On 24 February 2022, Russian forces crossed into Ukraine on the orders of President Vladimir Putin. What was expected by many to be a swift military operation has become one of the longest and most consequential wars of the 21st century.
Four years later, the conflict is no longer just about territory. It has reshaped Europe’s security order, pushed Nato to rearm, redrawn global energy routes and deepened divisions between major powers. Ukrainian forces under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continue to resist with strong Western backing, while Russia has dug in for a prolonged confrontation.
