On February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin decided to invade Ukraine to annex Ukrainian territory to Russia. He sent thousands of soldiers to the border, a show of strong diplomatic tension involving not only Kiev and Moscow but also much of the rest of the world. That determination led to the origin of a war Europe had not experienced since the Second World War when hundreds of thousands were left dead or injured, in addition to the millions of people who had to leave their homes to flee from danger. Two years later, the war continues, and there is no end in sight.
"Putin must lose in absolutely everything"
Coinciding with the second anniversary of the start of the invasion, the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, paid tribute to the victims at the Wall of Remembrance - a memorial for Ukrainians who were killed in the war. He left a bouquet of flowers and said a few words. He was not alone. Numerous leaders from European diplomacy - such as the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni; his Belgian counterpart, Alexander De Croo; and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen accompanied him. Other prominent international leaders such as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were also present.
"Together, we are stronger than any geopolitics. People’s unity can accomplish more than any dictator. And courage, ordinary people's courage, can turn the pages of history that appeared to never end. Putin must lose in absolutely everything. Only in this way will peace prevail," Zelensky posted on social media.
Together, we are stronger than any geopolitics. People’s unity can accomplish more than any dictator. And courage, ordinary people's courage, can turn the pages of history that appeared to never end.
Dear friends, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen,… pic.twitter.com/NLUbfLhduE
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 24, 2024
Later, he addressed the G7 leaders, whom he thanked for their support over these two years of war:
I addressed the leaders of the G7, the world's largest democracies.
I thanked them for the past two years. The terrible day of February 24th, and all of the horror brought on by Russia, did not deprive Ukraine of a normal future.
Everyone should remember that imperial… pic.twitter.com/MYS44sNIjl
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 24, 2024
The number of deaths and injuries are uncertain
If there is something uncertain, it is the total number of victims from the war so far. Depending on who you ask, and what source you consult, you will get varying numbers. According to the latest record published by the United Nations (UN), 10,382 civilians were confirmed dead and 19,659 have been injured, although the institution recognizes that the actual number is probably higher. Both Ukraine and Russia have published other figures.
On the other hand, there is the number of soldiers who have been killed in combat. Both sides give very different figures from the other, inflating the casualties of its rival. The Economist compiled information from numerous sources and estimated that there have been between 66,000 and 88,000 Russian casualties in these two years, compared to more than 25,000 Ukrainian ones.
The United States remains firm in its support for Ukraine
Zelensky's government has the United States as one of its great allies when it comes to facing the war. From Washington, D.C., the Biden administration has not ceased its aid to Ukraine. It has sent health, military and other resources, not to mention financial aid. President Joe Biden traveled to Kiev, shortly before a year had passed since the start of the war, to meet with Zelensky and learn about the real consequences Putin's war has had on the country.
Another way in which the United States showed its firm support is with the sanctions it imposed and continues to impose on Moscow. This has put a wrench in Russia's plans. Hours before this second anniversary, the Biden administration announced a round of 500 new sanctions on Russia and its allies, this time motivated by the death of dissident Alexei Navalny.
