Ukraine Marks Fourth Anniversary of Russian Invasion Amidst Global Tension
On February 24, Ukraine marked the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, a conflict that has been deemed the most violent on European soil since 1945. As the war enters its fifth year, the occasion was marked by solemn commemorations, a global response of solidarity, and an intensifying sense of dread and exhaustion among the Ukrainian population.
A Violent History Remembered
At 3:40 on the morning of February 24, 2022, the first column of Russian tanks entered Ukraine's Luhansk region, and residents across Ukrainian cities awoke to the first enemy missile strikes. Today, the conflict is remembered with a blend of grief, determination, and a pressing need for peace. In Kyiv's Maidan Square, the events of 2014, prior to the full-scale invasion, were remembered, with flags flying in tribute to the wounded, mutilated, and fallen in the war.
On the same day, Ukraine's national postal operator Ukrposhta released a commemorative stamp block titled By Sword and Will,
dedicated to defenders, rescuers, medics, volunteers, and everyone who stands daily in defense of peace and freedom.
Global Commemorations and Tensions
As the war anniversary was commemorated in ceremonies around the world, divisions among Kyiv's key allies overshadowed the start of the conflict. In Paris, around 2,000 people joined a Ukrainian march marking the anniversary, while in the Jewish community in Ukraine, those who haven't fled met in shelters to light Shabbat candles.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked the war anniversary vowing to fight on, stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin had not achieved his original war goals or broken the Ukrainian people
. He appealed to Donald Trump to visit Kyiv, implying that such a visit might clarify 'who the aggressor is.'
Humanitarian Crisis and Casualties
The war has seen numerous casualties, with a reported 179 children killed or injured by mines since the conflict began. Save the Children has expressed concern over the smallest victims, with 4,000 hours of air alarm reported since 2022.
The war has also seen an influx of foreign soldiers, with more than 1,000 Kenyans and individuals from 36 African nations reportedly fighting for Russia, many fraudulently recruited.
Apathy and Exhaustion
Despite the commemorations and ongoing conflict, a sense of apathy and exhaustion has begun to permeate the anniversary. Ongoing negotiations, the global focus on the Iran crisis, and even an empty event in Kyiv have reduced the intensity of the spotlight on the date.
However, the Ukrainian people continue to pay tribute to victims of the war. In Kyiv, dozens of Ukrainians observed a moment of silence in honor of the war victims, while soldiers lowered military flags as a sign of mourning.
A Delicate Balance
The anniversary has reignited tensions and debates over countermeasures. Russia’s Federal Security Bureau (FSB) chief, Alexander Bortnikov, emphasized that the issue of countermeasures is generally very delicate, suggesting that Russia will neither forget nor forgive Kyiv regime’s crimes.
As Ukraine remembers its dead and the world watches on, the future remains uncertain. The anniversary serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict, the lives lost, and the challenge of achieving peace amidst a complex geopolitical landscape.