As Ukraine enters its fifth year of Russian aggression, reporter Robin Korda shares insights from his recent return to Kyiv, detailing the resilience of the Ukrainian population amidst ongoing attacks. The article addresses the suspension of national elections due to martial law, a measure widely accepted as necessary for organizing a vote under bombardment, a precedent seen in other democracies during wartime. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while facing political scrutiny, remains largely supported for embodying national resilience, though survival is the primary concern for citizens. The prospect of Ukraine joining the European Union, a request made in February 2022, is a long and complex process requiring unanimous consent from all 27 member states, making it improbable in the short term. Military advances are described as incremental, with Russia making slow territorial gains at a high cost, while peace negotiations are stalled by Russia's territorial demands and Ukraine's refusal to cede land, coupled with demands for security guarantees like NATO membership. The economic cost of the war is immense, with reconstruction alone estimated at $500 billion, and France's direct contribution amounting to billions of euros, alongside significant EU support. Daily life in Kyiv continues with essential services functioning, though frequent air raid sirens necessitate constant vigilance and reliance on shelters, including the metro.