Four Years of Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Says Putin Has Failed to Achieve His Objectives

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has failed to achieve his war objectives in the country. Zelensky made the remarks during commemorations marking the fourth anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war.

In his address, Zelensky added that Ukraine is ready to do “everything” it can to secure peace.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed since Russia invaded its neighbour on 24 February 2022, triggering the deadliest conflict on European soil since the Second World War.

Negotiations between the two sides, relaunched last year by the United States, have so far failed to halt the fighting.

“Putin has not achieved his objectives. He has not destroyed Ukraine. He has not won this war. We have defended Ukraine, and we will make every effort to achieve peace — and to ensure there is justice,” Zelensky said in his address, as reported by the AFP news agency on Tuesday (24 February 2026).

“We want peace. A strong, dignified, and lasting peace,” Zelensky said, adding that any agreement “must not only be signed but also accepted by the Ukrainian people.”

Allied leaders, including Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, were in the country on Tuesday to mark the fourth anniversary of the war.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was also present. She said she wished to reaffirm that Europe stands “without hesitation alongside Ukraine — financially, militarily, and through this harsh winter.”

“And to send a clear message to the Ukrainian people and to the aggressor: we will not give up until peace is restored. Peace on Ukraine’s terms,” she said in a video posted on social media.