February 24, 2026 commemorated the fourth anniversary of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Europe’s largest and bloodiest conflict since World War II now continues into another grueling year with no peace in sight, as Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy accuses Russia of “dragging out negotiations” in Geneva. As of early March 2026, Ukraine and Russia have stepped away from the latest round of U.S.-mediated peace talks without a conclusive breakthrough. In considering this most recent anniversary, one can’t help but wonder whether Russian President Vladimir Putin expected to be in this position, and all signs point to no.

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