Tue Feb 24 10:03:32 UTC 2026: ### Ukraine Endures: Four Years of War Leave Nation Cold, Jaded, and Grieving

The Story: Al Jazeera’s Nils Adler reflects on four years of reporting from Ukraine since the Russian invasion began on February 24, 2022. The initial disbelief and surge of patriotism have given way to war fatigue, routine blackouts, and a major corruption scandal, leaving Ukrainians cold, jaded, and drained. While peace talks may be underway, the population remains skeptical, focusing on daily survival amidst ongoing attacks and immense civilian casualties.

Key Points:

  • Prior to the invasion on February 24, 2022, few Ukrainians believed a full-scale war would occur.
  • The first year was marked by a surge of patriotism and successful resistance against Russia’s initial advance on Kyiv.
  • Russia shifted tactics to systematically target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure starting in October 2022, leading to routine blackouts.
  • By 2023, trench warfare and drone warfare became prevalent, reminiscent of World War I.
  • In January 2026, a deep freeze combined with intensified Russian attacks on infrastructure left millions without essential services.
  • A major corruption scandal involving senior figures linked to the presidency has further shaken public trust.
  • The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine confirmed 2,514 civilian deaths and 12,142 injuries in 2025 alone.
  • Peace talks are met with skepticism among Ukrainians focused on daily survival.

Key Takeaways:

  • The initial unity and optimism in Ukraine have been eroded by the prolonged war, infrastructure damage, and corruption.
  • The war has normalized to a state of grim endurance, with civilians adapting to constant threats and hardships.
  • The deep fatigue and skepticism toward peace talks suggest a long and difficult road ahead for Ukraine, regardless of diplomatic efforts.
  • The targeting of civilian infrastructure has become a key element of Russia’s war strategy, aimed at undermining Ukrainian morale and resilience.
  • The convergence of the war’s physical toll and internal corruption significantly undermines public trust and national spirit.

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