Territorial Disputes
What emotional toll does the war in Ukraine have on its citizens?
The war in Ukraine has inflicted profound suffering on millions of citizens, with particularly devastating impacts on those who have lost friends and loved ones, and those displaced from Russian-occupied territories. Emotional responses from Ukrainians highlight the immense personal cost of the conflict. Beyond immediate losses, there exists a deep sense of uncertainty throughout the country as Ukrainians confront this new reality. Citizens must navigate their daily lives against the backdrop of ongoing conflict, territorial losses, and the complex diplomatic efforts happening around them, creating a pervasive feeling of insecurity about their future.
Watch clip answer (00:33m)
Al Jazeera English
01:10 - 01:44
How much of Ukraine is currently occupied by Russia after three years of invasion?
Three years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, Russia now occupies approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory. The occupation started with the full-scale invasion and has resulted in this significant territorial control by Russian forces. This occupation represents a substantial portion of Ukraine's sovereign territory and underscores the severe impact of the ongoing conflict. The territorial occupation has profound implications for Ukrainian civilians, who continue to grapple with loss, displacement, and uncertainty while maintaining hope for eventual peace and territorial integrity.
Watch clip answer (00:07m)
Al Jazeera English
00:01 - 00:09
What are the mixed feelings Ukrainians have about achieving peace?
Ukrainians express complex emotions regarding peace amid the ongoing war with Russia. While there is a strong desire for the conflict to end, as one civilian states, 'I want peace to finally come,' there is firm opposition to peace that comes at the expense of Ukraine's territorial integrity. The sentiment 'I do not support peace at any cost' reflects the widespread Ukrainian position that surrendering occupied territories (currently about 20% of the country) is unacceptable. This stance underscores the difficult balance between wanting an end to war's suffering while refusing to compromise on national sovereignty.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)Al Jazeera English
00:36 - 00:46
What is the Ukrainian attitude toward peace negotiations in the ongoing conflict?
While Ukrainians universally desire peace after three years of Russian invasion, many are unwilling to accept peace at any cost. There is significant concern among Ukrainian civilians about potential peace terms that might result in territorial concessions or compromises that don't acknowledge their sacrifices. Particularly, there appears to be apprehension about peace negotiations potentially being dictated by 'the new man in the White House,' suggesting worry about external political influence determining Ukraine's future rather than Ukrainian interests themselves. This reflects a broader sentiment that any peace must be just and preserve Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)Al Jazeera English
00:19 - 00:34
What do Ukrainian civilians believe about the implications of Ukraine's potential fall?
Ukrainian civilians express a profound concern that if Ukraine falls to Russian forces, the consequences would extend far beyond their borders, potentially destabilizing all of Europe. This perspective underscores their belief that Ukraine's struggle represents a crucial defense of broader European security and stability. Despite the gravity of the situation, there remains a sense of resilience and hope among Ukrainians. As one civilian states, "Everything can be fixed, everything can be done," reflecting a determination to overcome the current crisis while emphasizing that peace must not come at the cost of Ukrainian sovereignty.
Watch clip answer (00:05m)Al Jazeera English
00:53 - 00:58
How has the loss of water reshaped Ukraine's borders in the conflict?
The loss of water has fundamentally reshaped Ukraine's geographic landscape, creating a distinct physical separation between Ukrainian-controlled areas and Russian-occupied territories. This water boundary now serves as a natural fault line in the conflict, effectively redefining the country's borders along this water divide. In peace negotiations, Ukraine seeks guarantees that this water boundary would prevent Russia from crossing into Ukrainian territory in the future. Any potential ceasefire would essentially freeze this water-created fault line as a semi-permanent border, making the loss of water not just an environmental change but a geopolitical transformation that has lasting implications for Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Watch clip answer (00:19m)
BBC News
01:04 - 01:24