In pictures: Ukraine marks third anniversary of Russian invasion

The war in Ukraine entered its fourth year Monday, with demonstrators holding rallies across the world to mark the anniversary. Protests in solidarity with Ukraine were witnessed in Ireland, Portugal, Hungary, Czech Republic and Canada. (Reuters Photo)

The conflict, which began in 2014 with Russia's invasion of Crimea, and the annexation of the peninsula in the same year, turned into an all out war with the full-scale invasion of Ukrainian mainland on Febraury 24, 2022. (Reuters Photo)

Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed the war on NATO's supposed expansion and Ukraine's desire to join the defence coalition, which remains a deadlock, preventing peace talks between the two Slavic states. (Reuters Photo)

According to a UN official, the war has claimed over 12,000 civilian lives, noting a spike in casualties due to the use of drones, long-range missiles and glide bombs. (Reuters Photo)

Western countries believe Russia has suffered far worse casualties than Ukraine, sometimes losing more than 1,000 soldiers per day, news agency Reuters reported. However, Ukraine, with one-third the population is at a greater risk of manpower shortage. (Reuters Photo)

Following the United States Presidential elections, Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelenskyy navigates a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape upended by changes to the US policy introduced by Donald Trump. (Reuters Photo)

On the anniversary, Zelenskyy praised the efforts of all Ukrainians in a post on X, saying, "...I am proud of Ukraine! I thank everyone who defends and supports it...may the memory of all those who gave their lives for our state and people be eternal." (Reuters Photo)

With reports of Russian fighter jets unable to pierce deep into Ukrainian airspace, drones have been playing a key role in the conflict. The latest Russian drone barrage on Sunday was the largest since the beginning of the conflict. (Reuters Photo)

Zelenskyy said that he was ready to step down as the President of Ukraine if the country could be a part of NATO. He further said that if Ukraine was not allowed to be a part of NATO, then they would create a NATO within Ukraine. (Reuters Photo)

The new US administration has spearheaded preliminary talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia in the absence of Ukrainian counterparts. Zelenskyy has repeatedly said that peace negotiations will not succeed without his country's involvement. (AP Photo)