Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched four years ago, ignites Europe’s largest conflict since World War II. It inflicts severe hardship on civilians and soldiers alike, reshaping post-Cold War security dynamics. The battle enters its fifth year on Tuesday with no end in sight.
U.S.-led talks between Moscow and Kyiv delegations aim to broker peace amid the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts. Yet, unresolved issues—like the status of Russian-held Ukrainian territories and Ukraine’s postwar security—stall negotiations. Battlefield losses mount for both sides, while Russian airstrikes leave Ukrainian civilians facing prolonged blackouts and water shortages.
Military Casualties Exceed 1.8 Million
Recent analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies pegs total soldiers killed, wounded, or missing on both sides at up to 1.8 million. Russia endures around 1.2 million casualties, including as many as 325,000 deaths from February 2022 to December 2025—the highest toll for any major power since World War II.
Moscow last reported battlefield deaths in January 2023, confirming over 6,000 after a Ukrainian strike killed more than 80 soldiers. Ukraine faces 500,000 to 600,000 military casualties, with up to 140,000 fatalities. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently stated that 55,000 Ukrainian troops have died, noting many remain missing.
Neither side releases timely loss figures, and independent verification proves challenging.
Civilian Deaths Top 14,999
The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission records 14,999 civilian deaths in Ukraine since the invasion began, a figure experts consider an underestimate. Over 40,600 civilians suffer injuries in the same timeframe, per a December UN report. At least 763 children perish in the violence.
2025 marks the deadliest year for civilians since 2022, with 2,514 killed and 12,142 wounded—a 31% rise from 2024.
Russia Controls 19.4% of Ukraine
The Institute for the Study of War reports Russia occupies 19.4% of Ukrainian territory. Over the past year, Moscow seizes just 0.79% amid a brutal war of attrition, despite heavy troop and equipment losses.
Prior to the full invasion, Russia held nearly 7% of Ukraine, including Crimea and portions of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, where Moscow-backed separatists clashed with Ukrainian forces.
Foreign Aid to Kyiv Declines 13%
Military assistance to Kyiv drops 13% last year compared to the 2022-2024 average, according to Germany’s Kiel Institute. U.S. President Donald Trump halts American weapons shipments shortly after taking office over a year ago.
European nations boost their military aid by 67% over the prior period to offset the gap. Humanitarian and financial support falls 5% versus the three-year average.
5.9 Million Ukrainians Flee Homes
Some 5.9 million Ukrainian civilians seek safety abroad, with 5.3 million finding refuge in Europe, per a recent UN report. At least 300,000 arrive in Canada. Within Ukraine, 3.7 million become internally displaced. The prewar population exceeds 40 million.
2,881 Attacks Disrupt Healthcare
The World Health Organization documents 2,881 Russian strikes impacting medical services in Ukraine since February 2022. Such incidents rise nearly 20% in 2025 compared to 2024. An earlier WHO report notes at least 2,347 hits on healthcare facilities, plus damage to vehicles and supply storage.
