US President Donald Trump is advocating for a swift resolution to the war in Ukraine, with recent peace talks between top US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia raising eyebrows as Kyiv was not represented. Since Russia's invasion three years ago, Ukraine has faced significant territorial losses, displacement of millions, and casualties in the thousands.
At the war's onset, Ukraine strategically held back troops from Kyiv but later secured victories in certain regions while suffering losses in others. Overall, Ukraine has lost about 11% of its land since the 2022 invasion, adding to the 18% lost since 2014 due to Russian actions.
Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and subsequent control of parts of the Donbas region have been ongoing challenges for Ukraine. Despite Putin's initial expectations of a quick victory in 2022, Ukraine's resilience, aided by Western support, prolonged the conflict.
The US has been a major contributor to Ukraine's war efforts, providing substantial military, humanitarian, and financial aid. However, Trump's administration has raised concerns about the continued funding, suggesting a more transactional approach that Ukraine's President Zelensky has rejected.
The recent suspension of USAID activities has further strained Ukraine's resources, impacting NGOs and charities that rely on this funding. Millions of Ukrainian refugees have sought shelter in Europe and Russia, with significant humanitarian needs and challenges.
The conflict in Ukraine has taken a heavy toll on civilians, with over 40,000 killed or injured, including a significant number of men and children. The use of explosive weapons has been a major contributor to the high casualty rates, as reported by the UN Human Rights Office.
