1000 days of conflict: How Ukraine and Russia changed their war plans

As Ukraine hits the 1000-day mark of Russian invasion its military continues fighting on many fronts while dealing with constant air-raids (a stark reminder of wars toll on the nation)

The conflict has changed Ukraine deeply — about 6 million people left the country and its population dropped by 25%. Western reports suggest both sides lost hundreds-of-thousands of troops‚ though exact numbers remain hidden

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy shared a video showing key war moments:

Dont panic‚ weʼre strong‚ weʼre ready for everything‚ weʼll defeat them all

The battle-lines shifted a lot since early 2023: Ukrainian forces first pushed Russians back from Kyiv but later got stuck in trench-warfare. Now Russia holds 1/5 of Ukraineʼs territory and keeps moving forward slowly

The war entered a new phase when Joe Biden allowed US missiles to hit deeper into Russia; however this might not change much. Meanwhile Donald Trumpʼs likely return to White House next Jan brings questions about future US support

North Korea joined the conflict on Russiaʼs side — sending about 11‚000 troops (with potential to deploy many more) plus weapons. Moscow also got Iranian drones and keeps hitting Ukrainian power-grid: last Sunday they launched 120 missiles and 90 drones

Both sides rush to gain better positions before possible peace-talks. Zelenskiy wants to end war in 2025 but demands differ greatly:

• Ukraine needs full Russian withdrawal and NATO-like protection
• Russia wants Ukraine to drop NATO plans and give up claimed regions
• West seems ready for talks — German leader called Putin first time in 2 years

The fighting continues as winter sets in with Russian forces making quick gains in east Ukraine while facing pressure in other areas