Kremlin says key war goals in Ukraine remain unmet after four years
Feb 24th 2026
On Feb 24 Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that Russia has not achieved its main objectives in Ukraine, highlighting a gap between early expectations of a quick victory and a prolonged conflict.
- Peskov said the main goal is the safety of people in eastern Ukraine but acknowledged objectives have not been fully achieved.
- Russia launched a full-scale invasion four years ago amid expectations of a swift victory that have not materialized.
- Russian commentators and some officials had publicly predicted Ukraine could fall in days or weeks before the invasion.
- Since 2022 Russian forces have devastated towns and cities and there are documented attacks on hospitals, schools, and other civilian infrastructure.
- Ukraine’s General Staff reported around 1,261,420 Russian troop losses and independent outlet Mediazona confirmed 200,186 Russian military deaths as of Feb 24, statements that reflect differing counts and attributions.
- Fighting continues with limited local advances on both sides, while Moscow presses diplomatic and political routes for concessions that Kyiv, backed by public opinion, rejects.