Today, February 24th 2022, four years ago, Russia began its "special operation" in Ukraine. Vladimir Putin must have thought the West was stupid if it believed this was nothing but all out war. The stupid one here was Putin.
In the 1461 days of the war official figures for the number of deaths of soldiers and civilians is 1.8 million of which 1.2 million are Russian and only 600,000 Ukrainian. Does that mean that the Ukrainian military is superior to the Russian army?
[YouTube]
Civilian deaths are difficult to verify because of the haphazard and chaotic nature of the conflict.
The Russia/Ukraine war continues to evolve, with significant military actions and ongoing peace talks shaping the conflict's landscape.
What the Papers Say
"The wa
r in Ukraine has become a proving ground for modern warfare, with both sides adapting to new technologies and strategies. Recent reports indicate that over 80% of Russian military targets destroyed in 2025 were taken out by drones, highlighting the increasing reliance on unmanned aerial vehicles in combat.
[The Guardian]
The conflict has also seen Russia experimenting with new drone technologies to extend its strike capabilities, complicating Ukrainian air defense efforts."
"Military Actions: In recent weeks, there have been significant military engagements, including Russian shelling in the Donetsk region, which resulted in civilian casualties. For instance, at least seven people were killed in the town of Druzhkivka due to Russian attacks using cluster munitions.
"Peace Talks: Negotiators from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States have begun a second round of peace talks in Abu Dhabi, focusing on the longterm fate of territories in eastern Ukraine.
[YouTube]
However, the ongoing military actions raise questions about the sincerity of ceasefire discussions.
"Humanitarian Impact: The war has had devastating effects on the civilian population, with ongoing attacks on infrastructure leading to severe humanitarian crises. Reports indicate that Russian attacks have targeted civilian infrastructure, exacerbating the suffering of those in conflict zones."
"Ukraine has defended its independence since Russia's invasion and will not betray the sacrifices made by its people as it seeks peace, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in an address marking the fourth anniversary of the start of the war."
"Putin has not achieved his goals. He has not broken the Ukrainian people. He has not won this war," Zelenskiy said on Tuesday. "We have preserved Ukraine, and we will do everything to achieve peace. And to ensure justice."
[Wikipedia]
Link:
Rogues gallery – Hijo de Putin
© Paul Whitelock
Images:
Reuters, The Guardian, Wikipedia, YouTube
Thanks:
BBC, France 24, Kyiv Post, Paul Whitelock, Reuters, Sky News, The Guardian, Wikipedia
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