Stoic Times

February 24, 2026

Russia thought it would take days to seize Ukraine. 4 years later, war is still raging

Russia's Three-Day War Enters Year Four. Empires Always Miscalculate.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, expecting rapid victory within days. The conflict has now lasted nearly three years with no clear resolution, contrary to initial Russian expectations and Western intelligence assessments.

Military miscalculations are historical constants: Germany expected to defeat Russia in months (1941), the US planned a swift victory in Vietnam (1960s), Britain thought the Boer War would last weeks (1899-1902). Wars consistently exceed their planners' timelines. The average modern interstate war lasts 1-2 years, but major power conflicts often extend far longer than anticipated.


Whether you donate to humanitarian organizations, contact representatives about aid policy, or choose reliable news sources over speculation. How much war coverage you consume daily (less is often better for mental clarity).

For most readers: awareness only. This affects global grain prices, energy markets, and geopolitics, but your daily decisions remain unchanged. Permission granted to limit news consumption about ongoing conflicts.

Sources: NPR, NY Times

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