Deep Dive: Zelenskyy marks 4 years since Russia's all-out invasion, declares Putin has not won the war

From the geopolitical analyst's perspective, Zelenskyy's statement underscores the protracted nature of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, now entering its fifth year since the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. This war represents a fundamental clash between Russian revanchism under Putin, seeking to reassert dominance over former Soviet spheres, and Ukraine's assertion of sovereignty backed by Western alliances. Key actors include Russia, driven by strategic interests in neutralizing NATO expansion and securing Black Sea access; Ukraine, fighting for territorial integrity; and NATO states providing military aid to contain Russian aggression. The declaration that Putin 'has not won' signals Ukraine's resilience amid battlefield stalemates, influencing global power dynamics by testing the endurance of Western unity. The international affairs correspondent highlights cross-border ripple effects, with the war disrupting global energy markets, food supplies from Ukraine's grain exports, and migration flows of millions of Ukrainian refugees into Europe. Marking four years amplifies calls for sustained humanitarian aid and sanctions on Russia, affecting economies from Europe to Asia. Organizations like the UN and EU are central, coordinating relief while navigating diplomatic tensions; U.S. and EU leaders' support remains pivotal, but fatigue risks eroding commitments. Beyond Europe, countries like China and India balance relations with Russia for energy and trade, while Global South nations view the conflict through lenses of non-alignment and anti-colonialism. Regionally, the intelligence expert notes Ukraine's cultural defiance rooted in centuries of resisting Russian imperialism, from Cossack hetmanates to the 2014 Maidan Revolution against Yanukovych's pro-Russian pivot. Zelenskyy's words resonate with Ukrainian identity forged in shared sacrifice, sustaining morale despite urban devastation in places like Kyiv and Kharkiv. Putin's failure to 'break' Ukrainians reflects miscalculations of national cohesion, bolstered by diaspora networks and historical narratives of independence. Implications extend to post-war reconstruction, where EU integration aspirations clash with Russian irredentism in Donbas and Crimea, shaping Eastern Europe's security architecture for decades. Looking ahead, this anniversary statement may galvanize renewed Western arms deliveries, countering Russian advances, while highlighting negotiation stalemates. Stakeholders must weigh escalation risks against attrition, with outcomes determining Eurasian stability and global norms on territorial aggression.