Ukraine's Daily Struggle Four Years After Russia's Full-Scale Invasion
Standing beside a poignant memorial in Kyiv honouring the fallen, Olha Guyazdova expresses profound weariness with the ongoing conflict. Today marks four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and for many citizens, the war remains a relentless reality. "I think that now many people live every day with shock," the 34-year-old explains. "Every day our heart is stressed... Every day and every night we don't sleep. Because we don't sit at home we sit in a shelter... Four years we live in the country and… many people died and this is not good."
Historical Context and Ongoing Conflict
The location holds deep historical significance as Maidan Square, where protesters were massacred in 2014, sparking the toppling of Ukraine's pro-Kremlin regime. Since then, Ukraine has endured Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea, fighting in the east with Kremlin-backed separatists, and ultimately the full-scale invasion that began on 24 February 2022. Despite the terror of aerial attacks, daily life persists with remarkable resilience. "We don't know what we must do and what we can help because the situation is not normal and we haven't got control," Olha, a 15-year Kyiv resident, continues. "But every day you get up and you must go to work."
Leadership and International Response
In an anniversary message delivered at the square alongside European leaders, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed Ukraine's "immense courage" and noted that "...we have not lost our statehood; Putin has not achieved his goals." British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed solidarity with Ukraine, yet the contrast between daily life in the UK and Ukraine remains stark. Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 generally cannot leave the country, some children learn in underground shelters, and while restaurants and cafes remain open, regular air alerts serve as constant reminders of potential attacks.
Civilian Impact and Casualty Statistics
The human cost continues to mount dramatically. Last year proved the deadliest for civilians since 2022, with the conflict killing approximately 2,514 civilians and injuring 12,142 in Ukraine during 2025. This represents a 31% increase in civilian casualties compared to 2024, according to United Nations data. Student Oleksandra Kolydenko, 20, from Kyiv, captures the prevailing sentiment: "I hope that the war will end soon and we Ukrainians will be able to live peacefully and raise a family without the noise of attacks." She adds, "As the anniversary of the full-scale invasion comes, I feel sad and worried but also strong. I remember the first days of the war clearly and life in the city has changed a lot. It's hard but I try to stay hopeful for the future."
Military Stalemate and Diplomatic Efforts
The military situation remains largely stagnant despite Russia's superior resources. Over the past year of fighting, Kremlin forces have captured only 0.79% of Ukraine's territory, according to analysis from the Institute for the Study of War. However, US-brokered talks between Moscow and Kyiv delegations have failed to resolve key differences, particularly regarding the future of occupied Ukrainian territories and post-war security arrangements. Meanwhile, the human toll escalates, with a recent Center for Strategic and International Studies report estimating that combined military casualties on both sides could reach 2 million by spring.
Personal Perspectives on Putin and the Future
When asked about Vladimir Putin, Olha responds unequivocally: "This is not a good man. This is a man who hasn't heart, hasn't soul, hasn't anything. This is dark man, for me... with dark soul, dark heart and without light in soul." Oleksandra echoes this sentiment more forcefully: "I hate Putin and call on the Russians to stop listening to propaganda and lay down their arms." With approximately one-fifth of Ukraine currently occupied by Russian forces, she pleads: "I ask that the whole world force the Russian terrorists to stop without any territorial concessions because this is my homeland, every piece."
Hope Amidst Uncertainty
Despite the grim realities, some Ukrainians maintain cautious optimism. Olha believes this might be the final year of conflict, stating: "We must believe in freedom. And we want this freedom for our country because Ukraine and Ukrainian people are people with very big heart." As the nation enters its fifth year of full-scale war, the resilience of its people continues to shine through the darkness, even as the path to peace remains uncertain and the daily struggle persists.
