Four years of Russia-Ukraine war: Europe’s largest modern conflict

The Russia-Ukraine war, which began on February 24, 2022, has become the largest and longest armed conflict in Europe in the modern era, defying expectations that war in the 21st century was unlikely. Before the invasion, Ukraine was largely unknown globally, while Russia was seen as a major military power , capable of quickly dominating its neighbor. Many assumed the conflict would be brief, but Ukraine has resisted the power , showing that no major country can easily bully a smaller nation into surrendering its land.

The war's major events include the fall of Mariupol , the Ukrainian counteroffensives in Kharkiv and Kherson , and prolonged battles in Donetsk and Vuhledar , while Ukrainian forces also carried out deep strikes into Russian territory , showing operational capability. Modern warfare, including drones, precision strikes, cyber operations, and intelligence-driven tactics , has allowed Ukraine to offset traditional military disadvantages. The human cost has been severe, with nearly two million casualties and millions displaced, while rebuilding is projected at $588 billion .

Amid the war’s escalating tensions and divided Western response, India has maintained a neutral position , choosing not to take sides or join Western oil sanctions against Russia . New Delhi has emphasized strategic autonomy , balancing its ties with Russia and the West while safeguarding its energy security and economic interests. The conflict’s global ripple effects , including rising fuel and grain prices, have directly impacted countries like India, prompting careful diplomacy to secure resources without being drawn into the conflict. By standing firm on neutrality, India underscores the choices that smaller and medium powers face in navigating a world shaped by major-power rivalries .

In Kyiv , President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was joined by a coalition of willing leaders , including Ursula von der Leyen , António Costa , and Friedrich Merz , demonstrating coordinated Western support for Ukraine. Yet diplomatic efforts remain stalled, with both Kyiv and Moscow reluctant to compromise , while the U.S. has suggested a June deadline for progress toward a peace deal.

Within the EU , divisions persist: Hungary and Slovakia blocked the 20th sanctions package and delayed approval of a €90 billion aid loan , citing Russian oil delivery concerns . The EU added eight Russian officials to a human-rights sanctions list, signaling limited progress.

The Kremlin described the conflict as a broader confrontation with the West , blaming Western support for prolonging the war.