100 days of war: Russia-Ukraine war leading to a permanent conflict in Donbas

Russian forces are still not in complete control of the Donbas region that they announced as a liberated zone. This is where a battle is raging that seems to be a never-ending one.  

Olexy, in his early 40s, has been in unfamiliar territory over the last three months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started on February 24. Wearing battle fatigues with a bullet-proof jacket over his bulky frame and rifle in hand, he might look out of place as a soldier, but he says that’s the least he can do to defend Kharkiv, his hometown that has been pounded by Russian artillery. The Ukrainian forces, however, have managed to hold on.

Olexy is not a trained soldier but joined the forces to defend his country, leaving behind his advertising business.

There are many like him defending their country. At the military check posts in cities and highways, there are young and old men guarding their land.

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The story of this David vs Goliath contest would be incomplete without mentioning the courage of thousands of such volunteer soldiers who are the face of this Ukrainian resistance that continues.

The war has entered its fourth month, and it looks like a never-ending stalemate. The Russians have retreated after occupying several towns in Ukraine, north of Kyiv, but the wounds will take longer to heal.