US combat troops are working with Ukrainian forces. NATO planes arrive regularly carrying heavy weapons, munitions and other war supplies. Sputnik News explained the toll so far after one year of conflict.

UN figures claim 6,072 killed – another 15,345 wounded. Independent sources report much higher figures – multiples more than conservative estimates.

Perhaps 100,000 or more have been killed or wounded – many maimed for life.

The Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) estimates 1.5 million internally or externally displaced refugees.

OSCE officials report seven journalists killed, another 170 injured. These are conservative figures. More accurate ones are likely higher.

Donbass is one of the world’s most dangerous places for journalists. Kiev forces openly target them. Other times, they’re arrested, detained and tortured. Some die in captivity.

In Donetsk, an estimated 9,464 facilities and other structures were destroyed – including:

• 5,302 residential buildings;

• 53 hospitals and other medical facilities;

• 250 schools and pre-schools;

• 13 colleges and universities;

• 17 sports venues;

• 32 cultural institutions;

• 88 commercial enterprises;

• 56 industrial facilities;

• 605 power lines and distribution facilities;

• 148 heat supply facilities;

• 30 water supply facilities;

• 2,669 gas supply facilities;

• 53 road and transport infrastructure elements;

• Donetsk airport – turned to rubble; and

• the Saur-Monila memorial complex – entirely destroyed.

In Lugansk, an estimated 8,500 facilities and other structures were destroyed – including:

• 7,899 residential buildings;

• 65 hospitals, clinics and laboratories;

• 3 gas distribution stations;

• 33 heat supply facilities;

• 43 water supply facilities;

• 37 government buildings;

• 97 schools and pre-schools;

• 68 cultural institutions; and

• 77 churches.

Billions of dollars are needed to restore what’s lost.  All the above devastation was non-military related. Even in legitimate wars, international law strictly forbids targeting civilians and non-military related sites. Doing so constitutes war crimes. Waging naked aggression is the supreme high crime against peace.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at [email protected]. His new book as editor and contributor is titled “Flashpoint in Ukraine: US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III.” http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com. Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network. It airs three times weekly: live on Sundays at 1PM Central time plus two prerecorded archived programs.