RUSSIAN INVASION OF UKRAINE

Prelude to the Invasion

Early 2021: Tensions rise as Russia amasses troops near the Ukrainian border.

February 21, 2022: Russian President Vladimir Putin recognizes the independence of the separatist regions of Luhansk and Donetsk in eastern Ukraine.


Initial Invasion

February 24, 2022: Russia launches a full-scale invasion of Ukraine by land, air, and sea, targeting major cities including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Kherson.

February 27, 2022: Russian troops advance towards Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Kherson.


Early Resistance and International Response

March 2022: Ukrainian forces put up strong resistance. The West imposes unprecedented sanctions on Russia and provides military aid to Ukraine.

April 2022: Russian forces withdraw from northern Ukraine, including Kyiv, and focus on the eastern and southern regions.


Southeastern Front and Counteroffensives

August 2022: Ukraine launches counteroffensives in the Kherson and Kharkiv regions.

November 2022: Ukrainian forces recapture the city of Kherson.


Stalemate and Continued Conflict

2023: The conflict reaches a stalemate with ongoing skirmishes and artillery exchanges along the front lines.

August 2024: Ukraine conducts incursions into Russian territory, aiming to change the dynamics of the war.


Recent Developments

August 2024: Ukrainian forces destroy a key Russian bridge, forcing Moscow to redeploy troops.

The war has had significant humanitarian impacts, with millions of people displaced and widespread destruction across Ukraine. The international community continues to support Ukraine through military aid and sanctions against Russia.