1000 Days of Ukrainian Resilience: The War in Figures, Dates and Facts

19 November 2024 marks 1,000 days since the start of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began on 24 February 2022. The event was the largest military conflict in Europe since World War II, affecting millions of lives.

Figures and facts

• Casualties of the sides: Russian sanitary losses (killed and wounded) are estimated to have exceeded 700,000 - about 700 every day since the invasion began. Ukrainian military casualties are protected by law, but over 11,700 civilians are known to have been killed, with another 24,600 wounded (UN figures as of September 2024).

• Support for the war in Russia: According to the Levada Centre, in February 2024, 77% of Russians supported the invasion despite the enormous human and economic losses.

• Global context: Ukraine is defending not only its territory and sovereignty, but also European democracy. President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasised: "These are 1,000 days of struggle for freedom and dignity, which will be the basis of a new world."

Historical background

• The war against Ukraine began in 2014 with the occupation of Crimea and Donbass.
• The annexation of Crimea and occupation of Donbass was the first step in a series of violations of international law.
• The Budapest Memorandum (1994) was violated by Russia itself, which acted as one of the guarantors of Ukraine's security.

Key Events of 1000 Days

1. Beginning of the invasion:

   • 24 February 2022: Russian forces attacked Ukraine from the south, east, north and the territory of Belarus.

2. Battles for Kiev:

   • 2 April 2022: Liberation of the Kiev, Chernigov and Sumy regions. The world learnt about the tragedies in Bucha, Irpen, Borodyanka.

3. The sinking of the cruiser "Moscow":

   • 14 April 2022: The destruction of the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet was an important stage in the battle for the Black Sea.

4. Liberation of Zmeinoye:

   • 30 June 2022: The withdrawal of Russian troops from the island resumed grain shipments across the Black Sea.

5. Kharkov Counteroffensive:

   • 6 September 2022: Ukraine liberated about 10,000 square kilometres, including Izium and Balakleya.

6. Liberation of Kherson:

   • 11 November 2022: Ukrainian forces regained control of the only occupied regional centre.

7. Global Peace Summit:

   • 15 June 2024: In Switzerland, 101 nations discussed a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

8. Kursk Operation:

   • 6 August 2024: Ukraine moved the war into Russian territory, limiting attacks on Sumy.

The conflict has already affected global security. Border breaches, attacks on neighbouring countries, the wreckage of Russian shells in Poland and Romania, and Russia's attempts to expand its influence have raised fears around the world. However, Ukraine remains a symbol of the struggle for freedom and democracy, while Russia reinforces its image as an aggressor violating international agreements.

the 1000 days are not only pain and losses, but also 1000 days of steadfastness, heroism and sobornost, which have gone down in history as proof of the indestructibility of the Ukrainian people.