1000 days of Russia-Ukraine war: Life in pictures
One thousand days of Russia-Ukraine war — a timeline marked by destruction, resilience, and the unwavering strength of the human spirit. What began as a geopolitical conflict between Russia and Ukraine has evolved into an unrelenting war that has affected every facet of life. It has reshaped cities, torn apart families, and altered countless futures.
This photo essay captures the essence of that ongoing struggle. It unveils the skeletal remains of once-thriving towns, the quiet determination of those who remain despite the risks, and the enduring hope of those who still dream of peace.
Each image tells a story—of survival amidst constant shelling, of sorrow in the face of irreparable loss, and of a spirit that refuses to be broken. From makeshift classrooms where children cling to normalcy, to silent vigils in damaged churches, and frontline fighters finding humanity in the midst of chaos, these photographs form a vivid mosaic of life under the shadow of war.
As the conflict stretches into its thousandth day, it is no longer just about territories or political disputes. It has become a reflection of what it means to endure, to hope, and to rebuild. These images stand as a tribute to those who have lost so much, yet continue to hold on to something even greater—the strength to survive and the courage to believe in a better future.
Around a fifth of Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory is currently under Russian control, reports AP. These shifting boundaries are in constant flux, and the closer someone is to them, the greater the danger to their life.
In the no-man’s-land between Russian and Ukrainian forces lies the Gray Zone, a desolate expanse where life barely survives. Ashen homes, scorched trees, and cratered earth-scars of over 1,000 days of war-stretch endlessly.
On February 24, 2022, Russian forces launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, expanding their aggression beyond the Donbas region in an effort to seize control of the entire country.
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