Devastation and frozen frontlines: Ukraine marks four years of Russia’s war

4 articles

2 sources

0% diversity

Updated 24.2.2026

Key Topics & People

Donetsk region *Sloviansk Kyiv Dnipro River Moscow

Coverage Framing

Conflict(2)

Human Interest(1)

Political Strategy(1)

Avg Factuality:73%

Avg Sensationalism:Low

Story Timeline

Feb 22 – Feb 28

2 articles|2 sources

russia-ukraine warrussian invasionukraine warukrainedonetsk region

Conflict(1)

Al JazeeraFeb 24

Devastation and frozen frontlines: Ukraine marks four years of Russia’s war

Four years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, Ukrainians are enduring a protracted war. Despite initial fears of a swift Russian victory, particularly in Kyiv, Ukrainian forces successfully repelled the initial assault and reclaimed territory. However, the 2023 counteroffensive failed to achieve its objectives, and Russian forces continue to make incremental gains. Civilians face ongoing hardships, including infrastructure damage from Russian attacks, leading to power outages and disruptions in essential services, especially during harsh winter conditions. Despite the challenges and devastation, Ukrainians express resilience and a determination to continue resisting Russian aggression. The conflict has resulted in a frozen frontline and a protracted struggle for the country.

MeasuredFactual2 sources

Negative

Human Interest(1)

New York Times - WorldFeb 24

These Ukrainians Don’t Want to Be Traded to Russia for Peace

Four years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, peace talks are ongoing, mediated by the Trump administration. A major obstacle is Russia's demand for control of the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine. Russia is offering peace in the rest of Ukraine in exchange for surrendering Donetsk. Residents like Daria Bondareva, a salon owner in Sloviansk, oppose ceding territory to Russia, expressing distrust in Russia's adherence to any agreement. Negotiations continue with differences narrowed to control of Donetsk and security guarantees for Ukraine.

MeasuredFactual2 sources

Negative

Key Claims

factual

The full-scale Russian invasion began on February 24, 2022.

— Al Jazeera

factual

Four years into a war that Moscow began with a lightning invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, this is the essential trade being offered to Kyiv.

— null

quote

I don’t think Ukraine will ever agree to this. I don’t know what will need to happen for Ukraine to agree to give us up.

— Daria Bondareva

factual

President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Ukraine will not unilaterally withdraw from Donetsk.

— null

factual

Russia controls about 19 percent of Ukraine’s territory.

— Ukrainian officials and Western analysts

Dec 21 – Dec 27

1 articles|1 sources

siverskrussian forcesukrainian troopsdonetsk regionwithdrawal

Conflict(1)

Al JazeeraDec 24

Russian forces seize embattled Siversk town as Ukrainian troops withdraw

Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from the town of Siversk in the eastern Donetsk region, confirming its capture by Russian troops. The Ukrainian military cited a significant Russian advantage in manpower and equipment, leading to the strategic retreat to preserve soldiers' lives and combat capabilities. Despite inflicting heavy losses on Russian forces before withdrawing, Ukrainian forces maintain fire control over Siversk, aiming to impede further Russian advancement. The town, though small, was strategically important for defending the larger Sloviansk and Kramatorsk areas. The fall of Siversk occurred amidst proposals from Russia and the US for a demilitarized, free economic zone in eastern Donetsk.

MeasuredFactual4 sources

Negative

Key Claims

factual

Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from Siversk after heavy fighting with Russian forces.

— Ukrainian military

factual

Donetsk is one of three Ukrainian regions at the centre of Russia’s territorial demands.

— null

quote

Russian troops had a “significant advantage” in manpower and equipment.

— Ukraine’s General Staff

factual

Russian forces had already seized an estimated 19 percent of Ukrainian territory as of early December.

— null

quote

Siversk remains “under the fire control of our troops”.

— Ukraine’s General Staff

Dec 14 – Dec 20

1 articles|1 sources

russia-ukraine warvladimir putinterritorial concessionsvolodymyr zelenskyypeace talks

Political Strategy(1)

Al JazeeraDec 19

Putin takes aim at Zelenskyy in annual Q&A, says Kyiv won’t bend on land

In his annual Q&A session in Moscow on December 19, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is unwilling to discuss territorial concessions, a major obstacle to peace talks. Putin reiterated Russia's demand that Ukraine cede territory in four key regions, along with Crimea, and withdraw troops from parts of eastern Ukraine. These remarks come as U.S. President Donald Trump is attempting to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Putin claimed Russian forces have seized the strategic initiative and will make further gains, despite recent reports of Ukrainian advances in Kupiansk and continued resistance in eastern cities. Putin also labeled the EU as "robbers" over plans to use frozen Russian assets.

MeasuredFactual2 sources

Neutral

Key Claims

quote

Putin says Zelenskyy refuses to discuss territorial concessions.

— Vladimir Putin

factual

Ukraine's constitution forbids the ceding of land.

— Article's own claim

factual

Putin demands Ukraine cede all territory in four key regions his forces have captured and occupied, along with Crimea.

— Article's own claim

factual

Zelenskyy has stated clearly that he is not prepared to discuss territory issues.

— Article's own claim

quote

Russian forces had “fully seized strategic initiative” and would make further gains before the year ends.

— Vladimir Putin