Today, we are remembering the Russian invasion of Ukraine and marking the third anniversary of the start of the current Russian – Ukrainian War.

The war began with a major Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 that sought to overwhelm Ukraine’s air and ground defenses. Ukraine resisted bravely and repelled the Russian forces around its capital, Kiev.

The Russian-Ukrainian War represents the most extensive war in Europe since the Second World War and has featured large tank battles, lengthy sieges, trench warfare, massive missile strikes, and pervasive drone attacks.

The new Trump administration has radically reshaped the war in Ukraine in the past four weeks by abandoning support for Ukraine and American allies in Europe.

“After three years of grinding warfare and isolation by the West, a world of new possibilities has opened up for Mr. Putin with a change of power in Washington,” observes Paul Sonne, reporter with The New York Times.

“Gone are the statements from the East Room of the White House about the United States standing up to bullies, supporting democracy over autocracy and ensuring freedom will prevail.

“Gone, too, is Washington’s united front against Russia with its European allies, many of whom have begun to wonder if the new American administration will protect them against a revanchist Moscow, or even keep troops in Europe at all.”

In a show of solidarity, the leaders of European nations and the European Union joined Ukrainian President Zelenzky in Kyiv to mark the grim three-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Lawrence Freedman, Professor Emeritus of War Studies (King’s College London) comments that “There is something very big going on at the moment. … This is not business as usual. This is a very different administration, and it’s very hard to see how trans-Atlantic relations will be the same at the end of this.” Freedman was quoted in Paul Sonne’s article.

Foreign Policy has published a series of essays on “Three Years On, What’s Next for Europe and Ukraine?” Nine policy analysts examine the status of the Russian-Ukrainian War and the radical changes international relations.

“Three Years On, What’s Next for Europe and Ukraine?” Foreign Policy (21 February 2025).

Sonne, Paul. “Three Years Into War in Ukraine, Trump Ushers in New World for Putin.” The New York Times (24 February 2025).

“World Leaders Reiterate Support on Third Anniversary of War as Zelenskyy Hails ‘Absolute Heroism of Ukrainians.'” The Guardian (24 February 2025).

“Western leaders visit Kyiv and pledge military support against Russia on the war’s 3rd anniversary.” AP (24 February 2025).

Note: this essay has been updated with additional references.