.
A special envoy involved in negotiations with Iran.
Ulf Kristersson is the prime minister of Sweden.
Ursula von der Leyen is the president of the European Commission.
Vladimir Putin is the President of Russia.
President of Ukraine who attended a summit in Yerevan.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is the President of Ukraine, known for his efforts to secure international support amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Mother of fallen serviceman Viacheslav Volhin, honoring the dead.
Tags
All Coverage
Events were held across Ukraine to mark four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that Russia has not 'broken Ukrainians' nor triumphed in its war, four years after an invasion that has severely tested the resolve of Kyiv and its allies.
On February 24, 2026, Ukraine marked four years since Russia's full-scale invasion began. Contrary to early expectations of a swift Russian victory, Ukraine has maintained its sovereignty and continues to defend its territory.
As of February 2026, four years into Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the war continues with devastating consequences and no resolution in sight. An estimated 1.8 million soldiers from both sides have been killed, wounded, or are missing, including up to 325,000 Russian and 140,000 Ukrainian deaths.
As Ukraine enters its fifth year of war, civilians are increasingly bearing the brunt. The last year was the deadliest so far for civilians, up 31% on the year before and 70% up on 2024.
President Volodymyr Zelensky ... marked the start of the fifth year of the Ukraine war by saying Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin has failed to achieve his war goals. And the Kremlin agreed.
As Ukraine enters its fifth year of war, civilians are increasingly bearing the brunt, with the last year being the deadliest so far, up 31% on the year before and 70% up on 2024.
President Volodymyr Zelensky ... marked the start of the fifth year of the Ukraine war by saying Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin has failed to achieve his war goals.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zel ... praised Ukrainians for withstanding four years of Russian attacks with 'immense courage', saying Moscow has failed to break their spirit or win the war it started.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth year on Feb. 24, 2026. It is a war marked by trenches, drones and — for thousands of Ukrainians this winter — the freezing cold.
Ukrainians marked the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion with emotional scenes as people laid flowers, lit candles, and remembered the fallen at ceremonies in towns and cities across the country.
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