As the world marks the third anniversary of the second Russian invasion of Ukraine, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the course of the war, its various phases, and the extraordinary resilience of the Ukrainian people and armed forces. What began as a full-scale attempt to subjugate Ukraine has resulted in an enduring conflict that has reshaped global politics, military strategy, and Ukraine's own national identity.
The Initial Invasion: Swift Advances and Shocking Resistance
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a multi-pronged invasion of Ukraine, seeking rapid territorial conquests in the south, east, and the capital, Kyiv. The initial seizures of territory in the south and east saw Russian forces advancing rapidly through Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and the Donbas region. However, the ambitious goal of seizing Kyiv and toppling the Ukrainian government failed spectacularly due to a combination of Ukrainian resistance, logistical failures, and strategic miscalculations by the Russian military.
In particular, the battle for Kyiv in the early weeks of the war became a defining moment. Ukrainian forces, bolstered by Western-supplied weapons and intelligence, repelled Russian advances, forcing a humiliating Russian withdrawal from the north by April 2022. The attempt to seize Kharkiv also faltered, with Ukrainian defenders successfully repelling Russian incursions despite relentless bombardments.
War Crimes and Russian Military Failures
The early phase of the war was also marred by horrifying war crimes committed by Russian forces. The atrocities in Bucha, Irpin, and Mariupol, including summary executions, torture, and mass civilian casualties, shocked the world and galvanized international support for Ukraine. The Russian Armed Forces, expected to swiftly overpower Ukraine, instead revealed their severe operational weaknesses—corruption, logistical failures, and a lack of discipline among troops. Rather than conquering Ukraine, Russia found itself bogged down in a brutal war of attrition.
Game-Changing Battles: Mykolaiv and Kherson
The battle for Mykolaiv in the spring of 2022 was a turning point that prevented Russia from advancing towards Odesa. The defense of Mykolaiv ensured that Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea remained intact and thwarted Russian plans to establish a land corridor to Transnistria, a breakaway region of Moldova under Russian military occupation since 1992.
Another significant moment came in November 2022, when Russia withdrew from Kherson, the only regional capital it had captured since the invasion. The retreat, forced by persistent Ukrainian counterattacks and HIMARS precision strikes on Russian supply lines, demonstrated Ukraine’s growing military capabilities. In response, Russia destroyed the last dam bridge over the Dnipro River at Nova Kakhovka in July 2023, seeking to prevent Ukrainian forces from advancing into occupied territory on the river’s south bank.
The Stalemate Phase: A War of Attrition
Following Ukraine’s counteroffensive in mid-2023, the war entered a prolonged phase of stagnation. The front lines, particularly in the Donbas region, became largely static, with only marginal territorial shifts. The notable exception was the Russian capture of Avdiivka in December 2024, marking one of the few successful advances by Moscow’s forces. Despite offensives and counter-offensives from both sides, the front line has barely moved in two and a half years, highlighting the difficulty of achieving a decisive breakthrough.
The Road to Peace: Diplomacy and the Final Push
Now, as high-pressure diplomacy led by the United States seeks to bring the war to a close, an increase in fighting has occurred as both Ukraine and Russia attempt to secure final territorial gains before an armistice. With negotiations underway, there is hope that a ceasefire could stabilize the current line of control while broader peace talks take place to determine Ukraine’s future status.
A War That Transformed Ukraine
Despite immense destruction and suffering, Ukraine has emerged from this war as a stronger and more unified nation. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have achieved remarkable feats that few thought possible at the start of the war. The resilience of the Ukrainian people, the fortitude of President Zelensky’s leadership, and the unwavering support from Western allies have ensured that Ukraine not only survived but continued to stand firm against Russian aggression.
Meanwhile, Russia has suffered staggering casualties and economic devastation due to Western sanctions. The war has revealed deep-seated weaknesses within the Russian military, and the Kremlin has faced increasing internal strife as public dissatisfaction grows.
Conclusion: A Hard-Fought Future
As peace talks progress, Ukraine has already achieved extraordinary results in this war. It has defied expectations, preserved its sovereignty, and proven that even against overwhelming odds, a determined nation can resist imperial aggression. The path forward remains uncertain, but Ukraine enters these negotiations from a position of strength, with the world watching as history unfolds. The hope now is that the sacrifices made over the past three years will lead to a lasting and just peace.