The War in Ukraine — Looking Back, Where We Are Now, and a Hope for the Future
2026 update below the original article
For those that have read my work in the past, they may be familiar with my love of Star Trek because of its inspirational message of hope that is embedded in the fabric of that sci-fi universe. The thing is, though, that in my heart, it goes beyond just simple fandom and perhaps becomes more of a hopeful pessimism about the future considering that, at times, the future of mankind can seem rather bleak. At the time of writing this, we are about four weeks into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a terroristic act committed under false pretenses to the detriment of all mankind.
While the last century has held many opportunities for the destruction of Mankind through nuclear warfare, this particular time can only be described as absolutely terrifying, considering how close selfish and short-sighted actions committed by Vladimir Putin can take humankind closer and closer to the end of history. As a science fiction fan, particularly Star Trek, I find some hope and this timeline of Star Trek where in humanity experiences a third world war that somehow manages to not obliterate every human on the planet, only for those left in the rubble to be left to rebuild their world with the knowledge of what led them to such destruction.
While I obviously would hope that we are heading towards peaceful times in my heart I fear I perhaps we are heading in the same direction as the Star Trek universe but with no actual reassurance that Humanity will emerge on the other side of whatever disaster awaits us. Are we currently living in a slow-motion disaster? How long before things are upended? Do we currently have what will be required in order to establish peace, or will we instead fail to rise to the occasion and let ourselves devolve into a multipolar world at war with itself?
As a fan of history, I feel there is a strong correlation between Star Trek lore and the hope that the immediate generation that lived during the post-World War II era held in their hearts for the future mankind. After all, the people that created StarTrek lived through the war. For example in my mind I've always seen the Federation as a futuristic embodiment of the United Nations, two organizations that exist to help facilitate and maintain peace between different groups and factions with varying interests, but that overall works for the greater good. At the same time, I acknowledge that the Federation was also a military Alliance much like NATO in the real world. Also, like NATO, the alliances that hold the Federation together require a mutual defense pact where if one member is attacked, it is considered to be an attack on all. This thought is where I'd like to remind you that one of the strongest themes throughout the Star Trek universe is that
of diplomacy, something that we have just seen rapidly disintegrate in our world. This leaves us asking the question: When diplomacy fails between great powers, be it the Federation, NATO, or anyone else in the universe, how are disputes to be resolved?
The answer should be obvious and terrifying. obvious because anyone who's ever been in a tug-of-war between two children who want the same toy knows what happens when talking does not resolve the issue. A fight breaks out. terrifying because unlike a schoolyard bully, to be a great power in this world at this time in our history means possessing weapons strong enough to kill even those who were not in the fight regardless of their culpability.
Is this really the path that we want to take as human beings? As a believer of freedom and peace, I feel a strong and burning support for the people of Ukraine and the victims of Russian tyranny throughout the world from their various campaigns such as Georgia, Chechnya, and Syria. I also support Ukraine fully in their efforts to repel the Russian invader from their lands and I want to see every piece of armament possible sent their way. At the same time though, as a father of two young boys, I wake up each morning and I immediately open my phone to look at the most recent post on Reddit about what's happening in Ukraine, each time I open my phone to see the most recent post on Reddit. About what is happening on the front lines, in my heart I am afraid of what I might read about the latest escalation. It is this realization that any day, at any moment, things could spiral so far out of control that all hope is lost for all of us - oh, that has me fantasizing like some sci-fi fanboy that somewhere out there there is a hero or diplomat that will be able to bring us that kind of last moment Hail Mary pass that happens behind the scenes and saves all of us like some Captain Picard in the world world.
Or perhaps we just simply won't. Who's to say anyways that we have what it takes to rise to the occasion to make it through what we'll see as a species in the next century alone. Rising sea levels, disasters from space depleting oceans, collapsing ecosystems, intensified war, famine, drought, all these things await us - even if we make it past this invasion. Do we as a species even deserve to continue on if we refuse to change our ways? If we continue to be selfish to look only upon our own selves, our families, communities, and countries as our immediate means of concern, do we really deserve to continue on as a species if so many of us will continue suffering?
It seems to me but this was kind of the basis of Captain Picard interaction with Q from the continuum. Q challenged whether humanity deserved to exist or if they should just remove us from time for all the reasons I've already listed and more. If we can't find a way to get along and preserve peace and the dignity of all, perhaps we should question whether we should continue to the future and if we deserve to do so. Personally, it is my Hope that we do find a way to rise to the occasion. This is where I would like to ask you, the reader, what are your thoughts and opinions? Do you think that we will find a way to create lasting peace here on Earth, or do you think it'll go some other way? Are we heading to the utopian future of the Federation, or instead are we heading to the dystopian future of something like the Hunger Games, or Moscow 2033? Let us know in the comments below!
Also if the theme of Hope in the future, pessimistic as it may be, is also something that you connect with why not check out our portrait of Jean-Luc Picard from one of our the artists we have partnered with to bring you custom science fiction merchandise available nowhere else!
When this article was first written, the war in Ukraine had just begun.
There was uncertainty… fear… and one overwhelming question:
👉 Could this escalate into something far worse?
Now, several years later, we have more clarity — but not necessarily the answers we were hoping for.
⚔️ A War That Became a Long Conflict
What began in 2022 as a full-scale invasion has become one of the longest and most complex conflicts in modern history. Russian invasion of Ukraine
Today, the war continues into its fifth year.
- Fighting remains active across multiple fronts
- Missile and drone attacks continue to strike infrastructure and cities
- Both sides are still deeply engaged, with no clear resolution in sight
Recent reports show ongoing large-scale strikes and continued battlefield activity, with both nations adapting to new forms of warfare — including drones and robotic systems.
Despite periods of negotiation, lasting peace agreements have remained elusive.
📉 The Human Cost
One of the most difficult realities to face is the scale of loss.
Estimates suggest that combined casualties between both sides could approach two million people since the war began.
Beyond the numbers:
- Families have been displaced
- Cities damaged or destroyed
- Infrastructure — especially energy systems — has been repeatedly targeted and heavily impacted
This is the part that often gets lost in headlines.
The human story.
⚖️ Where Things Stand Today
As of 2026, the war has settled into a difficult reality:
- Russia still controls roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory
- Ukraine continues to resist and, in some areas, regain ground
- Both sides are investing heavily in new technologies and tactics
There have been:
- Prisoner exchanges
- Ongoing diplomatic efforts
- Renewed discussions about ceasefires
…but no breakthrough.
Many analysts believe the conflict could continue for some time, as neither side appears ready to fully concede.
🌐 Did It Become World War 3?
This was the original question.
And thankfully…
👉 The answer is no.
While the war has had global consequences — economic strain, energy disruptions, and geopolitical tension — it has not escalated into a full-scale world war.
That matters.
A lot.
But it has also shown how fragile global stability can be.
🧠 A Reflection Through Science Fiction
This is where your original idea still holds real power.
Science fiction — especially Star Trek — has always asked:
👉 What kind of future are we building?
In Star Trek, humanity eventually moves beyond:
- War
- Scarcity
- Division
And builds something better.
A unified future.
✨ Why Hope Still Matters
It might feel strange to talk about hope in the middle of something like this.
But history shows us something important:
👉 Humanity does move forward — even after its darkest moments.
From world wars…
To cold wars…
To global conflicts like this one…
We learn.
We adapt.
We rebuild.
🚀 The Star Trek Future — Is It Possible?
The world of Star Trek isn’t perfect.
But it represents something powerful:
👉 A future where humanity chooses cooperation over conflict.
We’re not there yet.
Not even close.
But every generation has the opportunity to move a little closer.
🧭 Final Thoughts — Looking Back, Moving Forward
When this article was first written, it came from a place of fear and uncertainty.
Now, looking back…
We see something different:
- A conflict that did not spiral into global war
- A world still struggling, but still holding together
- And a future that remains unwritten
The war in Ukraine is a reminder of how far we still have to go.
But also…
👉 How important it is to keep imagining something better.
Because before humanity can build a future like Star Trek…
👉 We have to believe it’s possible.