Russia’s invasion of Ukraine a year ago brought death, destruction and hardship to the country, and awakened fears of a new Cold War.
The February 24, 2022 full-scale attack resulted in more than eight million Ukrainians fleeing in the greatest exodus of refugees that Europe has witnessed since World War II.
Moscow’s war machine has bombarded infrastructure. Missiles, rockets and artillery shells have indiscriminately hit homes, hospitals and other public buildings, killing and wounding thousands.
In some areas, the ruins of apartment buildings and crumbled bridges are now the prominent features of Ukraine’s new war-ravaged landscape. Bodies lie in the streets, in gardens, in houses. Fire-gutted cars and armoured vehicles dot the roads.
In Bucha, northwest of Kyiv, where hundreds of civilians were found dead after a Russian withdrawal from the city last March, Ukrainian officials allege atrocities. Some corpses had their hands tied. Mass graves have been found.
In Mariupol, attacks on hospitals, schools, residential areas and other civilian structures and sites protected under international humanitarian law became the norm.
Ukrainians are often confined for hours in makeshift bomb shelters. Many have been in dire need of food and other aid.
Russian attacks on the power supply during winter left many without heat and running water.
At funerals for soldiers, civilians and children, Ukraine’s yellow-and-blue flag is a familiar sight.