KYIV: Ukraine marked a somber milestone—1,000 days since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. As Russian forces press on from multiple fronts, Kyiv continues to endure relentless missile and drone strikes, while its soldiers remain entrenched in a protracted battle. With the prospect of Donald Trump returning to the White House in January, Ukrainian officials brace for potential shifts in U.S. policy that could alter the course of the war.
In a significant development, U.S. President Joe Biden authorized the use of American missiles on targets deeper inside Russia, a move aimed at weakening Russia’s ability to strike Ukraine or reinforce its front lines. However, experts warn that this adjustment alone will not decisively change the trajectory of the ongoing conflict. Speculation grows that further changes in U.S. policy could follow, especially if Trump fulfills his campaign promise to swiftly end the war, though his strategy remains unclear.
To mark the occasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared a poignant video chronicling the dramatic events of the war, including his initial defiant message on the day of the invasion: “Don’t panic, we’re strong, we’re ready for everything, we’ll defeat them all.”
The human toll of the war has been staggering—thousands of Ukrainian lives lost, millions displaced, and a population that has shrunk by a quarter. Since the invasion began, Europe has witnessed its largest conflict since World War II, with devastating losses on both sides. Casualty figures remain largely confidential, but estimates from Western intelligence sources indicate that both Russian and Ukrainian forces have suffered hundreds of thousands of casualties.
For Ukrainians, the war has become a part of daily life, with constant air raid sirens and military funerals in towns and villages across the country. Ukrainian forces made significant gains in the early phase of the conflict, pushing Russian troops away from Kyiv and reclaiming substantial territory. However, the conflict has since devolved into brutal trench warfare, especially in the eastern regions, where cities like Bakhmut have been reduced to rubble.
As the war grinds on, the potential return of Trump to the U.S. presidency casts uncertainty over future Western support for Ukraine. While Trump has voiced skepticism about the scale of U.S. aid, there is also the possibility of renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war. However, to date, no formal negotiations have taken place since the early months of the invasion.