Hardly a word is uttered – an overwhelming quiet pervades the atmosphere, broken only by the hum of passing vehicles and the gusts of wind rustling through flags and images honoring those who perished in a conflict that commenced 1,000 days ago with Russia’s invasion.
What truly stands out is the staggering number of individuals who have lost their lives, and this memorial located in Kyiv’s Maidan Square serves as a tribute to just a fraction of those who sacrificed themselves for their nation’s defense.
Service members clad in camouflage take a moment to honor fallen comrades, while civilians pause, often with their heads bowed in reflection.
Simultaneously, news notifications on mobile devices announce yet another missile assault on Ukraine, this time striking the port city of Odessa.
More casualties, more injuries; the cycle appears endless here.
As this conflict continues, with Russia achieving notable advancements in the eastern regions, it reflects the determination of the Ukrainian populace to persevere.
For months, the Ukrainian administration has implored the United States and its Western allies for authorization to utilize long-range weaponry to strike deep within Russian territory.
A demolished structure in Odessa
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This advanced munitions capability would enable Ukraine to strike airfields and bases utilized for launching drones and missiles against its territory, as well as targeting logistics routes and military encampments. Essentially, it would mean bringing the conflict directly to Russia’s doorstep.
Repeatedly, both civilians and military personnel express to me that the West and the United States are apprehensive about inciting or aggravating Russia. Whether this perception is accurate or not, many believe that the West is content with allowing Ukraine to maintain its position but not to decisively defeat Russia.
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Ukraine authorized to employ US long-range missiles inside Russia
The announcement that President Biden, in the later stages of his administration, has modified his stance to permit American missiles to be launched into Russia has been met with enthusiasm.
However, this is mitigated by his decision to restrict their use to the Kursk area of Russia, where North Korean soldiers are bolstering the Russian military.
MP Lesia Vasylenko
I encountered Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko in the capital as she returned to Ukraine from an international trip.
She mentioned that the decision has “elevated morale here” and refers to the action as “extremely important,” yet emphasizes the necessity for further actions.
“As parliament members, we have been reiterating the president’s stance at every meeting abroad, requesting authorization to conduct strikes within Russian territory. This authorization means targeting 16 airbases from which Russia continuously dispatches planes carrying missiles, striking Ukrainian residences, infrastructure, and essentially rendering civilian existence unfeasible in the nation,” she articulated.
She elaborated: “Receiving authorization to strike throughout Russia would fundamentally alter conditions for the Ukrainian population primarily, but also on the combat front.”
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She mentioned to me that even though the conflict persists, the Ukrainian populace remains steadfast and united.
“Our resilience continues, and for us, this resilience translates to survival. Should Ukraine cease to resist, there would be no Ukraine, no identity as Ukrainians, and no homes; we would not be allowed to live under the Ukrainian flag. Therefore, the only viable option is to ensure that Russia halts its aggression and never engages in conflict again.”
In the past two weeks, I have traversed from the western region to the eastern part of this vast nation.
It strikes me that almost every town or village cemetery is marked by the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag, set against the somber grey skies – commemorating the graves of those who perished in the war.
Flags commemorate the graves of those lost in Ukraine’s war throughout the nation
One thousand days have elapsed since the onset of the Russian invasion, resulting in casualties for both military personnel and civilians alike, yet Ukraine continues to stand firm.
A thousand days prior, few would have anticipated such resilience.
