Ukraine-Russia War Enters Fifth Year with No End

The article features an interview with Sergiy Kyslytsya, Ukraine's negotiator, discussing the ongoing peace talks with Russia. Kyslytsya shares his experience of negotiating with the Russians, highlighting the complexities of disengagement and the need for clear rules and protocols. He praises the US delegation's commitment and patience, citing their crucial role in monitoring any future ceasefire. Kyslytsya also reflects on his past experiences, including his time as a UN ambassador, and the challenges of sitting across from Russian emissaries. The article concludes with Kyslytsya's assessment that the war could be stopped with a single call from Russian President Vladimir Putin to his military chief of staff.

The article discusses the ongoing debate about creating a single European army, four years into the Ukraine war. Proponents argue that a unified defense force would address Europe's divisions, redundancies, and inefficiencies in its current defense efforts. However, others warn that a Europe-wide army would be 'extremely dangerous' and that deeper defense cooperation is more feasible. Experts suggest that strengthening the European pillar within NATO is a more practical approach. Recent surveys show increased public support for a common EU defense policy, with 81% backing it in 2025. Key figures, including EU Commissioner Andrius Kubilius and Finland's President Alexander Stubb, weigh in on the discussion, highlighting the need for greater defense integration and coordination.

The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has significantly impacted the birth rates in both countries. Ukraine's fertility rate has plummeted from 1.22 in 2021 to 1.00 in 2025, while Russia's rate has also declined from 1.51 in 2021 to 1.37 in 2025. The war has deterred or prevented women in Ukraine from having children due to factors such as loss of partners, family separation, and mass emigration. In Russia, women have been resistant to the government's calls for larger families despite incentives. Declining birth rates pose significant problems for both economies, including fewer workers in the labor force, lower productivity, and economic growth.

The article discusses the potential economic benefits of reopening Russia after the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Kremlin has promised $12 trillion worth of deals to the US administration led by Donald Trump in exchange for sanctions relief. Meanwhile, American-led negotiations with Russia have stalled over issues of territory and security guarantees. European leaders fear that Trump may pressure Ukraine into making concessions to achieve a peace deal by June, potentially benefiting from the reopening of Russia.

Four years into the Ukraine-Russia war, the conflict has transformed the nature of warfare, global security, and European politics. Ukraine has borne the brunt of the war, with constant churn and loss, while the West's lack of material support has condemned Ukraine to continue fighting. The war has brought radical changes globally, including the disruption of diplomatic norms, the automation of warfare through drones, and a redefinition of European security. The US has stepped back from global leadership, and world powers are pursuing their own agendas in Ukraine. The war has caused shock, exhaustion, and bravado among Ukrainians, with profound changes that are not just academic but also deeply personal.

The article discusses the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, four years after Russia's full-scale invasion. Ukrainians believe that the US, under the influence of Donald Trump, is being swayed by Russia's promises of lucrative business deals, potentially compromising Ukraine's sovereignty. Russian President Vladimir Putin remains convinced he can win the war despite recent setbacks, and Ukrainians are skeptical of the sincerity of Russia's diplomatic efforts. The US special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is pushing for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, a move that Ukrainians and their leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, strongly oppose. The article highlights the challenges in diplomatic efforts to end the war, given Putin's delusional beliefs, partisan mediators, and Ukraine's determination not to be vanquished.

The UK's Armed Forces Minister, Al Carns, has drawn parallels between Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the run-up to the Second World War, highlighting similarities in the global landscape and threats faced by the UK and its allies. Carns emphasized that Ukraine is on the frontline of Europe's defenses and that the UK is also vulnerable to Russian aggression, albeit in a 'grey zone' below the threshold of all-out war. He pointed to daily threats in the North Atlantic, Arctic, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns as evidence of Russia's multifaceted approach to inflicting harm.

The article reports on the impact of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine on the Russian city of Belgorod, which is located near the border with Ukraine. The city has been subjected to frequent airstrikes, blackouts, and power cuts, causing frustration and hardship for its residents. The article highlights the stories of several individuals, including an 80-year-old woman who was attacked by drones, a young girl who lost her mother and was injured in a shelling incident, and elderly women who are supporting the Russian war effort by weaving camouflage nets. The article also notes that while some residents believe in the official narrative that Russia is a victim, others are growing increasingly frustrated with the situation and criticizing the local authorities for their handling of the crisis.

The war in Ukraine has evolved into a grinding test of attrition, with trench fighting fused with 21st-century technology, particularly drones. The 117th Brigade is tasked with defending a heavily contested area in the Donbas region. The unit's 'drone hunter' team uses various methods to combat Russian drones, including Kalashnikov rifles. The conflict has become a desperate fight for survival, with civilians caught in the midst. The war's implications extend beyond Ukraine, potentially determining whether international law is enforced or eroded. Colonel Dmytro Yaroshenko, the commander of the 117th Brigade, notes that the war has 'changed fundamentally' with the increased use of drones and technology.

The article discusses how Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine has significantly impacted its economy and future prospects. President Vladimir Putin's single-minded pursuit of the war has led to a huge cost, killing or wounding up to 1.2 million Russians and reordering Russia's economy and society. The war has amplified existing challenges such as economic stagnation, a shrinking population, and authoritarianism. Russia's economy is now heavily militarized, with nearly 40% of its federal budget devoted to the military and security. The war has also led to a brain drain, with hundreds of thousands of Russians fleeing abroad, and has made Russia less attractive to investors. The article concludes that Putin's focus on war objectives has come at the expense of Russia's long-term prosperity and that the country's economic future depends on the terms of any peace deal and its ability to reintegrate into the global economy.

The article discusses the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, specifically in the Donetsk region, where Ukrainians are resisting the idea of being traded to Russia for peace. The Ukrainian government is engaged in peace talks with Russia, brokered by the Trump administration, but many Ukrainians, like Daria Bondareva, a 28-year-old beauty salon owner, are opposed to surrendering their territory to Russia. The article highlights the human cost of the conflict, with 190,000 people, including 12,000 children, living in the area that would be affected by a potential settlement. The Ukrainians are concerned about living under Russian rule, given the human rights abuses committed by Russia in other occupied areas. The article also notes that while some Ukrainians are open to compromise, such as a demilitarized zone, others are adamant that Ukraine will not unilaterally withdraw from Donetsk.

The article discusses the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia as it enters its fifth year. The war has resulted in widespread destruction in Ukraine, with entire cities reduced to rubble and significant damage to infrastructure. The World Health Organization has verified over 2,800 attacks on healthcare facilities since 2022, and Russian attacks on energy infrastructure have left millions without heating and power. The UN's Mine Action Service reports that around a fifth of Ukraine is contaminated by mines or unexploded ordnance. The World Bank estimates the total cost of reconstruction in Ukraine to be around $588 billion over the next decade.

The article discusses the impact of drones on the Ukraine battlefield four years into the conflict with Russia. Ukrainian forces have seen a significant shift in military tactics due to the proliferation of precision drones, which have made traditional armored vehicles and troop movements increasingly vulnerable. The use of drones has led to a new 'logic of warfare' characterized by rapid innovation and technological integration. Ukrainian soldiers and commanders describe the drones as a game-changer, with some units experiencing up to 80% of casualties due to drone strikes. The article also highlights the growing use of unmanned ground vehicles for logistics and evacuations, as well as the challenges posed by the expanding 'kill zone' and the need for Western allies to adapt to this new reality.