The day Putin lost the war! Today marks the fourth anniversary of the liberation of the Kyiv region

That was the moment when the course of the war changed irrevocably. The liberation of the Kyiv region in the spring of 2022 marked Russia’s first resounding defeat and proved that Ukraine is capable not only of withstanding attacks but also of thwarting the Kremlin’s plans. Find out how events unfolded during those days and why this victory proved to be a turning point

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2 April — a date that forever changed the course of the full-scale war. On this day in 2022, the Ukrainian Defence Forces finally liberated the Kyiv region from Russian troops. This was not merely a military victory — it was the moment when the Kremlin’s master plan collapsed and the myth of the Russian army’s ‘invincibility’ was shattered.

The failure of the blitzkrieg: how Russia failed to take Kyiv

From the very first hours of the invasion, Russian troops attempted to carry out a plan for a lightning-fast capture of the capital. The airfield in Hostomel became a key target — it was there that they planned to deploy the main airborne forces. However, Ukrainian defenders thwarted this plan, destroying a significant portion of the enemy units even during the landing phase.

The fighting for the Kyiv region lasted over a month. Irpin, Bucha, Moschun, Borodianka — these towns became symbols of fierce resistance. The Ukrainian military, territorial defence forces and local residents halted the enemy’s advance literally on the outskirts of the capital.

The cost of the occupation: destruction and crimes

The temporary occupation of part of the Kyiv region was accompanied by widespread destruction and tragedies among the civilian population. Tens of thousands of homes were damaged, and thousands were completely destroyed. The liberation of Bucha revealed to the world the truth about the war crimes committed by Russian troops.

These events served not only as proof of the aggressor’s brutality, but also as a factor that permanently altered the international perception of the war.

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A turning point in the war

The liberation of the Kyiv region marked Ukraine’s first major strategic victory. It was here that it became clear: the Russian army could not only be halted, but also forced to retreat.

Control over key areas, particularly the liberation of Ivankiv, disrupted the enemy’s logistics and forced them to retreat urgently. By early April, Ukrainian forces had reached the borders near the Chernobyl zone.

The battle for Kyiv lasted 36 days — and ended in the complete failure of Russia’s plans to capture the capital and change the government in Ukraine.

A symbol of Ukrainian resilience

Spring 2022 gave Ukraine what mattered most — time and confidence. The victory near Kyiv showed the whole world that Ukrainians are capable not only of defending themselves, but also of winning.

The liberation of the Kyiv region marked the moment when the aggressor’s strategy began to crumble, and the initiative gradually shifted to Ukraine.

Today, four years on, this date remains a symbol of the steadfastness, courage and strength of a people who managed to halt one of the world’s largest armies and change the course of history.

Especially for those who wish to support the Ukrainian people and learn more about the events of spring 2022, you can book a press tour of Ukraine’s de-occupied regions on the Visit Ukraine portal. Professional guides lead safe commemorative tours of the Kyiv region, including Bucha, Irpin and Hostomel. During these trips, travellers are told real stories of how local residents were rescued, shown key defence sites and given an insight into how free people are rebuilding their country from the ruins. Such trips have become an important way of showing solidarity and preserving historical memory.

Reminder! On 26 March, the National Guard of Ukraine celebrated its professional holiday. Find out more about the history of the National Guard’s formation, its role in the war, key operations and interesting facts about the guardsmen.

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