It's Tuesday, February the 24th, 2026, and we're glad you've joined us for Denison Forum's

Daily Article podcast.

I'm Chris Elkins, narrating today's daily article written by our CEO and co-founder, Dr. Jim

Denison.

On this day, four years ago, Russia invaded Ukraine. What became the largest war in Europe since World War II has reshaped global security, energy markets, and geopolitical alliances.

Russian forces now occupy roughly one-fifth of Ukraine, with the front lines largely unchanged for months.

Attacks on Ukrainian energy, water, and railway infrastructure are continuing.

The number of troops from both countries who have been killed, wounded, or missing is

nearly 2 million.

The war is forcing Russia to cannibalize its non-military economy to feed its war machine with dire consequences for its future.

By the end of last year, its army was losing more men than it could recruit.

Russia's illegal and immoral attack on Ukraine continues to devastate Ukraine as well.

Millions have been uprooted from their homes,

creating the largest and fastest displacement crisis in Europe since World War II.

More than 12 million people have required humanitarian assistance. Nor is this conflict likely

to be limited to Ukraine. After the war eventually ends, according to Finland's

2025 military intelligence review, Moscow is expected to more than double the number of troops

its stations along NATO's northern frontiers. Last November, Germany's defense minister said Russia

would be ready to attack by 2029 and quoted

certain military historians who said the continent had already lived through its last peaceful summer.

In December, NATO Secretary Mark Rutter announced that Russia could attack a NATO country in the next five years

and warned that member states,

...