This week, with the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaching, major players on the global stage have taken the opportunity to articulate their view of the first major interstate war on European soil since World War II, as well as how they want their role in the epicenter of the world’s principal geopolitical conflict to be perceived.
Launched on Feb. 24, 2022, the Russian invasion marked the moment when the contest between autocracy and democracy morphed from a metaphorical battle into a real war. Since then, it has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties, millions of refugees and vast areas of catastrophic destruction.
The leaders of the United States, Russia and China used the anniversary to promote their respective narratives, cement their positions and prepare the path ahead in a war that today looks no closer to ending than it did when it began.