4 Years After The Invasion, Putin Has «Not Broken» Ukrainians, assures Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion with a defiant message as the war entered its fifth year, speaking against a backdrop of memorials, fresh strikes and a population still living under constant threat. «He has not broken Ukrainians; he has not won this war,» Zelensky said, presenting endurance as both a statement of fact and a signal to allies that Ukraine’s resistance continues.

The somber anniversary unfolded as Canada announced a C$2 billion military assistance package, reinforcing Western backing at a moment when Kyiv is seeking to stabilize front lines, reinforce air defenses and sustain momentum amid mounting battlefield and political pressures.

The date once again brought attention to Feb. 24, 2022, when Russian forces launched a multi-front assault that transformed an already simmering conflict into Europe’s largest war in decades. In the early weeks, Ukrainian troops repelled the push toward Kyiv, forcing a Russian withdrawal from areas around the capital.

Since then, the conflict has hardened into a prolonged war of attrition defined by artillery exchanges, drone warfare and repeated attacks on energy infrastructure.

Millions of Ukrainians remain displaced, and large areas of the country continue to endure blackouts and reconstruction cycles. Russia still occupies significant portions of Ukrainian territory, a reality that shapes both military calculations and diplomatic discussions.

Efforts to pursue peace have intensified in recent months, yet tangible progress remains elusive. Recent talks involving U.S., Ukrainian and Russian representatives have been described by officials as procedural rather than transformative, with deep divisions persisting over territorial control and postwar security guarantees. Zelensky has repeatedly stressed that any agreement must safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty and prevent future aggression.

While signaling openness to diplomacy, he has also rejected any framework that would freeze current battle lines without credible enforcement mechanisms. The anniversary remarks reflected that balance between resilience and realism, as Kyiv navigates war fatigue at home and shifting political winds abroad.

Canada’s $2 billion pledge, announced alongside expanded sanctions targeting Russia’s energy and logistics networks, was framed as military assistance aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defensive capacity. The package is expected to support equipment, ammunition and related capabilities that Ukrainian officials have identified as urgent priorities.

Canadian leaders emphasized continued solidarity with Kyiv, aligning the pledge with broader efforts among allies to maintain sustained assistance. For Ukraine, the predictability and speed of such support remain critical factors, as commanders weigh supply levels against operational demands and the ongoing risk posed by missile and drone attacks targeting civilian infrastructure.

Other partners also marked the anniversary with statements and measures of support. G7 leaders reaffirmed their position in a joint declaration stating, «We, the leaders of the G7, reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and right to exist, and its freedom, sovereignty and independence.»

The same statement added, «We express our continued support for President Trump’s efforts to achieve these objectives by initiating a peace process and bringing the parties to direct discussions.» In Europe, leaders gathered to demonstrate unity, even as debates continue within the European Union over long-term financing mechanisms and sanctions enforcement.

Across Ukraine, the anniversary was observed with solemn reflection rather than celebration. Churches held services, families mourned fallen soldiers and civilians, and emergency crews continued their routine of repair and response.

Zelensky’s assertion that Ukrainians are «not broken» was intended to capture the country’s resilience after years of bombardment and uncertainty. Yet the path ahead remains defined by both battlefield realities and diplomatic maneuvering. Whether new pledges, including Canada’s $2 billion commitment, can translate into sustained strategic advantage will shape the coming phase of a war that has already redrawn Europe’s security landscape and tested Ukraine’s endurance at every level.