As Ukraine faced another brutal summer, the toll on civilian lives reached staggering heights with July and August marking the deadliest months in over two years. This surge in violence coincided curiously with international moves toward peace negotiations, highlighting a disturbing pattern of aggression during diplomatic efforts.

Before embarking on a mission to assist war victims in Ukraine, the thought of danger was omnipresent, especially given Russia's escalated bombings. Unlike previous protections under the Fulbright program in Taiwan, no such safeguards exist in the war zones of Ukraine, where civilian attacks are rampant and indiscriminate.

The United Nations Human Rights Office reported unprecedented civilian casualties, with July witnessing at least 286 deaths and 1,388 injuries across Ukraine, including the capital, Kyiv. Aerial bombs and long-range missiles were primarily responsible, often striking at night when civilians were most vulnerable.

The situation worsened following a declaration by US President Donald Trump on July 8, promising more military support for Ukraine and potential sanctions against Russia. In retaliation, Russia conducted its largest drone attack of the year. The relentless assaults continued throughout the month, culminating on July 31 when a missile and drone attack on Kyiv resulted in 32 civilian deaths, making it the capital’s deadliest strike of the year.

In August, as leaders met for peace talks in Washington, Russia launched a significant aerial attack, deploying 270 drones and ten missiles, demonstrating a stark disregard for diplomatic efforts. The attacks targeted critical energy infrastructure, violating international humanitarian laws and leaving thousands without essential services.

During this period, President Trump, in an unexpected revelation, linked his motivation for peace talks to a personal spiritual quest, a statement that raised eyebrows considering the ongoing human cost of the conflict.

As I departed Ukraine for Poland, the contrast between my ability to leave and the trapped status of many Ukrainians was stark. The war continues to claim lives daily, with survival depending more on luck than choice. This grim reality underscores the urgency and necessity for genuine peace efforts that prioritize human lives over political agendas.

The full scale of the tragedy, marked not just by those killed but also by those who continue to suffer, serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. As peace talks stumble forward, the international community must not overlook the dire human costs of this conflict.