Ukraine Marks Four Years of Ongoing Conflict with Russia

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Kyiv, Ukraine – Four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainian residents continue to face significant challenges. Hennady Kolesnik, a 71-year-old retired welder, expressed his concerns about the ongoing conflict. “I never expected the war to last this long,” he said.

In the early days of the invasion, Russian forces occupied areas north of Kyiv and made claims that the capital would be seized within three days. However, after months of fighting, Russian troops withdrew from around Kyiv and were ousted from northern Ukraine.

Kolesnik’s experience reflects the resilience of Ukrainian residents. Despite facing power outages, disruptions to central heating, and other challenges caused by Russian drones and missiles, many Ukrainians remain determined to resist the invasion.

According to Ukrainian officials and Western analysts, Russia controls approximately 19% of Ukraine’s territory. The front line has largely frozen in place, with both sides suffering significant losses. Russian forces have made limited gains, occupying less than 5,000 square kilometers of Ukraine’s total area.

This month, Russian forces encountered communication issues that hindered their progress. Ukrainian forces counterattacked, regaining some ground in the eastern Zaporizhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

However, other areas along the front line are experiencing increased pressure. Russian drones with advanced technology have been spotted in the southeastern Donetsk region, causing disruptions to local residents.

Ukrainian officials and analysts are concerned about the potential impact of further Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. A recent survey found that 88% of Ukrainians believe Russia’s actions are designed to force them to surrender, while 67% support continuing to fight for as long as necessary.

Residents like Kolesnik remain committed to resisting the invasion, despite the challenges they face. “We’re still standing, and that’s the most important thing in a fight,” he said.

Source: Al Jazeera