Part 2/12:
In August 2024, Ukraine stunned the world with a surprise invasion, successfully reclaiming a portion of territory that they have since battled vigorously to defend. As a result, the stakes have intensified, with Ukrainian forces hoping to leverage this reclaimed land in future peace negotiations. In response, Russia has been pouring resources and manpower into thwarting these efforts.
During my mission, I sought to engage directly with both Ukrainian soldiers on the ground and Russian civilians affected by the war. These conversations aimed to shed light on the realities faced by individuals caught in the crossfire of this extensive and brutal conflict.