Russia's invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth year with no end in sight, marking Europe's largest conflict since World War II. The fighting has claimed an estimated 1.8 million casualties across both sides, with Russia suffering up to 325,000 troop deaths according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Civilian casualties have been equally devastating, with the U.N. documenting 14,999 deaths and 40,600 injuries since February 2022. Last year proved the deadliest for civilians since 2022, with a 31% increase in casualties. The war has displaced 5.9 million Ukrainians, with 5.3 million seeking refuge in Europe while 3.7 million remain internally displaced.

Russia now controls 19.4% of Ukrainian territory, up from 7% before the invasion, though recent territorial gains have been minimal at just 0.79% over the past year. Foreign military aid to Kyiv dropped 13% last year as U.S. support waned, while European nations increased assistance by 67% to fill the gap. The conflict has fundamentally altered the post-Cold War security order, with peace talks brokered by the Trump administration making little progress on key issues like occupied territories and Ukraine's security guarantees.