![[Explainer] Russia-Ukraine War: Four Years of a Conflict Planned for Three Days and the African Lives It Is Quietly Consuming](https://applesbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/133532657_ukraine-russia-promo.jpg)
Russia’s February 2022 invasion has led to a protracted conflict, with dueling diplomatic efforts now underway at the United Nations. The General Assembly will vote on two competing resolutions – Ukraine’s European-backed proposal demanding immediate Russian withdrawal, and a U.S. resolution calling for an end to hostilities without explicitly mentioning Russian aggression. Despite U.S. pressure to withdraw their resolution, Ukrainian officials have refused to do so.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House. Macron has indicated he will emphasize the importance of not showing weakness to Russian President Vladimir Putin during U.S.-led negotiations. Tensions have emerged between Washington and Kyiv after Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for rejecting a minerals deal that would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth resources.
Trump has initiated negotiations with Russia without Ukrainian or European participation, raising concerns about Ukraine’s role in determining its own future. Trump recently called Zelenskyy a “dictator” and falsely accused Kyiv of starting the war. Zelenskyy responded that Trump was operating in a Russian “disinformation space” and emphasized Ukraine’s desire for security guarantees alongside any economic arrangements.
The conflict began when Putin invaded Ukraine amid Kyiv’s NATO aspirations, which Putin viewed as a threat to Russia. Despite expecting a swift victory, Russia has faced strong Ukrainian resistance supported by Western weapons, and currently controls approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.
Putin’s demands include Ukrainian troop withdrawal from contested regions, abandonment of NATO ambitions, and protection of Russian speakers’ rights – terms Zelenskyy has previously rejected. As ceasefire discussions progress, details remain limited, particularly regarding Ukraine’s involvement in the peace process, raising concerns among policy experts about potential deals negotiated without Kyiv’s full participation.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
