Four Years of War: Ukraine’s Resilience and the Shifting Global Landscape
February 24th marked four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, an escalation of aggression that began in 2014. The conflict represents a struggle against attempts to prevent Ukraine from aligning with the European Union and NATO, and escaping Russia’s sphere of influence.
The Unexpected Endurance of the Conflict
Ukrainian political analyst Dmitro Levus, director of the “Ukrainian Meridian” research center, highlights a surprising aspect of the war: its duration. Initially, many anticipated a shorter conflict, perhaps lasting three years. Levus attributes the prolonged fighting, in part, to what he describes as insufficient and delayed full support from the United States. Even as acknowledging significant military aid – including impactful deliveries like the HIMARS rocket systems – he believes a more decisive and principled approach was needed earlier.
Levus points to shifts in US policy with changes in administration as contributing to the altered dynamics of the war and a broader questioning of international justice. He suggests that both the Biden and Trump administrations have, in their own ways, avoided explicitly seeking a Russian defeat, driven by concerns about instability and the potential for nuclear escalation. He questions the validity of these fears, asking whether Russia itself is currently stable and who controls its nuclear arsenal.
The Human Cost and Daily Realities
The war has profoundly impacted daily life in Ukraine. Levus describes frequent power outages, requiring adaptation and resourcefulness. He details using battery packs to power essential appliances and cooking with a portable gas stove. While conditions vary across the country, with some areas lacking heating since mid-January, the experience has fundamentally altered the sense of security.
He recounts a personal experience from the early days of the invasion, receiving a call from a television channel during a missile strike visible from his window. This once-extraordinary event has become commonplace, with the constant threat of attacks and the sounds of explosions now part of daily life. The proximity of the front lines and the ongoing bombardment create a pervasive sense of danger, even far from the active fighting.
A Shift in Priorities: National Unity and International Advocacy
Levus notes a growing sense of national unity within Ukraine, with internal political divisions taking a backseat to the overarching goal of survival. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on international advocacy, working to ensure continued support for Ukraine, holding Russia accountable, and raising awareness about the ongoing genocide.
He believes his primary role as a political analyst is now focused on foreign policy and external communication. This involves working to secure sanctions against Russia and reminding the world that the conflict represents a grave violation of international law.
The Evolving Perception of Risk
A colleague of Levus recently shared a story about a Ukrainian who fled the country at the start of the war and returned in late 2025, only to depart again after a few weeks, finding the conditions – lacking electricity, water, and facing constant air raids – too difficult. However, for those who have remained, the perception of risk has gradually changed over the past four years, becoming a normalized, albeit unsettling, part of life.
FAQ
Q: What is the current status of Ukraine-NATO relations?
A: Ukraine has been seeking closer ties with NATO since its independence in 1991, and increasingly so since the Russian attacks in 2014 and 2022. Ukraine joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace in 1994 and has participated in various cooperation programs, but is not currently a member.
Q: Has NATO provided support to Ukraine?
A: Since 2022, NATO allies have provided Ukraine with unprecedented levels of military assistance, amounting to billions of euros in equipment and supplies.
Q: What are the main obstacles to a resolution of the conflict?
A: Dmitro Levus suggests a lack of full and timely support from the United States, and a reluctance from both US administrations to actively pursue a Russian defeat, are key factors prolonging the war.
Did you know? Ukraine’s parliament voted to seek NATO membership in December 2014 and enshrined this goal in its constitution in 2018.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about the conflict by consulting reputable news sources and analysis from experts like Dmitro Levus.
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