Satellite images show extensive devastation in Ukraine during years of war

Kyiv: Ukraine commemorates a two-year milestone in its conflict with Russia, and satellite images vividly portray the aftermath of widespread destruction caused by Russia's relentless bombing campaign.

Despite initial setbacks for Russian President Vladimir Putin in the winter of 2022, recent developments suggest a resurgence of Moscow's military ambitions, dimming hopes for peace. The war-ravaged landscape, captured in satellite images, tells a story of extensive destruction inflicted by Russia's continuous bombing.

A significant event in this onslaught was the recent capture of the war-torn industrial center of Avdiivka by Vladimir Putin's forces, situated 30 kilometers (20 miles) to the east. The once-hopeful signs of negotiation seem distant, with Putin's recent remarks implying talks would be on Moscow's terms, leaving little room for compromise.

In the vicinity of Avdiivka, specifically near the village of Progres, Ukrainian troops are actively constructing new defensive lines, serving as the latest obstacle for Russian forces attempting to breach Ukrainian defenses.

Analysts predict 2024 will likely witness another year of conflict, as Ukraine's determination to reclaim lost territories clashes with Putin's insistence on Kyiv's unconditional surrender. Fyodor Lukyanov, head of the Kremlin-linked Council on Foreign and Defense Policy think tank, dismisses the possibility of negotiations in the near future, asserting that there is nothing for Moscow and Kyiv to negotiate about.

While the first year of the invasion saw Ukraine successfully repelling a larger adversary, concerns arose over the sustainability of their resistance. Cracks in Kyiv's resolve include the exhaustion of Ukrainian troops, delays in US military aid, and political tensions within Kyiv.

Satellite images reveal extensive devastation in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, a strategic foothold for Moscow in its pursuit of control over the broader industrial Donbas region. Significant damage to schools, university buildings, apartment buildings, and a radio tower is evident.

Putin's recent interview with US talk show host Tucker Carlson signals a willingness to negotiate, but the terms appear non-negotiable for Kyiv, making meaningful dialogue elusive. Putin's strategic calculations consider the erosion of Western support for Ukraine, the delay in US military aid, and Europe's struggles to provide sufficient weaponry.

As the US election looms, its outcome could further shape the trajectory of the conflict, adding to Ukraine's sense of uncertainty.