Published: TUESDAY February 24, 2026: 'DARK ANNIVERSARY: Four Long Years' by ZUMA Press photographer in Ukraine Tommaso Fumagalli: Four years ago, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, resulting in the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II. Initially conceived as a rapid operation to overthrow Kyiv, the conflict has evolved into a prolonged, high-intensity war that is reshaping European security. Despite substantial human and economic costs, Ukraine has maintained its defense with sustained Western support, while Russia has mobilized its economy and society for an extended confrontation. Although the war remains unresolved and significant uncertainties persist, its fourth anniversary provides a moment to reflect on its profound impacts on regional security, transatlantic cohesion, military technology, and the global balance of power. Welcome to 'DARK ANNIVERSARY: Four Long Years'
© zReportage.com Issue #1029 Story of the Week: Published: TUESDAY February 24, 2026: 'DARK ANNIVERSARY: Four Long Years' by ZUMA Press photographer in Ukraine Tommaso Fumagalli: Four years ago, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, resulting in the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II. Initially conceived as a rapid operation to overthrow Kyiv, the conflict has evolved into a prolonged, high-intensity war that is reshaping European security. Despite substantial human and economic costs, Ukraine has maintained its defense with sustained Western support, while Russia has mobilized its economy and society for an extended confrontation. Although the war remains unresolved and significant uncertainties persist, its fourth anniversary provides a moment to reflect on its profound impacts on regional security, transatlantic cohesion, military technology, and the global balance of power. Welcome to 'DARK ANNIVERSARY: Four Long Years'

An unexploded rocket is seen embedded in the middle of a sidewalk in the city of Dobropillia. Weekly successful Russian strikes climbed to around 160 in 2025, nearly three times higher than the previous year's average, increasing overall damage despite defensive efforts.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

Firefighters work to contain the flames raging from the central market in Kramatorsk after a Russian drone strike set the area on fire. The market had already been damaged in a previous attack in November 2025.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

A local resident talks on a cellphone and stands amid the damaged site after two Russian Gerbera drones struck a gas station in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine. Local authorities said no casualties were reported.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

Firefighters work at the site of a Russian early-morning guided bomb strike on a residential area in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine. The attack left several vehicles burning and damaged multiple multi-storey buildings. Local authorities reported two casualties, while the final consequences were still being assessed.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

Residents at the site of a Russian airstrike on a civilian apartment building the previous night help an elderly woman leave the area. The attack killed one person and injured at least four others.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

A building is seen on fire following a Russian Shahed drone strike. Starting in September 2024, Russia sharply increased its use of Shahed-type one-way attack drones.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

A local resident at the scene of a Russian airstrike on a residential area looks at the body of a woman who was killed in the overnight Russian attack.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

SERHII, a resident of Mykolaivka walks past a hospital that was struck and badly damaged during a Russian attack back in August 2025.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

Family member grieves beside a victim that was pulled from the rubble following a Russian drone attack on a civilian building.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

Residents wait in the safety of a dark bomb shelter as Russian drones detected in the area are either shot down or strike nearby targets. The shelter is located close to the central market in Kramatorsk, which was previously hit by a Russian drone.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

Using only a garden bucket to carry debris, a local resident works to clear rubble at her house, which was hit by a Russian cluster munition.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

A resident stands outside his apartment building amid the aftermath of a Russian airstrike on a residential area that injured several people.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

A local worker stands an reacts in despair near the impact site of a Russian air strike on a residential area
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

A resident with shopping bags and an umbrella walks past a burnt out car at the site of a Russian aerial attack carried out the previous night, which killed one person and injured at least four others.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

Workers install a protective drone net over the main road toward Izium. The frontlines of Ukraine are criss-crossed by anti-drone nets to protect both soldiers and civilians from Russian attacks.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

Soldier known as 'ROCKS' with Ukraines 127th Separate Mechanized Brigade sits on a bunk at the squads shelter near a GRAD launcher position in the Kharkiv Oblast.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

Inside a medical evacuation bus the team leader of the Ukrainian Hospitallers Medical Battalion, provides aid to an injured soldier that was being evacuated.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

A tank crew member of the Ukraine's 93rd 'Kholodnyi Yar' Brigade inside his T-72 tank near the frontlines amid the ongoing war with Russia.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

An orc face mask in a tank drivers helmet hangs beside a gun on a shelf in a Ukranian army unit's hideout, symbolizing Russian troops as orcs.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

A tank crew member of the Ukraine 93rd 'Kholodnyi Yar' Brigade stands atop the tank, handling large ordnance shells used for firing.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

A Ukrainian serviceman prepares to drive a T-72 tank which is covered with netting and branches to deter Russian drone attacks.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

A Ukrainian serviceman drives a T-72 tank which is covered with netting and branches to deter Russian drone attacks.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

A resident walks past the site of a Russian Shahed drone strike on a medical clinic, which left a hole in the building. The overnight attack caused severe damage and claimed one life.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire

A man dips into the ice covered Dnipro River during Ukrainian Orthodox Epiphany celebrations on 6 January, a traditional ritual that commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ. In August 2024, the Ukrainian parliament passed a law banning the Russian Orthodox Church on Ukrainian territory.
© Tommaso Fumagalli/ZUMA Press Wire