As the anniversary of the Russian invasion approaches, Kyiv embodies the resilience of a war-torn but determined Ukraine. Daily bombardments and the plight of thousands of internally displaced persons underscore the pervasive impact of the conflict. Families of captured soldiers continue their weekly protests, demanding the release of their loved ones, with some, like Olha from Sumy, facing daily shelling and proximity to Russian forces but refusing to capitulate. Despite intensified Russian attacks in 2025, evidenced by a 26% rise in civilian deaths and a 126% increase in material damage according to NGO reports, many Ukrainians, like Svetlana Logosha whose son is a prisoner of war, remain steadfast in their commitment to independence and a European future, even as the fate of soldiers from brigades like Azov remains precarious due to Russian accusations of terrorism.