Where Ukraine and Russia stand as war enters fifth year

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Agence France-PresseFebruary 24, 2026 at 07:49 AM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year since Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, the conflict has caused widespread destruction across the country. Entire cities in eastern and southern Ukraine have been reduced to rubble due to intense fighting. The World Health Organization has documented over 2,800 attacks on healthcare facilities, and Russian strikes have severely damaged energy infrastructure, leaving millions without essential services. A significant portion of Ukrainian territory, approximately one-fifth, is contaminated with mines and unexploded ordnance. The World Bank estimates the cost of reconstruction in Ukraine to be around $588 billion over the next decade.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Europe 40% Toretsk 40% Vovchansk 40% World War II 50% UN Mine Action Service 50% Bakhmut 60% World Health Organization 60% World Bank 60% Russia ×290% Ukraine ×7100%

Keywords

ukraine war 100% russian invasion 90% destruction 80% reconstruction 70% healthcare attacks 60% mines 50% energy infrastructure 50% unexploded ordnance 40%