Kyiv, 24 February (H.S.): On the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a poignant appeal to U.S. President Donald Trump, imploring him to maintain unwavering American support amid mounting war fatigue and stalled peace negotiations.

Zelenskyy, in an exclusive CNN interview, underscored the United States' indispensable role, declaring it far too big and too important to abandon a democratic ally confronting authoritarian aggression. He personalized the conflict around Russian President Vladimir Putin, labeling him the embodiment of war and asserting that yielding to Moscow's demands would equate to total capitulation for Ukraine. This candid outreach reflects Kyiv's anxiety over potential shifts in U.S. policy under Trump's administration, which has mediated recent talks in Geneva yielding scant progress.

War Fatigue and Negotiation Stalemate

After four grueling years, Zelenskyy acknowledged profound exhaustion among Ukrainians but categorically rejected territorial concessions, warning that accommodating Putin's ambitions would doom the nation.

Security guarantees from Western allies remain a non-negotiable demand, with Zelenskyy decrying insufficient pressure on Russia during U.S.-brokered discussions.Despite initial predictions of a swift Russian victory—echoed by Putin himself—the conflict persists, with Moscow controlling roughly 10% of Ukraine, over 300 km from Kyiv, at staggering human cost: estimates exceed 1.2 million Russian casualties and 600,000 Ukrainian ones.

Global Solidarity Amid Escalating Violence

The anniversary coincides with intensified Russian strikes, including a February 22 barrage of drones and missiles targeting infrastructure, killing civilians in Kyiv and Lviv. International responses include Britain's new military and humanitarian aid package, UN Secretary-General António Guterres' call for an immediate ceasefire respecting Ukraine's sovereignty, and European commemorations emphasizing sustained backing.

As rallies unfold across the West, Zelenskyy's message to Trump encapsulates Ukraine's precarious fight entering its fifth year, with no end in sight.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar