Ukraine marks four years since Russia's full-scale invasion

Ukraine is marking the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, with senior European leaders gathering in Kyiv to show their solidarity with the country.

Light beams from the 'Rays of Memory' installation illuminate the sky above the graves of fallen Ukrainian soldiers as friends and relatives take part in a joint prayer and candlelight vigil at Lychakiv Military Cemetery in Lviv, western Ukraine, 23 February 2026.

EPA/MYKOLA TYS

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa are attending commemorations in the Ukrainian capital alongside President Volodymyr Zelensky.

In Kyiv for the tenth time since the start of the war.

To reaffirm that Europe stands unwaveringly with Ukraine, financially, militarily, and through this harsh winter.

To underscore our enduring commitment to Ukraine’s just fight.

And to send a clear message to the Ukrainian… pic.twitter.com/iULkEQji16

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 24, 2026

Poland is represented by lower-house Speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty.

The leaders are paying tribute to the soldiers and civilians killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022.

In Brussels, the European Parliament is holding a special session, where Zelensky is addressing MEPs remotely.

Lawmakers are expected to pass a resolution calling for increased aid to Ukraine and tougher sanctions on Russia, with restrictions to remain in place until a lasting peace deal is reached.

🔴 Tomorrow morning, Parliament will hold an extraordinary plenary session to mark four years of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and European contributions to a just peace and sustained security for Ukraine.

Watch the event live on this account from 10.15 CET. pic.twitter.com/hUNe2I8ViF

— European Parliament (@Europarl_EN) February 23, 2026

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is also due to make a statement to mark the anniversary.

Toll of war rises

President Zelensky said in early February that 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died in the war.

Russia has failed to advance beyond eastern Ukraine despite four years of intense fighting, though it has not abandoned its demands over Ukrainian territory and sovereignty – conditions Kyiv firmly rejects.

Moscow has not published official casualty figures, but according to the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), "since February 2022, Russian forces have suffered nearly 1.2 million casualties."

Europe steps up support

European nations have taken on an increasingly central role in supporting Ukraine, both financially and militarily.

EU membership is also being discussed as one of the potential long-term security guarantees for the country.

Mounting destruction

Rebuilding Ukraine after Russia’s full-scale invasion could cost nearly USD 588 billion over the next decade, almost three times the country’s projected 2025 GDP, according to a joint assessment by the Ukrainian government, the World Bank, the European Commission and the UN.

Reconstruction and recovery in Ukraine will cost almost $588 million over the next decade, an updated UN-backed assessment finds.https://t.co/WmeW8oSOdr

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) February 23, 2026

The report, released as the war enters its fifth year, estimates direct damage has risen to more than USD 195 billion, with housing, energy and critical infrastructure among the hardest hit.

(ał)

Source: IAR, CSIS, ukraine.un.org