LATELY, Russian forces have captured more than 100 square kilometres of territory in the Donbas region, which is now almost 88 per cent under Russian control. Russia has also captured 19 settlements in the southeastern Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. Fighting on the ground has escalated and is taking place at almost the same pace as it did four years ago. Similarly, there has been an escalation in long-range missile strikes. Russian air strikes have doubled, hitting the cities of Mykolaiv and Kharkiv, while there are also claims of attacks on vessels in the Black Sea. Ukraine, too, is striking Russian vessels in the Black Sea and targets in Russian cities. The infrastructure damage on both sides is colossal.

Every day, Ukrainian infrastructure is not only being destroyed, but what remains cannot be repaired because of the intensity of the war. The conflict has now continued for years, with Slavic blood being spilled on both sides. A rough estimate puts the number of deaths on both sides at 1.5 million. The scale of destruction and structural damage in Ukraine and Russia is enormous.

Critics argue that, under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s survival hinges on the continuation of the war. Budgetary revenue this year has fallen well short of expectations, creating a dilemma over whether to impose additional taxes. On the other hand, this would further increase the misery of an already suffering population. Exports have fallen by 40 per cent, while industries are either struggling or have closed.

At the same time, pressure is building from all sides. Ukrainians have shown resilience and managed their resources despite the enormous challenges. The nation has experienced suffering and pain during the First and Second World Wars, and the current conflict is equally torturous. There........

© Pakistan Observer