Before And After Images Show Sheer Destruction Of Ukrainian Cities
Topics: Russia, Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, Vladimir Putin, Kyiv
Anish Vij
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Russia, Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, Vladimir Putin, Kyiv
Heartbreaking before and after images have demonstrated the level of devastation caused in Ukraine following the Russian invasion.
After Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to invade the country on February 24, the destruction of various landmarks has been utterly shocking.
Photos of Mariupol, Kharkiv and Kyiv show heavily-shelled areas that were once the sites of schools, hospitals and government buildings.
Despite the brave Ukrainian resistance, Russia has still been able to destroy the locals' former way of life through shelling, air and missile strikes.
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A series of photos, captured by US satellite company Maxar Technologies, show the level of destruction caused.
On 2 March, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said that more than 2,000 civilians have died, but has not released any figures since.
Russian soldiers have also suffered heavy losses, with an anonymous NATO official estimating that between 7,000 and 15,000 have been killed since the invasion first began.
On 21 March, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he is willing to 'compromise' in exchange for a ceasefire, and is still hoping for direct talks with Putin.
In an interview with Ukrainian television channels, Zelenskyy said he would be willing to not seek NATO membership, saying: "It’s a compromise for everyone: for the West, which doesn’t know what to do with us with regard to NATO; for Ukraine, which wants security guarantees; and for Russia, which doesn’t want further NATO expansion."
On Saturday, 19 March, Zelenskyy issued a message to Putin saying that 'it's time to talk'.
He said: "Negotiations about peace, about security for us in Ukraine, should be substantial, fair and without delays.
"This is the only chance, the only chance for Russia to reduce the harm from its own mistakes.
"And I want everyone to hear me now, especially in Moscow. It’s time to meet. Time to talk. It’s time to restore territorial integrity and justice for Ukraine.
"Otherwise, Russia’s losses will be such that it will take you several generations to recover."
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information