Entering its fourth year, the Russia-Ukraine war, labeled by Russia as a “special military operation,” has disrupted global balances. The American Associated Press news agency shared photos from the war’s first day. The change in Ukrainian leader Zelensky also encapsulates the past three years. The Russia-Ukraine war will mark three years on Monday.
The poignant images from the war’s first day were reshared by the Associated Press news agency. The report included the following expressions: “The deafening roar of the first air strikes. Buildings exploding into flames and turning into rubble. People horrified and hiding in basements. Cries of despair and supportive embraces.
This was the reality of the first day of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.” The news story stated: “From the initial explosions on that fateful morning, Ukraine changed forever.”
“As darkness fell, Ukrainians were counting their first dead and finding themselves under Russian occupation in many parts of the country. Others crowded onto overcrowded trains to escape the advancing Russian forces.” The report continued:
“Uncertainty and fear lingered in the air. No one knew if Ukraine could withstand the assault of a much larger and more heavily armed Russian army.
Three years later, the constant fear remains as relentless as on the first day.” The largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II has cost the lives of tens of thousands on both sides.
Thousands of civilians were killed in the conflict. Millions of Ukrainians left their country, with little hope of returning. Countless families were torn apart, forced to bury their loved ones, their homes and livelihoods shattered.
One-fifth of Ukraine is under Russian occupation, with no indication that Kiev can regain control of these areas. The transformation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky before and after the war is a summary of the past three years.