Ukraine four years into war has endured and been transformed

Four years after Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion, the article reports more than 15,000 Ukrainian civilian deaths and describes wide social and political changes as the conflict becomes embedded in daily life.

Michael Bociurkiw, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, reflects on four years since Russia's Feb. 24, 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The piece reports widespread loss of life and lasting damage far beyond the front lines. It describes how war has become part of ordinary life across the country and how communities and local economies have been altered. The author also notes emerging political strains amid allegations about energy funds and tensions involving senior military figures. Key facts: - The article reports more than 15,000 Ukrainian civilian deaths and over 41,000 injured since the 2022 invasion. - Officials announced a recent homemade explosive detonation that killed a patrol officer and injured about 25 people, described in the article as a potential terrorist attack. - The author describes the gradual normalization of risk across Ukraine, with drone and missile strikes, power outages and economic disruption affecting areas beyond the front lines. - The article notes reported political strains, including allegations tied to energy infrastructure funds and tensions between President Volodymyr Zelensky and former commander Valerii Zaluzhnyi. Summary: The article presents a picture of a country changed by prolonged conflict, with social fabric, local economies and daily routines affected by continuing violence and disruption. It reports recent violent incidents and ongoing insecurity that the author says have permeated many communities. The piece also argues that sustaining Ukraine involves continued international assistance and measures to constrain the Kremlin's revenue streams, while specific next procedural or diplomatic steps are undetermined at this time.