Open-source timelines show that the large‑scale Russo‑Ukrainian war that began with Russia’s full invasion on 24 February 2022 has continued without a formal settlement or stable ceasefire and is explicitly described as ongoing through at least late 2025, well past 2022.(en.wikipedia.org) The dedicated article on the eastern front notes continuous operations in eastern Ukraine (Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv regions) from 24 February 2022 to the present, again with status listed as ongoing and specifying that Russia controls a large share of the Donbas as of October 2025.(en.wikipedia.org) This confirms that active or simmering conflict in and around the Donbas and disputed eastern territories persisted for years rather than ending quickly in 2022.

Separately, Joe Biden’s presidency is documented as running from January 20, 2021, to January 20, 2025.(en.wikipedia.org) Since the war remained ongoing throughout this period and continued to dominate foreign‑policy and security discussions, it did in fact become a long‑running, background feature of Biden’s entire term, matching Sacks’s characterization that it would “go on for a long time” and effectively define the backdrop of his presidency rather than being resolved quickly.

Given that: (1) the war did not end in 2022, and (2) it continued in active/simmering form throughout Biden’s presidency and beyond, the prediction that the Russia‑Ukraine war centered on the Donbas and eastern territories would remain a long‑term feature of Biden’s presidency is accurately borne out by subsequent events.