Recent reports highlight heavy casualties faced by Russian forces in Ukraine, with discussions on the disparities in reported figures. Amidst the conflict, Ukrainian artist Sana Shahmuradova Tanska finds solace and expression through her emotive art in Sydney, reflecting the war’s impact.
Recent reports from Kyiv indicate that Russian forces have endured significant military losses in Ukraine, with a shocking tally of 780 soldiers, 10 tanks, and over 20 armored vehicles lost in the latest confrontations. This spike in casualties adds to a staggering cumulative total of 440,750 Russian troops reported dead since the invasion commenced. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine remains grim, with Ukraine suffering substantial losses, including 15,614 tanks and armored vehicles, according to its military since February 2022.
Disparities in casualty figures are acknowledged by Western experts, who suggest actual numbers may vary. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has reported Ukraine’s casualties to be around 71,000 since January 2024, a count close to the Russian losses as claimed by Ukraine. Amid increasing tensions, a potential new offensive by Moscow is expected in late May or during the summer, with developments indicating preparations for the anticipated conflict escalation.
In a different reflection of the ongoing war’s impact, Ukrainian artist Sana Shahmuradova Tanska utilises her art as a means of coping with the trauma and anxiety caused by the conflict. Her work, now on display at Artspace in Woolloomooloo for the Biennale of Sydney, showcases surreal and emotive scenes influenced by her experience of living in a war zone. Tanska’s paintings, characterized by a fusion of fantasy and dystopia, convey the distress and upheaval experienced in Ukraine.
Having initially turned to painting as a response to a difficult immigration experience, Tanska’s art evolved significantly after the Russian invasion in 2022. Despite the challenges, including having to abandon her art supplies during the invasion and adapting to creating in her grandmother’s shed, she continues to use her craft as a platform to highlight the struggles faced by her homeland. Her current exhibition in Sydney provides insight into the personal and collective trauma endured by those caught in the ongoing conflict.
