1000 days of Russia-Ukraine war: Life in pictures

One thousand days of Russia-Ukraine war — a timeline marked by destruction, resilience, and the unwavering strength of the human spirit. What began as a geopolitical conflict between Russia and Ukraine has evolved into an unrelenting war that has affected every facet of life. It has reshaped cities, torn apart families, and altered countless futures.
This photo essay captures the essence of that ongoing struggle. It unveils the skeletal remains of once-thriving towns, the quiet determination of those who remain despite the risks, and the enduring hope of those who still dream of peace.

A woman carries her cat as she walks past buildings that were destroyed by Russian shelling, amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in Borodyanka, in the Kyiv region, Ukraine. (Reuters)

Each image tells a story—of survival amidst constant shelling, of sorrow in the face of irreparable loss, and of a spirit that refuses to be broken. From makeshift classrooms where children cling to normalcy, to silent vigils in damaged churches, and frontline fighters finding humanity in the midst of chaos, these photographs form a vivid mosaic of life under the shadow of war.

Ukrainian service members fire a shell from a M777 Howitzer at a front line, as Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues, in Kharkiv Region, Ukraine. (Reuters)

As the conflict stretches into its thousandth day, it is no longer just about territories or political disputes. It has become a reflection of what it means to endure, to hope, and to rebuild. These images stand as a tribute to those who have lost so much, yet continue to hold on to something even greater—the strength to survive and the courage to believe in a better future.

Graves of Ukrainian soldiers who died since Russia launched its full-scale invasion are seen at Lychakiv cemetery in Lviv, Ukraine. (AP)

Ukrainian serviceman, Vasyl, who had three limbs amputated after fighting at the frontline, exercises at Halychyna rehabilitation center in Lviv, Ukraine. (AP)

Around a fifth of Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory is currently under Russian control, reports AP. These shifting boundaries are in constant flux, and the closer someone is to them, the greater the danger to their life.

Members of the honour guard carry the coffin of Yurii Moiseev, a Ukrainian soldier of the 44th Battalion who was killed during fighting with Russian forces in Terny on Nov. 28, 2023, during the funeral ceremony in Brovary, Kyiv region, Ukraine. (AP)

In the no-man’s-land between Russian and Ukrainian forces lies the Gray Zone, a desolate expanse where life barely survives. Ashen homes, scorched trees, and cratered earth-scars of over 1,000 days of war-stretch endlessly.

A woman kisses her newborn baby at maternity hospital No.7 in Odesa, Ukraine. (AP)

Newlyweds visit an exhibition displaying destroyed Russian military vehicles located on the main street Khreshchatyk as part of the upcoming celebration of the Independence Day of Ukraine, amid Russia’s invasion, in central Kyiv, Ukraine. (Reuters)

Children study in an underground school in Liubotyn, Kharkiv region, Ukraine. (AP)

On February 24, 2022, Russian forces launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, expanding their aggression beyond the Donbas region in an effort to seize control of the entire country.