Ukraine remembers its dead as war enters a fifth year

Events were held across Ukraine to mark four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that Russia has not 'broken Ukrainians' nor triumphed in its war, four years after an invasion that has severely tested the resolve of Kyiv and its allies.

On February 24, 2026, Ukraine marked four years since Russia's full-scale invasion began. Contrary to early expectations of a swift Russian victory, Ukraine has maintained its sovereignty and continues to defend its territory.

As of February 2026, four years into Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the war continues with devastating consequences and no resolution in sight. An estimated 1.8 million soldiers from both sides have been killed, wounded, or are missing, including up to 325,000 Russian and 140,000 Ukrainian deaths.

As Ukraine enters its fifth year of war, civilians are increasingly bearing the brunt. The last year was the deadliest so far for civilians, up 31% on the year before and 70% up on 2024.

President Volodymyr Zelensky ... marked the start of the fifth year of the Ukraine war by saying Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin has failed to achieve his war goals. And the Kremlin agreed.

As Ukraine enters its fifth year of war, civilians are increasingly bearing the brunt, with the last year being the deadliest so far, up 31% on the year before and 70% up on 2024.

President Volodymyr Zelensky ... marked the start of the fifth year of the Ukraine war by saying Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin has failed to achieve his war goals.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zel ... praised Ukrainians for withstanding four years of Russian attacks with 'immense courage', saying Moscow has failed to break their spirit or win the war it started.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth year on Feb. 24, 2026. It is a war marked by trenches, drones and — for thousands of Ukrainians this winter — the freezing cold.

Ukrainians marked the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion with emotional scenes as people laid flowers, lit candles, and remembered the fallen at ceremonies in towns and cities across the country.