Russia–Ukraine War: Four Years On – ‘Putin Has Not Won’, Says Zelensky in Defiant 2026 Address | 24 February 2026
Date: 24 February 2026
Category: International Affairs | In-Depth Analysis
Language: British English
On 24 February 2026, four years have passed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Marking the anniversary in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a firm and emotional address, declaring that Russian President Vladimir Putin “has not achieved his goals” and “has not won this war”.
Speaking at a commemorative ceremony in Independence Square, Zelensky reflected on four years of relentless conflict, national resistance, international diplomacy, and profound human loss. His message was clear: Ukraine remains standing, sovereign, and determined to secure a just peace.
This detailed analysis examines the war’s trajectory from 2022 to 2026 — militarily, politically, economically and diplomatically — and explores what may lie ahead.
1. 24 February 2022: The Day Europe Changed
In the early hours of 24 February 2022, Russian forces advanced into Ukraine from multiple directions — north via Belarus, east through the Donbas region, and south from Crimea. What Moscow described as a “special military operation” was, in reality, the largest land invasion in Europe since the Second World War.
Many analysts initially predicted Kyiv could fall within days. Russia’s strategy appeared designed for a rapid decapitation of the Ukrainian government.
Yet the anticipated swift collapse did not occur.
Instead, Ukrainian forces, supported by volunteers and civilians, mounted fierce resistance. Within weeks, Russia’s attempt to seize Kyiv stalled.
Recalling those first hours, Zelensky said:
“It was the longest day of our lives. But we did not raise a white flag. We defended our blue and yellow one.”
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Russia–Ukraine War: Four Years |
2. “I Need Ammunition, Not a Ride”: A Moment of Leadership
As Russian troops approached Kyiv, then US President Joe Biden reportedly offered to evacuate Zelensky.
His reply became emblematic of Ukrainian defiance:
“I need ammunition, not a ride.”
Whether scripted or spontaneous, the phrase reshaped international perception. It signalled that Ukraine’s leadership would not flee and galvanised domestic morale and Western support alike.
3. Cities That Became Symbols of the War
Over four years, several Ukrainian cities have come to symbolise both suffering and resilience.
Bucha
After Russian forces withdrew, evidence of civilian killings and mass graves shocked the international community, intensifying calls for war crimes investigations.
Irpin
A frontline in the defence of Kyiv, Irpin became a symbol of resistance during the war’s opening phase.
Mariupol
Subjected to a prolonged siege, Mariupol endured devastating bombardment and a humanitarian catastrophe.
Kakhovka Dam
The destruction of the dam triggered severe flooding, displacing thousands and causing long-term environmental damage.
“Ukrainians will not forget,” Zelensky said, referring to atrocities and devastation witnessed over four years.
4. The Changing Military Balance (2022–2026)
4.1 Early Dependence on Western Arms
In 2022, Ukraine relied heavily on Western-supplied anti-tank weapons, air defence systems and artillery ammunition. International military assistance proved decisive in halting Russia’s initial offensive.
4.2 The Rise of Drone Warfare
By 2024–2025, drone warfare had transformed the battlefield. According to Zelensky, Ukraine now produces more than three million first-person-view (FPV) drones annually.
Drones have been used to:
Target armoured vehicles
Disrupt logistics
Conduct long-range precision strikes
This technological shift has redefined modern warfare.
4.3 Advanced Air Defence and Aircraft
Ukraine’s defensive capabilities expanded significantly with systems such as:
Patriot missile system
IRIS-T
NASAMS
F-16 Fighting Falcon
These systems have reduced the impact of Russian missile and drone strikes, particularly against energy infrastructure.
5. The Sinking of the Moskva: A Strategic Turning Point
In April 2022, Ukraine struck and sank the Russian flagship Russian cruiser Moskva in the Black Sea.
The incident carried both military and symbolic weight:
It damaged Russian naval prestige.
It weakened Moscow’s Black Sea dominance.
It bolstered Ukrainian morale.
Zelensky later described it as “a big moment”.
6. NATO and European Security: A Shift in Doctrine
Russia’s invasion reshaped Europe’s security architecture.
Defence budgets increased across NATO states. Eastern Europe saw expanded deployments. Ukraine was granted EU candidate status, signalling long-term political alignment with Europe.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated Europe’s continued backing for Kyiv.
The war has effectively revived NATO’s centrality in European defence policy.
7. The Economic Front: Sanctions and Global Shockwaves
Western nations imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia, targeting:
Banking systems
Energy exports
Technology transfers
While Russia adapted by redirecting trade, sanctions significantly constrained its economy.
Global Consequences:
Volatile energy markets
Food supply disruptions
Inflationary pressures worldwide
India adopted a balanced diplomatic stance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi famously remarked:
“This is not an era of war.”
8. The Human Cost
Four years of war have brought staggering human consequences:
Millions displaced internally and abroad
Thousands of civilian and military casualties
Extensive destruction of schools, hospitals and power plants
Zelensky honoured the fallen as “guardian angels” who gave their lives for Ukraine’s survival.
9. The Battlefield in 2026: A War of Attrition
By early 2026, the conflict has entered a grinding phase of attrition:
Heavy fighting continues in eastern Ukraine
Drone and missile strikes persist
Energy infrastructure remains a target
Neither side has secured decisive victory
Military analysts describe the situation as a strategic stalemate — costly, prolonged, and uncertain.
10. Peace Talks: Possible but Conditional
Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine seeks peace — but not at the expense of sovereignty.
Key issues include:
The status of occupied territories
Security guarantees (potentially NATO-related or equivalent arrangements)
War crimes accountability
Reconstruction funding
Russia, meanwhile, insists on addressing what it calls its “security concerns”. The gap between positions remains substantial.
11. Has Putin Failed?
From a strategic perspective:
Kyiv did not fall.
The Ukrainian government remains intact.
Western support continues.
Russia faces sustained economic and diplomatic pressure.
However:
Russia retains control of significant territories.
The war remains unresolved.
Thus, while Zelensky declares that Putin has not won, the conflict’s final outcome is yet to be determined.
12. 2026: A Decisive Year?
Observers suggest 2026 could prove pivotal:
Continued Western unity may strengthen Ukraine’s position.
A reduction in support could shift momentum.
Diplomatic efforts may intensify as fatigue grows.
The coming months may determine whether negotiations gain traction or the conflict drags on.
Conclusion: Four Years On, No Clear End
Four years after Russia’s invasion began, Ukraine remains independent, its leadership intact and its resistance ongoing.
Russia has inflicted immense damage but has not secured decisive victory. Europe’s security landscape has been permanently altered. The global economy has felt the strain.
As Zelensky declared on 24 February 2026:
“Putin has not won. Ukraine lives.”
Whether 2026 becomes the year of diplomacy or continued warfare remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that this conflict will shape European geopolitics for decades to come.
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