Ukraine Marks 4th Anniversary of Russian Invasion

Ukraine marked the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that Russia has not broken Ukraine, despite hundreds of thousands dead, millions displaced, and extensive destruction, particularly in eastern Ukraine. The Kremlin, through spokesman Dmitry Peskov, conceded that its goals have not been fully achieved and vowed to continue the military operation. Vladimir Putin stated that Ukraine has not inflicted a strategic defeat on Russia. Peace talks mediated by the United States remain deadlocked over territorial disputes, with Russia seeking full control of the Ukraine===Donetsk Oblast and Ukraine demanding security guarantees from allies. European leaders, including Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, visited Kyiv to show solidarity. Zelenskyy urged the European Union to accelerate Ukraine's admission. The World Bank Group, European Union, and United Nations estimate post-war reconstruction costs at $588 billion over the next decade.