New Delhi, February 24: The Russia-Ukraine conflict has officially entered its fifth year, marking a grim milestone since Moscow’s full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022. On this anniversary, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a resolute message, emphasizing his nation’s unbreakable spirit and commitment to peace.
‘Putin has not achieved his goals. He has not broken Ukrainians. He has not won this war. We have saved Ukraine, and we will do everything to bring peace and ensure justice,’ Zelensky declared in a powerful statement that resonated across the globe.
The war’s roots trace back to deep geopolitical tensions. Russia views Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO as an existential threat, fearing Western missiles and forces encroaching on its borders. President Vladimir Putin has long argued that post-Soviet Ukraine’s pivot toward Europe and the United States undermines Moscow’s security.
Flashpoints escalated in 2014 when pro-Russia President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted amid mass protests. Russia retaliated by annexing Crimea and fueling separatist unrest in the Donbas region, comprising Donetsk and Luhansk. Tensions boiled over in February 2022 when Russia recognized these self-proclaimed republics as independent, launching a military operation that engulfed much of Ukraine.
Despite the devastation, diplomatic glimmers appear. Under U.S. mediation, possibly influenced by President Donald Trump’s proposed 28-point peace plan, both sides are engaging in talks aimed at halting the bloodshed. Yet, the conflict has exacted a heavy toll: countless lives lost, cities reduced to rubble, and millions displaced.
Zelensky’s words underscore Ukraine’s resilience. From defending Kyiv’s streets to rallying international support, Ukrainians have defied expectations. As negotiations unfold, the world watches whether this anniversary signals a turning point toward lasting peace or prolonged strife.