The War in Ukraine Outlasts World War I

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has drawn comparisons to World War I, particularly in terms of its demanding nature and the impact of new military technologies. A notable instance was captured by photographer Tyler Hicks, depicting a Ukrainian soldier amidst the devastation in Kostiantynivka, a city heavily impacted by drone warfare.

Constant Méheut, a journalist with a background in covering the war since 2023, reflects on the grim milestone marked by June 11, 2026. The war in Ukraine has now surpassed World War I in duration, reaching 1,569 days—translating to over four years and three months.

Initially, Russian President Vladimir V. Putin presumed Ukraine would collapse swiftly following the invasions in February 2022. However, after Ukraine repelled Russian forces, the situation transitioned into a protracted war of attrition.

A Ukrainian soldier known by the call sign ‘France’ remarked, “I thought maybe two or three years, and then politicians will find some kind of consensus.”

Despite these expectations, the war continues to persist with no clear end in sight. Peace talks remain stalled, while surveys indicate that around half of the Ukrainian population believes the conflict will not conclude within the current year.

This belief extends the potential resolution closer to the timespan of World War II, which endured for six years. Additionally, some Ukrainians argue the war’s origins lie in 2014, with Russia’s annexation of Crimea serving as the initial stage.