Russia-Ukraine War Enters Fifth Year with No End

Four Russian soldiers have come forward to the BBC with harrowing accounts of witnessing fellow troops being executed on the orders of their commanders during the Ukraine war. The soldiers describe brutal conditions, 'meat storm' missions that are akin to suicide attacks, and a breakdown of law and order on the Russian front line. They detail instances of soldiers being shot for refusing orders, tortured for not participating in assaults, and being sent into battle unarmed. The testimonies corroborate reports of widespread brutality and high casualty rates among Russian forces, with over 1.2 million troops killed or injured since February 2022. The Russian government denies these allegations, claiming its forces operate with 'utmost restraint.'

As Ukraine's war with Russia enters its fifth year, the country remembers its dead with somber ceremonies and reflections on the ongoing conflict. Despite mounting losses on both sides, Ukraine continues to resist Russian forces, with President Volodymyr Zelensky affirming the nation's independence and statehood. International leaders, including those from the G7 and European Commission, have reiterated their support for Ukraine, while Russia's claims of Western plots to arm Ukraine with nuclear weapons have been dismissed as baseless. The conflict shows no signs of ending, with peace negotiations stalled due to Moscow's unacceptable demands.

As the Ukraine war enters its fifth year, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia has failed to achieve its war goals, a sentiment echoed by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who acknowledged that Russia's objectives have not been fully met. The conflict, which began on February 24, 2022, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths on both sides and devastated Ukraine. Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's readiness to secure a strong and lasting peace, while Peskov indicated Russia's continued commitment to achieving its goals through military action. The international community, including European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine. The war has caused significant destruction, with the cost of post-war reconstruction estimated at $588 billion over the next decade. Ukraine and Russia remain at odds over territory, with Russia pushing for control of the eastern Donetsk region.

President Donald Trump stated that Iran is more eager to make a nuclear deal than the U.S. as American forces build up in the oil-rich Middle East. The U.S. and Iran are set to hold another round of nuclear talks in Geneva on Thursday. Tehran's refusal to commit to not developing nuclear weapons remains the main obstacle to an agreement. Trump emphasized his preference for diplomacy but warned of 'really bad things' if Tehran doesn't agree to a deal. Tensions have escalated with the U.S. building up its military presence in the region, leading to concerns of a potential military action against Iran. Iranian officials have signaled willingness to make concessions on their nuclear program in exchange for the removal of sanctions and recognition of their right to enrich uranium. Oil prices have risen amid concerns of an impending military action.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for facilitating the return of 17 South African men who were allegedly 'lured' into mercenary activities on Russian frontlines in Ukraine. The men, aged 20-39, began returning home after Ramaphosa's request for assistance during a phone call with Putin on February 10. Four men have already returned, 11 are expected soon, and two remain in Russia - one hospitalized and one being processed for travel. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha estimated that at least 1,436 foreign nationals from 36 African countries have been recruited to fight for Russia, often through financial incentives, deception, and coercion.

European leaders gathered in Kyiv to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, showing solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met with President Zelenskyy and highlighted the war's impact on women and children, including the abduction of thousands of Ukrainian children by Russia. The UK announced new sanctions against Russia, but there is frustration that the US is not taking a tougher stance. The conflict continues with no end in sight, and Ukraine is reconciled to more anniversaries like this one.

The article discusses the ongoing conflict 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 that he can still win the war, despite recent setbacks, and is unwilling to compromise on his goal of eradicating Ukraine as an independent nation. The diplomatic efforts are slow, and Ukrainians are skeptical about the sincerity of Russia's negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed concerns that Trump's team is not a fair mediator, and that compromising on territory, such as the Donbas region, is not feasible without a referendum.

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 under threat from Russia, albeit in a 'grey zone' below the threshold of all-out war. He cited daily threats in the North Atlantic, Arctic, cyberattacks, and disinformation as areas of concern.

Viktoriia Honcharuk, a Ukrainian who was living in the US and working in investment banking, returned to Ukraine after Russia's invasion in 2022 to serve as a combat medic on the frontlines. Despite her initial fear of blood and needles, she found it to be the 'easiest decision she ever made' after seeing her family members join the resistance. She has treated wounded soldiers from both sides, including Russian prisoners of war, following the Geneva Convention. Honcharuk believes that ordinary Ukrainians' actions have prevented Russian domination and that if everyone had said 'this is not my war', Russia might have pushed through the rest of Europe.