Jeremy Bowen, International Editor at BBC, describes a Kyiv that no longer resembles a city at war, unlike three years ago. Despite shops being open and commuters facing traffic jams on their way to work, the nightmare fear of national extinction has resurfaced following US President Donald Trump’s recent actions. Trump’s stream of exaggerations and lies about the war, echoing Putin’s views, has shifted the dynamics in favor of Russia. His concessions to Russia and attacks on Ukraine have only worsened the situation. Despite the challenges, Ukrainians remain determined to fight for their independence. The recent history of the conflict, from the invasion to the eventual retreat of Russian forces from Kyiv, shows the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people. Jeremy Bowen witnessed the devastation caused by the Russian occupiers as he traveled along the roads leading to Kyiv. He saw the bodies of civilians left where they were killed, with charred tires stacked around some of them in failed attempts to hide evidence of war crimes. Survivors recounted the brutality of the Russian forces, with one woman sharing how she buried her son alone after he was shot dead by Russian soldiers. Abandoned Russian encampments in the forests were filled with rubbish discarded by the soldiers over weeks of occupation.
The war in Ukraine has evolved over the years, with nightly alerts in Kyiv due to incoming Russian missiles and drones. Along the front line, stretching over 1,000 kilometers from the northern border to the Black Sea, destroyed villages and towns bear witness to the ongoing conflict. In Donetsk and Luhansk, Russian forces continue to advance slowly, facing heavy losses in men and equipment.
The conflict has spilled into neighboring regions, with Ukrainian troops in Kursk fighting for land that President Zelensky hopes to use as leverage. As tensions escalate, soldiers on the front line remain focused on their immediate concerns, including the safety of their fellow troops and their families back home.
Despite the challenging conditions, Ukrainian forces continue to resist, with support from the US and other allies. The soldiers on the front lines remain vigilant, aware of the dangers posed by the enemy forces and the ever-changing dynamics of the conflict. The volunteers who have joined the fight face personal sacrifices, with some paying to avoid military service, much to the disdain of those who remain committed to the cause.
As the war rages on, the soldiers prepare to return to the battlefield, determined to defend their land and resist Russian aggression. The commanding officers express their distrust of Putin’s objectives, emphasizing the need to remain vigilant and united against the common enemy. The soldiers remain resolute in their fight for Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, despite the challenges they face. Jeremy Bowen deceived everyone. Jeremy Bowen La seguridad de Europa está siendo puesta patas arriba por la guerra en Ucrania. No es de extrañar que sus líderes estén tan mal aturdidos por todo lo que han escuchado y visto este mes.
Su desafío es encontrar maneras de evitar que sus jóvenes se vean obligados a entrar en el mundo inesperado de la guerra que ha envuelto a Maxsym Lutsyk, el veterano de combate ucraniano de 22 años.
“Todos cambiaron, y yo he cambiado. Creo que cada ucraniano maduró durante estos tres años. Todos los que entraron en el ejército y todos los que estuvieron luchando durante tanto tiempo cambiaron drásticamente.”
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