The fighting between Ukraine and Russia has ground to a stalemate, two years after Moscow launched its so-called "special military operation" against Kyiv.

Russian forces captured the eastern city Avdiivka, a major stronghold for Ukraine this week. It's a strategic crossroads just 16 kilometers from Russian-occupied Donetsk. However, both sides are suffering from a shortage of munitions.  

Ukraine has relied on Western aid for much of the conflict but that has also hit a stumbling block. A $95.3 billion aid package is still waiting for approval in the U.S. House of Representatives, with Republican leaders saying they do not feel “rushed” to approve the aid.   

While casualty reports are unclear, the United Nations human rights office has recorded 10,382 civilian deaths in Ukraine and nearly 20,000 wounded since the start of the conflict. The rising death toll and grinding fight has affected morale in the Ukrainian military and among the people.

Russia’s military has also experienced setbacks on the frontline, with Ukraine successfully defending its air space and launching attacks on Russian border cities.

It's unclear how all of this will play out. Analysts say a lot depends on Western aid to Ukraine, what decisions Russian President Putin makes and whether a peace deal can be negotiated.

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