We must first understand the reasons behind the start of the Russia-Ukraine War. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine started when Ukraine became independent in 1991 after the Soviet Union ended. Over time, Ukraine was keen to join NATO and the European Union, but Russia didn’t like this. In 2014, Russia seized control of Crimea following the removal of Ukraine’s pro-Russian president. This started a war in eastern Ukraine.
In 2021 and 2022, Russia sent many soldiers near Ukraine’s border and asked NATO not to let Ukraine join. When NATO said no, Russia recognized two parts of eastern Ukraine as independent and started a full invasion in 2022. If you want to read more historical background and profound understanding, you have to click on read more.
Russia-Ukraine War: Timeline starts from 2022
February 24, 2022 – Russia Invades Ukraine
- Russian soldiers entered Ukraine from Belarus, Russia, and Crimea.
- Missiles struck major cities like Kyiv and Kharkiv.
- Russian President Putin said the goal was to “remove threats” from Ukraine.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy declared martial law and asked all citizens to stand up and protect their country from attack.
- The U.S. and European countries responded with strong economic sanctions on Russia.
- More than seven million Ukrainians left their country to find safety in other places.
March to April 2022—Ukraine Defends Kyiv
- Russian troops tried to capture Kyiv but failed.
- Ukrainian forces defended the capital with drone attacks and ambushes.
- After Russia retreated, many dead civilians were found in Bucha, which shocked the world.
- Russia shifted its focus to eastern Ukraine, especially the Donbas region.
May 20, 2022 – Russia Captures Mariupol
- After nearly three months of heavy fighting, Russian forces took control of Mariupol.
- Ukrainian fighters surrendered from inside the Azovstal steel plant.
- This gave Russia a land route connecting Crimea to eastern Ukraine.
June to September 2022—Ukraine Gets Advanced Weapons
- Ukraine got powerful HIMARS rocket systems from the United States to help in the war.
- These long-range weapons helped Ukraine hit Russian targets more accurately.
- Ukraine started fighting back in the south and east.
September 2022—Ukraine Liberates Kharkiv Region
- Ukrainian forces moved quickly and took back many areas in the Kharkiv region.
- This marked one of Ukraine’s biggest successes in the war.
November 2022 – Ukraine Retakes Kherson
- Ukrainian troops recaptured Kherson city.
- Kherson was the only regional capital Russia had taken during the invasion.
2023—Heavy Fighting and Slow Progress
June to November 2023—Ukraine’s Counteroffensive
- Ukraine launched more attacks in the south and east.
- Progress was slow due to strong Russian defenses.
- Both sides suffered many casualties.
- Most of the fighting was done with artillery and drones.
December 2023 – No Major Changes
- The frontlines stayed mostly the same.
- Russia and Ukraine exchanged heavy fire with little movement.
- Civilians in conflict zones suffered from power cuts and damage to basic services.
2024—The War Expands
April 2024—Russia Attacks Power and Water Systems
- Russia increased its attacks on Ukraine’s electricity and water systems.
- Major cities faced blackouts and water shortages.
June 2024—Dam Explosion Causes Floods
- The Kakhovka Dam in southern Ukraine was destroyed.
- Massive floods followed, affecting thousands of people.
- Russia and Ukraine both said the other side was responsible for what happened.
August 2024 – Ukraine Crosses into Russia
- Ukrainian soldiers carried out a surprise attack in Russia’s Kursk region
- This was the first time Ukrainian troops went into Russian land during the war.
October 2024—North Korean Soldiers Reported
- Reports showed that North Korean troops were fighting alongside Russian forces in the Kursk area.
- This increased concerns about more countries getting involved in the war.
2025—New Tactics and Hopes for Peace
January 2025—Russia Renews Attack in Kharkiv
- Russia created a strong military position across the Oskil River in eastern Ukraine.
- This signaled a new push to control more territory in Kharkiv.
May 2025—Russia’s Biggest Air Attack
- Russia launched its largest missile and drone attack since the war began.
- Many cities were hit, causing deaths and damage to power and communication systems.
June 1, 2025 – Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb
- Ukraine carried out a secret drone mission called Operation Spiderweb.
- Over 40 Russian aircraft were damaged or destroyed at five airbases inside Russia.
- The attack showed Ukraine’s advanced use of low-cost, long-range drones.
June 2025—Peace Talks Scheduled in Istanbul
- Russia and Ukraine agreed to attend peace talks in Istanbul, Turkey.
- Both sides were doubtful, but the world saw it as a step toward ending the war.
Conclusion
The war between Russia and Ukraine has been going on for three years. When first starting, it was local in nature but soon became affecting countries and people from all over the world. This war has nicely exemplified techniques of modern conflict, from ground battles and drone strikes to meddling in international affairs and efforts toward peace. With peace talks in the planning stages, there lies hope for this war to be ended in the near future.
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