Today marks 500 days since the start of the Russian aggression against Ukraine

(Patria) - The Russian war in Ukraine entered its 500th day this weekend, in a conflict that rages on with no end in sight.

Although the fighting has largely stalled, the Ukrainian government and its Western supporters hope that the broad counteroffensive launched last month will change the situation on the front and return occupied areas under Ukrainian control, writes AP.

Meanwhile, the war continues to take a heavy toll on the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people. And the stakes are getting higher.

Saturday marks 500 days since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

Peace talks are far off as both sides seek to improve their positions, with Ukrainian forces trying to reclaim as much territory as possible, and Russia intending to hold onto it, AP reminds.