Ukraine Remains Defiant After Four Years of War and Does Not Feel Close to Defeat

Published: 24 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

As the Ukraine war marks its fourth anniversary, the country’s leaders and citizens do not see themselves as nearing defeat, despite the relentless pressure from Russian forces and fluctuating Western support. According to a frontline report by BBC international editor Jeremy Bowen, the sense of defiance in Ukraine is rooted in multiple strategic, technological, social and psychological factors that shape Kyiv’s continued resistance against Moscow’s invasion.

During a visit to eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk frontline, Bowen described how Ukrainian forces have adapted to modern warfare, particularly through extensive use of drones for surveillance and combat. These unmanned systems, including first‑person view (FPV) drones, have transformed battlefield dynamics, enabling relatively low‑cost but high‑impact tactical operations that both sides now rely on. Ukraine’s ingenuity and resourcefulness in deploying such technology, even in austere conditions, contribute to its confidence in continuing the fight.

The Ukrainian mindset is also shaped by the symbolic and material stakes of the conflict. President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated that Kyiv will not relinquish territory that Russia has not conquered, framing it as a fundamental defence of national sovereignty and human dignity. Such rhetoric reinforces public and military resolve, with many Ukrainians believing that conceding land would undermine the very foundations of their identity and future.

On the civilian front, major urban centres continue functioning as vibrant communities despite repeated Russian attacks on infrastructure, including power and heating systems. In Kyiv and other cities, everyday life persists with traffic, commerce and social activity, even as air‑raid sirens and missile threats remain common. This normalcy amid adversity underscores a societal determination to carry on, not merely endure.

Ukraine’s military situation is undeniably challenging: recruitment remains difficult, casualties are high, and front‑line conditions are often severe. But Bowen’s reporting suggests that Ukrainians do not perceive the situation as hopeless. Polls indicate broad public belief in the country’s ability to continue resisting, and many citizens reject the notion of negotiating peace that involves territorial concessions.

The interplay of national will, innovative tactics, and stubborn resistance to external pressures — including diplomatic efforts from global powers — helps explain why Ukraine does not feel close to defeat, even amidst the grinding attrition of the prolonged conflict.

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