A world-changing war: four years in Ukraine - The Intelligence from The Economist Recap

Podcast: The Intelligence from The Economist

Published: 2026-02-24

Duration: 21 min

Summary

The episode reflects on the four-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine, examining its profound impacts on the country and the global order. It highlights the resilience of Ukrainians amidst significant challenges and shifts in international security dynamics.

What Happened

As the episode marks the grim anniversary of the war in Ukraine, host Jason Palmer discusses the extensive changes it has wrought both within Ukraine and globally. Millions of Ukrainians have been displaced, facing severe hardships during the harsh winter, while those who have fled are adjusting to new lives abroad. The war has not only devastated families but also disrupted the global security framework, prompting the EU to reassess its defense strategies and focus more on modern warfare technologies like drones.

Oliver Carroll, The Economist's Ukraine correspondent, shares his firsthand experiences from the onset of the conflict, recalling the surreal transition from a potential short assignment to a prolonged engagement witnessing the war's evolution. He emphasizes the heavy toll on the Ukrainian population, which has decreased significantly and sees a stark shift in public sentiment towards Russia, with 98% now holding negative views. The discussion delves into the fragmentation within Ukrainian society, as divisions emerge between those who stayed, those who left, and those who fought, suggesting that the challenges of post-war unity will be as profound as the war itself.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

What has been the scale of displacement in Ukraine since the war began?

The war has resulted in the largest displacement of people in Europe since the Second World War, with millions of Ukrainians fleeing their homes. Those who stayed or have returned face severe hardships, especially during the harsh winter months, often lacking basic necessities like water, power, and heat.

How has the war affected Ukraine's population and public opinion?

The population of Ukraine has shrunk by about a quarter since the war began, reflecting both the displacement and the toll of conflict. Public opinion has shifted significantly, with 98% of Ukrainians now holding a very negative view of Russia, indicating a move towards European values and unity against the aggressor.

In what ways has the war altered the security landscape in Europe?

The war has rippled through the global security order, prompting the EU to reassess its defense strategies and focus more on modern warfare elements like drones and hybrid warfare. The stakes for Europe have never been higher, especially as American aid has proven to be unpredictable.

What are the implications of the divisions within Ukrainian society?

The unity observed in the early days of the conflict has started to fracture, with divisions emerging among those who stayed, left, fought, or didn’t fight. These societal splits are likely to pose significant challenges in the aftermath of the war, should peace be achieved.

How has the nature of modern warfare evolved during this conflict?

The conflict has highlighted a shift in modern warfare, emphasizing the importance of technology such as drones and precision strike capabilities. The battlefield dynamics are increasingly favoring those who can find and strike effectively, changing the traditional aspects of combat.