The article highlights the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022, due to an unprovoked large-scale invasion by Russia. Initial Russian plans to capture Kyiv within three days were thwarted by strong Ukrainian resistance. Following setbacks, Russia withdrew its forces from Kyiv but continued its offensive in other regions. The Ukrainian military managed to recapture parts of the Kharkiv and Kherson regions in the autumn of 2022, sparking hopes of defeating the adversary.

However, the Ukrainian counteroffensive that began in the summer of 2023 faced challenges due to insufficient weapon supplies from Western allies and the robust defensive lines established by the Russian military, including extensive minefields. The situation escalated when, in August 2024, Ukraine launched an invasion into the Kursk region of Russia, marking the first instance since World War II where foreign troops have occupied part of Russian territory for an extended period.

Since the fall of 2024, Russia has also intensified its military activities against Ukraine, indicating an ongoing and complex conflict. This article provides a snapshot of the war through the lens of those documenting its impact, emphasizing the brutal reality faced by civilians and soldiers alike, highlighting both the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the global implications of the conflict.