By Micah Jonah, February 23, 2026
Four years after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the capital is bustling with life again, even as the conflict grinds on. Streets and restaurants that were once deserted now show signs of normalcy, reflecting a resilient population determined to endure.
Initially, global analysts predicted rapid Russian gains, with President Vladimir Putin reportedly expecting Kyiv to fall within weeks. Russia has only secured roughly 10% of Ukrainian territory, and its nearest positions are now over 300 km from the capital. Moscow has also lost ground it once captured, with an estimated 1.3 million Russian soldiers killed or seriously wounded.
Oleksandr Merezhko emphasized Ukraine’s resolve: “While we are fighting, we are not losers, we are winners. Each day we survive is a victory, and we must hold on.”
Ukraine’s counteroffensives have faced significant challenges, including a failed push and a temporary incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, which resulted in heavy losses. Recruiting volunteers has grown increasingly difficult, according to Glib Voloskyi European Union approved a 90-billion-euro ($106bn) loan to fund Ukraine’s war efforts through 2027.
Residents like Volodymyr Proskura remain cautious, recognizing that while a ceasefire may eventually occur, it could only be temporary, with the threat of renewed conflict looming.
Despite the hardships, Ukraine’s perseverance reflects a population determined not just to survive, but to assert its sovereignty and resilience in the face of ongoing aggression.
