We are not losers, we are winners': Ukraine reflects on four years of war

"Four years ago, Kyiv's streets were nearly empty. After Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, restaurants closed down and the roads were deserted. Snipers climbed to the rooftops above government buildings in the city centre. Now, as the war barrels into a fifth year, shops are crowded, restaurants are full, and rush-hour traffic clogs the roads. The city feels alive."

"When the invasion began, experts and leaders around the world predicted that much of Ukraine could be taken at rapid speed. Russian President Vladimir Putin himself reportedly said, It'll be over in a few weeks. American security officials told Newsweek they expected Kyiv to fall within days, with the country's resistance neutralised soon after. Four years on, Russia has gained about 10 percent of Ukraine's territory."

"But since the onslaught began, two new countries have joined NATO Sweden and Finland, which shares a 1,340-km (830-mile) border with Russia. And Ukraine has built one of the largest and most battle-ready militaries in Europe. While we are fighting, we are not losers, we are winners. It's important to remember each day for us, when we survive, each day means victory for us, and we should just hold on, Oleksandr Merezhko, a member of Ukraine's parliament, told Al Jazeera."

Kyiv's streets and economy have visibly revived with crowded shops, full restaurants and heavy traffic after initial wartime emptiness. Early expectations predicted a swift Russian conquest, with predictions Kyiv would fall within days. After four years, Russia controls roughly 10 percent of Ukraine and its nearest positions lie over 300 km from Kyiv. Moscow has lost previously captured ground and reportedly suffered 1.3 million killed or seriously wounded. Russia cites NATO expansion and Ukrainian militarisation as root causes, while Sweden and Finland joined NATO and Ukraine has built a large, battle-ready military. Battlefield gains for Ukraine remain limited, including a failed counteroffensive and a brief incursion into Kursk that was later reversed.

Read at www.aljazeera.com