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February 2022: Invasion Begins
- Swift Offensive: On February 24th, 2022, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian forces aimed for a swift capture of major cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa, expecting minimal Ukrainian resistance.
- Battle of Kyiv: Russian forces advanced on Kyiv in a multi-pronged attack, leading to fierce urban warfare. Ukrainian troops, bolstered by civilian volunteers, mounted a strong defense, forcing a stalemate and inflicting heavy losses on Russian forces. The battle exposed logistical problems and low morale within the Russian military.
- Siege of Mariupol: The strategically important port city of Mariupol became a focal point. Russian forces surrounded the city, leading to a brutal siege that lasted for months. The city faced relentless shelling and bombardment, with civilians trapped in dwindling supplies and constant danger.
- International Response: The international community overwhelmingly condemned Russia's aggression. The UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to deplore the invasion and demand Russia's withdrawal. Severe sanctions were imposed on Russia by the US, EU, and other countries, targeting its financial institutions, oligarchs, and government officials.
March 2022: Bucha Massacre and War Crimes
- Bucha Horror: As Russian forces withdrew from Bucha, a suburb of Kyiv, horrifying evidence emerged of war crimes against civilians. Mass graves containing hundreds of bodies were discovered, along with documented cases of summary executions, rape, and torture. The Bucha massacre became a turning point, galvanizing international support for Ukraine and further isolating Russia.
- Media Suppression: Russia tightened its grip on domestic media, shutting down independent outlets and arresting journalists critical of the war. This move aimed to control the narrative within Russia and limit exposure to the realities of the conflict.
- Humanitarian Crisis: The war triggered a massive humanitarian crisis. Millions of Ukrainians fled their homes, seeking refuge in neighboring countries like Poland, Romania, and Hungary. Internally displaced persons struggled to access basic necessities like food, water, and shelter.
April 2022: Escalation and Stalemate
- Kramatorsk Strike: On April 8th, a Russian missile attack struck a train station in Kramatorsk, packed with civilians evacuating eastern Ukraine. Dozens of people were killed, many of them women and children. The attack further heightened international outrage over Russia's tactics.
- Eastern Ukraine: The conflict intensified in the eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, where Ukrainian forces clashed with Russian-backed separatists in a grinding war of attrition.
- Economic Impact: The war and ensuing sanctions had a significant impact on the global economy. Energy prices surged as sanctions disrupted Russian oil and gas exports. Supply chains were disrupted, impacting the availability of essential goods like food and wheat.
- Peace Talks: Despite ongoing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, no clear path to a resolution emerged. Both sides hardened their positions, making a ceasefire or withdrawal seem unlikely.
Geopolitical Context
- Historical Tensions: Ukraine and Russia have a complex and intertwined history. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine emerged as an independent state, but tensions remained regarding historical narratives, cultural ties, and Ukraine's desire for closer integration with Europe.
- Strategic Importance: Ukraine's location on the border between Russia and Europe makes it a key player in the geopolitical landscape. Russia views Ukraine as part of its sphere of influence and is wary of its growing ties with NATO.
- Energy Dependency: Europe relies heavily on Russian gas pipelines that run through Ukraine. The war has highlighted Europe's energy dependence on Russia and its vulnerability to disruptions in supply.
Why?
- Putin's Motivation: Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks to maintain Russian influence in Ukraine and prevent its potential membership in NATO. He also desires to restore historic Russian dominance over its former Soviet sphere of influence.
- National Identity: For Ukrainians, the war is about defending their sovereignty, national identity, and right to self-determination. They fiercely resist Russian attempts to subjugate Ukraine and erase its distinct cultural identity.
- Global Implications: The war has had a profound impact on international relations, security, and stability. It has exacerbated tensions between Russia and the West, shaken the global order, and triggered a humanitarian crisis with far-reaching consequences.