One thousand days of conflict: Born in war & lost in war, Ukraine's struggle for 'freedom'

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Since then, the war has become Europe’s deadliest conflict post World War II, claiming tens of thousands of lives on both sides. (Image credit: AP)

Taking to X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, "Our country's struggle for life has been going on for almost 1,000 days. And this struggle is not only about Ukraine. It also applies to everyone who values freedom, the right to choose one's own path and a future without war. What this future will be depends on each of us today - people who live in different corners of the world, but have the same understanding of such concepts as freedom and justice."

Trump has repeatedly said that he would end the Russia-Ukraine conflict within "24 hours" of assuming office. Expressing hope over this, Zelenskyy said, "Certainly, with the policies of the team that will now lead the White House, the war will end sooner. This is their approach, their pledge to their public, and it is also very important to them." (Image credit: NYT)

The Russian assault on Ukraine’s public infrastructure, including the national power grid, has intensified a sense of vulnerability, with candles often providing the only light after dark. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have been forced to flee, seeking refuge abroad. (Image credit: AP)

"The real concern is if they were to target the energy sector again, this could be a tipping point...for further mass movements, both inside the country and outside the country," UN official said.

Ukraine has regained control of 54% of the territory it had lost, while Russia continues to occupy 18% of the country. Despite Ukraine’s counteroffensive efforts, progress has stalled, and Russia has now opened a new front in the northeast Kharkiv region. (Image credit: AP)

Nearly three years ago, as Liudmyla Rodchenko headed to the hospital to give birth to her fourth child, she witnessed the bodies of civilians covered in blankets on the streets. The day after her son Yevhen was born, a Russian tank stood outside the clinic. Rodchenko fled with her children to Poltava as Russian forces overtook her hometown of Bucha. (Image credit: Reuters)

Expressing concern over the future of kids, a parent told Reuters, "What kind of education do they have? They went back to school and they have to go straight to the basement, then back (to the classroom)." (Image credit: AP)

What started as a territorial dispute has evolved into a humanitarian crisis, with the death and injury toll surpassing one million, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. (Image credit: AP)