Vladimir Putin declared war on Ukraine just over one year ago on Feb. 24, 2022, with efforts still in place for Ukraine to declare a victory.

As of Feb. 2023, The New York Times states there have been about 200,000 Russian causalities and 100,000 Ukrainian mercenary and 30,000 civilian causalities.

In recent months, Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky has been fighting corruption within his own staff while still fighting Russian forces. To combat this, Zelensky has been firing staff members by launching an anti-corruption team.

Tara Law from Time explains, “Anti-corruption officials announced on Jan. 22 that an investigation had found an ‘organized criminal group’ embezzled funds that were intended ‘to restore critical infrastructure facilities and provide the population in the winter with light, heat and water by arranging overpriced contracts.”

NPR reports that three Ukrainian officials were fired due to “various scandals revealed by the press” and one member was arrested by the anti-corruption staff for suspicions of bribery. Some funds that have been stolen were intended for the war effort.

As explained by Time, Ukraine has been trying to fight their corruption problems in order to create an alliance with Europe. Ukraine has been making efforts to be a part of the E.U. since the beginning of the war. Having the issue of corruption within Ukraine shows a problem to other countries who provide them with funds for the war.

Zelensky, while battling corruption, has been trying to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in order to start peace negotiations as rising rumors of a union between Russia and China arise. China has yet to answer Zelensky on topics of peace.

The BBC states, “China’s plan calls for peace talks and respect for national sovereignty. However, the 12 point document does not specifically say Russia must withdraw its troops from Ukraine.”

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken talked of Beijing sending weapons to Russia, though these allegations were denied by Beijing officials. Chinese and Russian officials met on Feb. 22 as reported by the BBC.

Zelensky held a press conference on Feb. 24 expressing his hopes for a victory, but explained that it is only possible with the help of Ukraine’s allies and if they follow through on the plans that they put in place.