The war between Ukraine and Russia, which erupted in February 2022, has emerged as one of the most consequential geopolitical conflicts of the 21st century. While Russia's military might was expected to overpower Ukraine within a short period, the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people have defied expectations. This essay explores Ukraine's courageous defense, the role of its military and civilian population, and the international support that has bolstered the country's resistance against Russia's aggression. The Unprovoked Invasion and Ukraine’s Initial Response On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with the stated aim of "demilitarizing" and "denazifying" the country, though these claims were widely dismissed by the international community. Russian forces advanced rapidly on multiple fronts, targeting major cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Mariupol. Moscow’s expectation was that Ukraine, led by President Volodymyr Zelensky.