When Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine four years ago, it was clear Roman Ratushny would fight back. This 24-year-old was a seasoned activist, having led the protests that ousted Ukraine’s pro-Russian leadership back in 2014.
His death came just three months into his military service, prompting a street in Kiev to be named in his honor. Today, his grave stands as a sacred spot for young Ukrainians. But the pilgrims there confront the harsh reality of war. Alongside Roman’s grave now lies another tombstone—his brother Vasyl’s, who fell in battle a year ago, leaving their parents to grieve both sons.
“Even after a year, it’s hard to fully grasp what’s happened,” reflected their father, Taras, 52, who serves as a captain in an artillery brigade. “We Ukrainians are living through perhaps the most terrifying experience in Europe since World War II.”
People like Taras, whom President Putin expected to defeat by now, have reached a point of exhaustion where fighting no longer appeals to them. Yet, as the invasion marks its fourth anniversary, Taras sees a faint glimmer of hope. It’s not because victory is imminent or due to trust in Trump’s diplomatic efforts. Rather, this past year—though immensely challenging—has shown that Ukraine can endure.
ruthless russia
Just a year ago, President Zelenskiy faced Trump, who suggested that without U.S. backing, Ukraine had few chances. Since that time, Russia has made slow gains, often sacrificing significantly more troops to push forward. This winter, the harshest in a decade, Moscow aimed to crush Ukrainian resolve by targeting civilian infrastructure, effectively leaving many without heat during severe cold. However, this past Sunday, Ukrainians celebrated Kolidy, a traditional festival marking winter’s end, bringing a sense of resilience, even amidst frigid temperatures.
“The Russians have left many Ukrainians without heat or power, but that isn’t enough,” said Taras. “They haven’t captured our missile or drone factories. We remain a formidable force.”
“There’s a feeling that the Kremlin hasn’t gained the advantage it expected,” noted Alina Florova from a Ukrainian military think tank. “The situation may not be ideal, but victory isn’t out of reach for us.”
The atmosphere feels brighter compared to last November when Zelenskiy acknowledged Ukraine was in perhaps one of its darkest times. At that point, his government was involved in a scandal over funds missing from the state energy firm crucial for winter heating. Russian forces were advancing toward key areas in Donbas, and Trump was pushing for Ukraine to concede ground in negotiations, which Zelenskiy hinted would never be accepted by the Ukrainian people.
drone guard line
So, what’s changed? Ukraine has focused on drones to establish a deep defensive line that’s challenging for Russian troops to breach. Now, Moscow seems reduced to sending small squads on risky missions, often gaining almost no ground.
The ratio of Ukrainian soldier losses to Russian casualties is heavily skewed, gradually weakening Russia’s manpower advantage. Moscow, trying to entice new recruits with bonuses up to $50,000, may find it hard to keep numbers up; since December, Ukrainian officials claim their casualties have outpaced Russian enlistment. Economic sanctions on Russian oil are also pinching Moscow’s military budget.
As negotiations stall, while the U.S. may hold back on supplying weapons, European allies continue to step in. “This might be the best chance Ukraine has seen since the war began,” said Glenn Grant, a former British diplomat, suggesting that Europe could ramp up support, potentially shortening what could otherwise drag on for years.
Whether Putin actually wants peace is uncertain. If an agreement is reached, it means many soldiers, bearing the scars of war, will return home. And as a sanctions-weakened Russia grapples with its reality, tough questions may arise about the true costs of this conflict.
Ultimately, what stands out is not just that Ukraine endures, but how Putin’s “special military operation” may turn out to be one of the most disastrous failures since the Soviet era. President Zelensky, though lacking the “cards,” is not alone in this struggle; Putin, once holding all the aces, now finds himself with far fewer options.
