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{{Short description| |
{{Short description|Ongoing armed conflict in Eastern Europe}} | ||
{{About|the invasion that began in 2022|other invasions that took place on the territory of Ukraine|List of invasions and occupations of Ukraine}} | |||
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{{Use British English|date=February 2022}} | ||
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{{Russian invasion of Ukraine infobox}} | ||
{{Campaignbox Russian invasion of Ukraine}}{{Campaignbox Russo-Ukrainian War}}{{Campaignbox Post-Soviet conflicts}} | |||
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] invaded ]<!--Do NOT remove the two links of this clause; read the message above. --> on 24 February 2022, marking a steep escalation of the ], which began in 2014 following the Ukrainian ]. The ] has caused Europe's largest ] since ],<ref name="Blake-2022-03-15">{{cite web |last=Blake |first=Daniel Keane, Elly |date=15 March 2022 |title=What is the Homes for Ukraine refugees scheme and how do you apply? |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/host-ukraine-refugee-scheme-uk-london-russia-war-apply-b987910.html |access-date=15 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ukrainian exodus could be Europe's biggest refugee crisis since World War II |newspaper=] |date=3 March 2022 |url=https://english.elpais.com/international/2022-03-03/ukrainian-exodus-could-be-europes-biggest-refugee-crisis-since-world-war-ii.html}}</ref> with more than ] the country<ref name="UNHCR-Ukraine">{{cite web |title=Situation Ukraine Refugee Situation |date=<!--kept up-to-date--> |website=] |url=https://data2.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine |access-date=15 March 2022}}</ref> and a quarter of the population ].<ref>{{cite news |first1=Rebecca |last1=Ratcliffe |first2=Abené |last2=Clayton |first3=Adam |last3=Gabbatt |first4=Léonie |last4=Chao-Fong |first5=Samantha |last5=Lock |first6=Tom |last6=Ambrose |date=19 March 2022 |title=Biden outlines 'consequences' if China aids Russia – as it happened |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/mar/18/russia-ukraine-war-latest-news-biden-to-warn-xi-against-backing-putin-as-russian-military-offensives-falter-live |access-date=28 March 2022 |archive-date=18 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329020321/https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/mar/18/russia-ukraine-war-latest-news-biden-to-warn-xi-against-backing-putin-as-russian-military-offensives-falter-live |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=31 March 2022 |title=Ukraine war: Putin being misled by fearful advisers, US says |publisher=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60936117 |access-date=31 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
On 24 February 2022, {{not a typo|] invaded ]}}<!-- Do NOT remove the two links of this clause; read the message above. --> in a major escalation of the ], which started in 2014. The invasion, the largest and deadliest conflict in Europe since ],<ref>{{Cite book |last=Plokhy |first=Serhii |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H2F_EAAAQBAJ |title=The Russo-Ukrainian War: From the bestselling author of Chernobyl |date=16 May 2023 |publisher=] |isbn=978-1-80206-179-6 |quote=... If the collapse of the USSR was sudden and largely bloodless, growing strains between its two largest successors would develop into limited fighting in the Donbas in 2014 and then into all-out warfare in 2022, causing death, destruction, and a refugee crisis on a scale not seen in Europe since the Second World War.}}</ref>{{sfn|Ramani|2023|p=74}}{{sfn|D'Anieri|2023|p=i; 98}} has caused hundreds of thousands of ] and tens of thousands of Ukrainian ]. As of 2024, Russian troops ]. From a population of 41 million, about 8 million Ukrainians had been internally displaced and more than 8.2 million ] by April 2023, creating Europe's ] since World War II. | |||
In late 2021, Russia ] and ] including a ban on Ukraine ever joining the ] military alliance. After repeatedly denying having plans to attack Ukraine, on 24 February 2022, Russian president ] ] a "]", saying that it was to support the Russian-backed breakaway ] and ], whose ] had been fighting Ukraine in the ] since 2014. Putin espoused ] and ] views challenging Ukraine's legitimacy as a state, ] that the Ukrainian government were ] committing genocide against the ] in the ], and said that Russia's goal was to "demilitarize and denazify" Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Marples |first=David R. |date=2022-07-03 |title=Russia's war goals in Ukraine |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00085006.2022.2107837 |journal=Revue Canadienne des Slavistes |volume=64 |issue=2–3 |pages=207–219 |doi=10.1080/00085006.2022.2107837 |issn=0008-5006}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hinton |first=Alex |date=2022-02-25 |title=Putin's claims that Ukraine is committing genocide are baseless, but not unprecedented |url=https://theconversation.com/putins-claims-that-ukraine-is-committing-genocide-are-baseless-but-not-unprecedented-177511 |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=The Conversation |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Al Jazeera Staff |title='No other option': Excerpts of Putin's speech declaring war |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/24/putins-speech-declaring-war-on-ukraine-translated-excerpts |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Nationalist and Imperial Thinking Define Putin's Vision for Russia |url=https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/nationalist-and-imperial-thinking-define-putins-vision-russia |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=rusi.orghttps |language=en}}</ref> Russian air strikes and a ground invasion were launched on a ] from ] towards the capital ], a ] from ], and an ] from the ] and towards ]. Ukraine enacted ], ordered ] and severed diplomatic ]. | |||
At the start of the war in 2014, Russia ], and ] seized part of the south-eastern ] region of Ukraine, sparking ] there.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kirby |first=Jen |date=28 February 2022 |title=Putin's invasion of Ukraine, explained |url=https://www.vox.com/2022/2/23/22948534/russia-ukraine-war-putin-explosions-invasion-explained |access-date=28 February 2022 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=28 February 2022 |title=Conflict in Ukraine |url=https://cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/conflict-ukraine |access-date=28 February 2022 |website=Global Conflict Tracker |publisher=]}}</ref> In 2021, Russia began a ] along its border with Ukraine, amassing up to 190,000 troops along with their equipment. In ] shortly before the invasion, Russian president ] espoused ] views,<ref>{{cite news |date=26 February 2022 |title=Russia's invasion of Ukraine |newspaper=] |url=https://www.economist.com/briefing/2022/02/26/russias-invasion-of-ukraine |url-status=live |url-access=subscription | |||
|access-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.economist.com/briefing/2022/02/26/russias-invasion-of-ukraine |archive-date=26 February 2022 |quote=Though the target of Mr. Putin's tirade on February 21st was Ukraine, the former Soviet republics now in NATO, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, have cause for alarm over his irredentism.}}</ref> questioned Ukraine's ],<ref name="Putin Ukraine statehood">{{cite magazine |last=Perrigo |first=Billy |date=22 February 2022 |title=How Putin's Denial of Ukraine's Statehood Rewrites History |url=https://time.com/6150046/ukraine-statehood-russia-history-putin/ |magazine=] |access-date=28 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=22 February 2022 |title=Putin Says He Does Not Plan to 'Restore Empire' |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/22/putin-says-he-does-not-plan-to-restore-empire-a76519 |access-date=2 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref> and falsely<ref name="Tabarovsky-2022-02-27">{{cite web |last1=Tabarovsky |first1=Izabella |last2=Finkel |first2=Evgeny |author-link2=Evgeny Finkel |date=27 February 2022 |title=Statement on the War in Ukraine by Scholars of Genocide, Nazism and World War II |work=] |url=https://jewishjournal.com/news/worldwide/345515/statement-on-the-war-in-ukraine-by-scholars-of-genocide-nazism-and-world-war-ii/ |access-date=6 April 2022}}</ref> accused Ukraine of being governed by ] who persecute the ].<ref name="Abbruzzese 2022" /> Putin also said the ] (NATO) constitutes a threat to Russia's national security by ] since the early 2000s, which NATO disputed.<ref>{{cite web |date=27 January 2022 |title=NATO-Russia relations: the facts |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_111767.htm |access-date=1 March 2022 |publisher=] |quote=NATO is a defensive alliance. Our purpose is to protect our member states. Every country that joins NATO undertakes to uphold its principles and policies. This includes the commitment that 'NATO does not seek confrontation and poses no threat to Russia,' as reaffirmed at the Brussels Summit this year. NATO enlargement is not directed against Russia. Every sovereign nation has the right to choose its own security arrangements. This is a fundamental principle of European security, one that Russia has also subscribed to and should respect. In fact, after the end of the Cold War, Russia committed to building an inclusive European security architecture, including through the Charter of Paris, the establishment of the OSCE, the creation of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, and the NATO-Russia Founding Act.}}</ref> Russia demanded NATO cease expansion and bar Ukraine from ever joining the alliance permanently.<ref name="Wiegrefe 2022">{{cite news |last=Wiegrefe |first=Klaus |date=15 February 2022 |title=NATO's Eastward Expansion: Is Vladimir Putin Right? |work=] |url=https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/nato-s-eastward-expansion-is-vladimir-putin-right-a-bf318d2c-7aeb-4b59-8d5f-1d8c94e1964d |access-date=28 February 2022}}</ref> The United States and others accused Russia of planning to attack or invade Ukraine, which Russian officials repeatedly denied as late as<!-- THIS DATE IS NEEDED FOR CONTEXT. LEDE PRESENTS BUILDUPS STARTING FROM EARLY 2021. WITHOUT THIS DATE, WE DON'T KNOW WHEN RUSSIA DENIED – EARLY 2021? MID 2021? --> 23{{nbsp}}February 2022.{{refn|name=23FebD|<ref name="Deny" /><ref name="denials" /><ref name="Czech" />}} | |||
Russian troops retreated from the north and the outskirts of Kyiv by April 2022, after encountering stiff resistance and logistical challenges. The ] was uncovered after their withdrawal. In the southeast, Russia launched an ] and captured ] after ]. Russia continued to bomb military and civilian targets far from the front, and ] through the winter months. In late 2022, Ukraine launched successful counteroffensives in ] and ], liberating most of ]. Soon after, Russia illegally ]. In November, Ukraine ]. In June 2023, Ukraine launched ] in the southeast, but made few gains. After small but steady Russian advances in the east in the first half of 2024, Ukraine launched a cross-border ] in August of that year. The ] reports that Russia is committing severe ] in occupied Ukraine. | |||
On 21 February 2022, ] the ] and the ], two self-proclaimed statelets in Donbas controlled by pro-Russian separatists.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Joe |date=23 February 2022 |orig-date=22 February 2022 |others=Photograph by Aleksey Filippov (]) via ] |title=Why Luhansk and Donetsk are key to understanding the latest escalation in Ukraine |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/02/22/1082345068/why-luhansk-and-donetsk-are-key-to-understanding-the-latest-escalation-in-ukrain |access-date=28 February 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> The following day, the ] authorised the use of military force abroad, and Russian troops overtly entered both territories.<ref name="Hodge 2022" /> The invasion began on the morning of 24 February,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nikolskaya |first1=Polina |last2=Osborn |first2=Andrew |title=Russia's Putin authorises 'special military operation' against Ukraine |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russias-putin-authorises-military-operations-donbass-domestic-media-2022-02-24/ |work=Reuters |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=4 March 2022}}</ref> when Putin ] a "special military operation" to "] and ]" Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Grunau |first1=Andrea |last2=von Hein |first2=Matthias |last3=Theise |first3=Eugen |last4=Weber |first4=Joscha |date=25 February 2022 |title=Fact check: Do Vladimir Putin's justifications for going to war against Ukraine add up? |publisher=] |url=https://www.dw.com/en/fact-check-do-vladimir-putins-justifications-for-going-to-war-against-ukraine-add-up/a-60917168 |access-date=7 March 2022}}</ref><ref name="Waxman 2022">{{cite magazine |last=Waxman |first=Olivia B. |date=3 March 2022 |title=Historians on What Putin Gets Wrong About 'Denazification' in Ukraine |url=https://time.com/6154493/denazification-putin-ukraine-history-context/ |access-date=6 March 2022 |magazine=]}}</ref> Minutes later, missiles and airstrikes hit across Ukraine, including the capital ], shortly followed by a large ground invasion from multiple directions.<ref>{{cite web |date=24 February 2022 |title=Russia attacks Ukraine |url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-23-22/h_ec5f24d5accb8f8503aabdc63e3fd22d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224073725/https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-23-22/h_ec5f24d5accb8f8503aabdc63e3fd22d |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="kirbyBBC" /> In response, Ukrainian president ] enacted ] and ] of all male Ukrainian citizens for between the ages of 18 and 60, who were banned from leaving the country.<ref>{{cite news |date=24 February 2022 |title=Ukrainian president signs decree on general mobilisation of population -Interfax |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukrainian-president-signs-decree-general-mobilisation-population-interfax-2022-02-24/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225025205/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukrainian-president-signs-decree-general-mobilisation-population-interfax-2022-02-24/ |archive-date=25 February 2022}}</ref><ref name="Interfax 2022">{{cite web |date=25 February 2022 |title=Zelensky signs decree declaring general mobilization |url=https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/801769.html |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=] |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225113724/https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/801769.html |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
The invasion was met with widespread ]. The ] passed ] condemning the invasion and demanding a full Russian withdrawal. The ] ordered Russia to halt military operations, and the ] expelled Russia. Many countries imposed ] on Russia and its ally Belarus, and provided ] and ] to Ukraine. The ] and Poland declared Russia a terrorist state. ] around the world, with anti-war ] being met by mass arrests and greater media ]. The Russian attacks on civilians have led to ].<ref name="Etkind" /><ref name="h710">{{cite web | last=McGlynn | first=Jade | title=Russia Is Committing Cultural Genocide in Ukraine | website=Foreign Policy | date=23 April 2024 | url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/04/23/russia-ukraine-cultural-genocide-looting-indoctrination-deporatation/ | access-date=4 July 2024}}</ref><ref name="q611">{{cite web | last=Stavljanin | first=Dragan | title=Genocide Scholar: 'I Do Think That Russia's Violence in Ukraine Is Genocidal' | website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty | date=2 April 2024 | url=https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-genocide-ukraine-scholar-war-crimes-prosecution-hague/32888386.html | access-date=4 July 2024}}</ref><ref name="v008" /> War-related disruption to Ukrainian agriculture and shipping contributed to a ], while war-related environmental damage has been described as ]. The ] (ICC) opened ] into ], ], ], and genocide against Ukrainians. The ICC issued arrest warrants ], and for four Russian military officials. | |||
At the start of the invasion on 24 February, the northern front was launched out of ] and targeting ] with a northeastern front launched at the city of ]; the southeastern front was conducted as two separate spearhead fronts including a southern front (originating in ]) and a separate probative southeastern front (launched at the cities of Luhansk and Donetsk).<ref name="CBS-2022-03-20">{{cite news |title=Ukraine rejects Russian demand to surrender port city of Mariupol in exchange for safe passage |date=20 March 2022 |publisher=] |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-mariupol-russia-surrender-reject/ |access-date=21 March 2022}}</ref><ref name="CBC-2022-03-21">{{cite news |title=Ukraine refuses to surrender Mariupol as scope of human toll remains unclear |date=21 March 2022 |publisher=] |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-russia-war-march21-1.6391709 |access-date=21 March 2022}}</ref> On 8 April, the Russian ministry had announced that all its troops and divisions deployed in southeastern Ukraine would be united under General ], who was placed in charge of combined military operations, including the redeployed probative fronts originally assigned to the northern front and the north-eastern front which were subsequently withdrawn and reassigned to the second phase to the southeastern front.<ref name="hindustannewshub.com">{{cite web |date=8 April 2022 |title=Trending news: BBC: Putin replaces military commander in Ukraine – The Moscow Times |url=https://hindustannewshub.com/russia-ukraine-news/bbc-putin-replaces-military-commander-in-ukraine-the-moscow-times/ |access-date=9 April 2022 |website=Hindustan News Hub}}</ref> By 17 April, progress on the southeastern front appeared to be impeded by residual troops continuing to hold-out in abandoned factories in Mariupol.<ref name="Radio New Zealand">{{cite news |title=Ukraine war: Mariupol defenders will fight to the end |date=17 April 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022 |work=] |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/465439/ukraine-war-mariupol-defenders-will-fight-to-the-end-pm}}</ref> On 19 April, Russia launched a renewed invasion front referred to as an "eastern assault" across a 300-mile front extending from Kharkiv to Donetsk and Luhansk, with simultaneous missile attacks again directed at Kyiv in the north and Lviv in western Ukraine.<ref name="nytimes.com">{{cite news |title=Ukraine Says Russia Begins Assault in the East After Raining Missiles Nationwide |first1=Jane |last1=Arraf |first2=Ivan |last2=Nechepurenko |first3=Mark |last3=Landler |newspaper=] |date=19 April 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/18/world/europe/ukraine-russia-missiles-lviv-donbas.html}}</ref> | |||
The invasion has been ] as an ].<ref>{{cite news |title=UN resolution against Ukraine invasion: Full text |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/3/unga-resolution-against-ukraine-invasion-full-text |access-date=25 March 2022 |publisher=] |date=2 March 2022|quote=The General Assembly ... eplores in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine in violation of Article 2 (4) of the Charter}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Scheffer |first=David J. |date=17 March 2022 |title=Can Russia Be Held Accountable for War Crimes in Ukraine? |url=https://www.cfr.org/article/can-russia-be-held-accountable-war-crimes-ukraine |access-date=18 March 2022 |website=] |quote=Russia's invasion of Ukraine constitutes the crime of aggression under international law.}}</ref> The ] adopted ] which demanded a full withdrawal of Russian forces. The ] ordered Russia to suspend military operations and the ] expelled Russia. Many countries ], which have ] of Russia and the world,<ref name="Sanctions slams Russian economy">{{cite news |last1=Chernova |first1=Anna |last2=Cotovio |first2=Vasco |last3=Thompson |first3=Mark |date=28 February 2022 |title=Sanctions slams Russian economy |publisher=] |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/02/28/business/russia-ruble-banks-sanctions/index.html |access-date=4 March 2022}}</ref> and provided ].<ref name="Al-Jazeera-2022-02-28" /> ] around the world; ] have been met with mass arrests and increased ],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Morin |first1=Rebecca |last2=Subramanian |first2=Courtney |last3=Collins |first3=Michael |last4=Garrison |first4=Joey |last5=Groppe |first5=Maureen |date=24 February 2022 |title=World leaders condemn Russian invasion of Ukraine; EU promises 'harshest' sanctions – live updates |work=] |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2022/02/24/russia-ukraine-invasion/6920609001/ |url-status=live |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224110055/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2022/02/24/russia-ukraine-invasion/6920609001/ |archive-date=24 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Stewart |first1=Briar |last2=Seminoff |first2=Corinne |last3=Kozlov |first3=Dmitry |date=24 February 2022 |title=More than 1,700 people detained in widespread Russian protests against Ukraine invasion |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/russia-protest-arrests-1.6362938 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224193201/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/russia-protest-arrests-1.6362938 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |publisher=] |agency=]}}</ref> including banning the use of the words "war" and "invasion".<ref name="kirbyBBC">{{cite news |last=Kirby |first=Paul |date=9 March 2022 |title=Why is Russia invading Ukraine and what does Putin want? |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56720589 |access-date=9 March 2022}}</ref> Numerous companies ] from Russia and Belarus, and Russian state-funded media were banned from broadcasting and removed from online platforms. The ] opened ] since the 2013–2014 Revolution of Dignity through to ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Corder |first=Mike |title=ICC prosecutor launches Ukraine war crimes investigation |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-genocides-crime-war-crimes-europe-499d7b6a9e955f659284b2edc6f1c508 |work=] |date=3 March 2022 |access-date=19 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
{{TOC limit}} | {{TOC limit}} | ||
== Background == | == Background == | ||
{{further|Russia–Ukraine relations}} | |||
=== Post-Soviet context and Orange Revolution === | |||
{{further|Orange Revolution}} | |||
{{See also|Russia–Ukraine relations|Ukraine–European Union relations}} | |||
] in ] during the Orange Revolution, November 2004]] | |||
After the ] (USSR) in 1991, Ukraine and Russia maintained close ties. In 1994, Ukraine agreed to accede to the ] as a non-nuclear-weapon state, and former Soviet ] were dismantled.<ref>{{cite web|last=Budjeryn |first=Mariana |url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/publication/Issue%20Brief%20No%203--The%20Breach--Final4.pdf |title=Issue Brief #3: The Breach: Ukraine's Territorial Integrity and the Budapest Memorandum |publisher=] |access-date=6 March 2022}}</ref> In return, Russia, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US) agreed to uphold the territorial integrity of Ukraine through the ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Vasylenko |first=Volodymyr |date=15 December 2009 |url=https://www.day.kiev.ua/en/article/close/assurances-without-guarantees-shelved-document |title=On assurances without guarantees in a 'shelved document' |newspaper=The Day |access-date=7 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Harahan |first=Joseph P. |year=2014 |url=https://www.dtra.mil/Portals/61/Documents/History/With%20Courage%20and%20Persistence%20CTR.pdf?ver=2016-05-09-102902-893 |title=With Courage and Persistence: Eliminating and Securing Weapons of Mass Destruction with the Nunn-Luger Cooperative Threat Reduction Programs |work=DTRA History Series |publisher=Defense Threat Reduction Agency |asin=B01LYEJ56H |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228153820/https://www.dtra.mil/Portals/61/Documents/History/With%20Courage%20and%20Persistence%20CTR.pdf?ver=2016-05-09-102902-893 |archive-date=28 February 2022 |access-date=7 March 2022}}</ref> In 1999, Russia was one of the signatories of the ], which "reaffirmed the inherent right of each and every participating State to be free to choose or change its security arrangements, including treaties of alliance, as they evolve".<ref>{{cite web|title=Istanbul Document 1999 |url=https://www.osce.org/node/39569 |publisher=] |date=19 November 1999 |access-date=21 July 2015 |archive-date=1 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601124042/https://www.osce.org/node/39569 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
=== Post-Soviet relations === | |||
In the years after the ]'s collapse, several former ] countries joined ], partly in response to regional security threats such as the ], the ] (1992–1993) and the ] (1994–1996). Russian leaders described this expansion as a violation of ]' assurances that NATO would not expand eastward, although any such alleged pledges, if real, were made informally, and their nature is disputed.<ref name="Wiegrefe 2022" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Hall |first=Gavin E. L. |title=Ukraine: the history behind Russia's claim that Nato promised not to expand to the east |url=https://theconversation.com/ukraine-the-history-behind-russias-claim-that-nato-promised-not-to-expand-to-the-east-177085 |website=] |access-date=14 March 2022 |date=14 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Baker |first=Peter |date=9 January 2022 |title=In Ukraine Conflict, Putin Relies on a Promise That Ultimately Wasn't |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/09/us/politics/russia-ukraine-james-baker.html |access-date= |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> | |||
After the ] in December 1991, the newly independent states of the Russian Federation and Ukraine maintained cordial relations. In return for security guarantees, Ukraine signed the ] in 1994, agreeing to dismantle the ] the former ] had left in Ukraine.<ref> | |||
{{Cite web |last=Budjeryn |first=Mariana |title=Issue Brief #3: The Breach: Ukraine's Territorial Integrity and the Budapest Memorandum |url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/publication/Issue%20Brief%20No%203--The%20Breach--Final4.pdf |access-date=6 March 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> At that time, Russia, the UK, and the USA agreed in the ] to uphold Ukraine's territorial integrity.<ref> | |||
{{Cite news |last=Vasylenko |first=Volodymyr |date=15 December 2009 |title=On assurances without guarantees in a 'shelved document' |work=The Day |url=https://www.day.kiev.ua/en/article/close/assurances-without-guarantees-shelved-document |access-date=7 March 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite web |last=Harahan |first=Joseph P. |year=2014 |title=With Courage and Persistence: Eliminating and Securing Weapons of Mass Destruction with the Nunn-Luger Cooperative Threat Reduction Programs |url=https://www.dtra.mil/Portals/61/Documents/History/With%20Courage%20and%20Persistence%20CTR.pdf?ver=2016-05-09-102902-893 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228153820/https://www.dtra.mil/Portals/61/Documents/History/With%20Courage%20and%20Persistence%20CTR.pdf?ver=2016-05-09-102902-893 |archive-date=28 February 2022 |access-date=7 March 2022 |website=DTRA History Series |publisher=Defense Threat Reduction Agency |asin=B01LYEJ56H}}</ref> In 1999, Russia signed the ], affirming the right of each state "to choose or change its security arrangements" and to join alliances.<ref> | |||
{{Cite web |date=19 November 1999 |title=Istanbul Document 1999 |url=https://www.osce.org/node/39569 |url-status=live | |||
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601124042/https://www.osce.org/node/39569 |archive-date=1 June 2014 | |||
|access-date=21 July 2015 |publisher=] |page= (PDF)}}</ref> In 2002, Putin said that ] were "a matter for those two partners".<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Person |first1=Robert |last2=McFaul |first2=Michael |title=What Putin Fears Most |journal=Journal of Democracy |date=April 2022 |volume=33 |issue=2 |pages=18–27 |doi=10.1353/jod.2022.0015 |url=https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/articles/what-putin-fears-most/#f8 |access-date=8 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406093802/https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/articles/what-putin-fears-most/|archive-date=6 April 2024|url-status=live | issn=1045-5736 }}</ref> | |||
] in August 2008 and took control of the breakaway regions of ] and ], demonstrating Russia's willingness to use military force to attain its political objectives.<ref>{{cite web |author=Kaarel Kaas |year=2009 |title=The Russian Bear on the Warpath Against Georgia |url=http://www.icds.ee/publications/article/the-russian-bear-on-the-warpath-against-georgia/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629170100/https://www.icds.ee/publications/article/the-russian-bear-on-the-warpath-against-georgia/ |archive-date=29 June 2017 |access-date=26 April 2019 |publisher=International Centre for Defense Studies}}</ref> The United States "was accused of appeasement and naivete" in their reaction to the invasion.{{sfn|D'Anieri|2023|p=136}} | |||
The ] was controversial. During the election campaign, the pro-] opposition candidate ] was ] by ];<ref>{{cite news |last=Leung |first=Rebecca |date=11 February 2009 |title=Yushchenko: 'Live And Carry On' |publisher=] |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/01/28/60minutes/main670103.shtml |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025143917/https://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/01/28/60minutes/main670103.shtml |archive-date=25 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=5 August 2009 |title=Study: Dioxin that poisoned Yushchenko made in lab |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/ukraine-politics/study-dioxin-that-poisoned-yushchenko-made-in-lab-46417.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131165135/https://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/ukraine-politics/study-dioxin-that-poisoned-yushchenko-made-in-lab-46417.html |archive-date=31 January 2022 |access-date=29 January 2022 |newspaper=] |publisher=Businessgroup |location=London |agency=]}}</ref> he later implicated Russian involvement.<ref>{{cite news |date=28 October 2009 |title=Yushchenko to Russia: Hand over witnesses |newspaper=] |publisher=Businessgroup |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/nation/49610 |url-status=live |access-date=11 February 2010 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.kyivpost.com/nation/49610 |archive-date=26 February 2022}}</ref> In November, Prime Minister ] was declared the winner, despite allegations of vote-rigging by election observers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.skubi.net/ukraine/judgment-december-3.html |title=The Supreme Court findings |access-date=7 July 2008 |publisher=] |date=3 December 2004 |language=uk |archive-date=22 June 2013 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6HZ9wqN35?url=https://www.skubi.net/ukraine/judgment-december-3.html |url-status=live}}</ref> During a two-month period which became known as the ], large peaceful protests successfully challenged the outcome. After the ] annulled the initial result due to widespread ], ] was held, bringing to power Yushchenko as president and leaving Yanukovych in opposition.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |date=15 January 2008 |title=Ukraine-Independent Ukraine |url=https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-30090/Ukraine |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080115052653/https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-30090/Ukraine |archive-date=15 January 2008 |access-date=14 January 2008 |encyclopedia=]}}</ref> | |||
=== Ukrainian revolution, Russian intervention in Crimea and Donbas === | |||
According to analyst ], Russian military officers viewed the Orange Revolution, and other pro-democracy ]s within the ], as being instigated by Western countries to undermine Russia's national security.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cordesman |first=Anthony H. |title=Russia and the 'Color Revolution' |url=https://www.csis.org/analysis/russia-and-%E2%80%9Ccolor-revolution%E2%80%9D |date=28 May 2014 |access-date=4 March 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Rachman |first=Gideon |author-link=Gideon Rachman |title=Understanding Vladimir Putin, the man who fooled the world |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/09/understanding-vladimir-putin-the-man-who-fooled-the-world |access-date=9 April 2022 |work=] |date=9 April 2022}}</ref> Russian president ] described the ] as an attempt to transfer the Orange Revolution to Russia.<ref>{{cite news|title=Putin calls 'color revolutions' an instrument of destabilization – Dec. 15, 2011 |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/eastern-europe/putin-calls-color-revolutions-an-instrument-of-des-118993.html |agency=] |date=15 December 2011 |access-date=4 March 2022 |work=]}}</ref> Rallies in favour of Putin during this period were called "]s".<ref>{{cite news|date=4 February 2012 |script-title=ru:Антиоранжевый митинг проходит на Поклонной горе |trans-title=Anti-orange rally takes place on Poklonnaya Hill |url=https://ria.ru/20120204/556495673.html |access-date=4 March 2022 |agency=] |language=ru}}</ref> | |||
{{main|Russo-Ukrainian War}} | |||
] in the south and two Russia-backed separatist republics in ] in the east up to the 2022 invasion]] | |||
In 2013, ] overwhelmingly approved finalising an ] with the ] (EU).<ref>{{cite news |title=Parliament passes statement on Ukraine's aspirations for European integration |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/ukraine-politics/parliament-passes-statement-on-ukraines-aspirations-for-european-integration-320792.html |work=] |date=22 February 2013}}</ref> Russia had put pressure on Ukraine to reject it.<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Dinan |editor1-first=Desmond |editor2-last=Nugent |editor2-first=Neil |title=The European Union in Crisis |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |pages=3, 274}}</ref> Kremlin adviser ] warned in September 2013 that if Ukraine signed the EU agreement, Russia would no longer acknowledge Ukraine's borders.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Walker |first=Shaun |date=22 September 2013 |title=Ukraine's EU trade deal will be catastrophic, says Russia |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/22/ukraine-european-union-trade-russia |access-date=12 September 2023 |issn=0261-3077}} | |||
* {{Cite book |title=The European Union in Crisis |publisher=] |editor1-last=Dinan |editor1-first=Desmond |pages=3, 274 |editor2-last=Nugent |editor2-first=Neil}}</ref> In November, Ukrainian president ] suddenly withdrew from signing the agreement,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/21/ukraine-suspends-preparations-eu-trade-pact |title=Ukraine suspends talks on EU trade pact as Putin wins tug of war: Ukraine was due to sign accord at summit next week but MPs reject key bills, especially on freeing Yulia Tymoshenko from jail |first1=Ian | |||
|last1=Traynor |first2=Oksana |last2=Grytsenko |date=21 November 2013 |work=]}}</ref> choosing closer ties to the Russian-led ] instead. This coerced withdrawal triggered a wave of protests known as ], culminating in the ] in February 2014. Yanukovych fled and was removed from power by parliament, ending up in Russia. | |||
] during the ] in 2015]] | |||
At the ], Ukraine and ] sought to join NATO. The response among NATO members was divided; Western European countries opposed offering ]s (MAP) to avoid antagonising Russia, while US president ] pushed for their admission.<ref>{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Colin |title=EU allies unite against Bush over Nato membership for Georgia and Ukraine |work=] |date=3 April 2008 |page=24}}</ref> NATO ultimately refused to offer Ukraine and Georgia MAPs, but also issued a statement agreeing that "these countries will become members of NATO". Putin voiced strong opposition to Georgia and Ukraine's NATO membership bids.<ref>{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Michael |title=President tells summit he wants security and friendship |work=] |date=5 April 2008 |page=46 |quote=President Putin, in a bravura performance before the world's media at the end of the Nato summit, warned President Bush and other alliance leaders that their plan to expand eastwards to Ukraine and Georgia "didn't contribute to trust and predictability in our relations.}}</ref> On 7 February 2019, the ], Ukraine's parliament, voted to amend the constitution to state that the country's long-term ambition was to join the ] (EU) and NATO.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.unian.info/politics/10437570-ukraine-s-parliament-backs-changes-to-constitution-confirming-ukraine-s-path-toward-eu-nato.html |title=Ukraine's parliament backs changes to Constitution confirming Ukraine's path toward EU, NATO |website=unian.info |agency=] |access-date=7 February 2019}}</ref> However, in the months prior to the 2022 invasion, the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO remained remote.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wong |first1=Edward |last2=Jakes |first2=Lara |title=NATO Won't Let Ukraine Join Soon. Here's Why. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/13/us/politics/nato-ukraine.html |access-date=12 March 2022 |work=] |date=13 January 2022}}</ref> | |||
] occupied the Ukrainian territory of Crimea, and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/27/crimean-parliament-seized-by-unknown-pro-russian-gunmen |title=Crimean parliament seized by unknown pro-Russian gunmen: Gunmen storm Crimea's regional administrative complex in Simferopol and hoist Russian flag above parliament building |first1=Harriet |last1=Salem |first2=Shaun |last2=Walker |first3=Luke |last3=Harding |date=27 February 2014 |work=]}}</ref> Russia ] in March 2014, after a ] held under occupation. ] immediately followed in the Ukrainian cities of ] and ]. The ] began in April 2014 when ] seized Ukrainian government buildings and proclaimed the independent ] and ].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Grytsenko |first1=Oksana |last2=Vlasova |first2=Anastasia |date=12 April 2014 |title=Armed pro-Russian insurgents in Luhansk say they are ready for police raid |work=] |publisher=Businessgroup LLC |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/armed-pro-russian-insurgents-in-luhansk-say-they-are-ready-for-police-raid-343167.html |access-date=1 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412131249/https://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/armed-pro-russian-insurgents-in-luhansk-say-they-are-ready-for-police-raid-343167.html |archive-date=12 April 2014}}</ref><ref name=AJ>{{Cite news | |||
|last=Ragozin |first=Leonid |date=16 March 2019 |title=Annexation of Crimea: A masterclass in political manipulation | |||
|publisher=] |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2019/3/16/annexation-of-crimea-a-masterclass-in-political-manipulation |url-status=live |access-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107230534/https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2019/3/16/annexation-of-crimea-a-masterclass-in-political-manipulation/ |archive-date=7 November 2020}}</ref> Russian troops were directly involved in these conflicts.<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 October 2014 |title=Exclusive: Charred tanks in Ukraine point to Russian involvement |work=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-tanks-exclusive-idUSKCN0IC1GE20141023 |url-status=live |access-date=28 February 2022 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-tanks-exclusive-idUSKCN0IC1GE20141023 |archive-date=1 March 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last1=Walker |first1=Shaun |last2=Grytsenko |first2=Oksana |last3=Ragozin |first3=Leonid |date=3 September 2014 |title=Russian soldier: 'You're better clueless because the truth is horrible' |work=] | |||
|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/03/ukraine-soldier-youre-better-clueless-because-truth-horrible-moscow-ilovaysk |url-status=live |access-date=28 February 2022 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/03/ukraine-soldier-youre-better-clueless-because-truth-horrible-moscow-ilovaysk |archive-date=1 March 2022 |issn=1756-3224 |oclc=60623878}} | |||
</ref> | |||
The annexation of Crimea and the war in Donbas sparked a wave of ]. Analyst ] called Putin's ] following the annexation a "manifesto of ]".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Socor |first=Vladimir |author-link=Vladimir Socor |date=24 March 2014 |title=Putin's Crimea Speech: A Manifesto of Greater-Russia Irredentism |volume=11 |publisher=] |issue=56 |url=https://jamestown.org/program/putins-crimea-speech-a-manifesto-of-greater-russia-irredentism/}}</ref> Putin began referring to "]" (New Russia), a former Russian imperial territory that covered much of southern Ukraine.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Kimmage |first1=Michael |title=Collisions: The Origins of the War in Ukraine and the New Global Instability |date=2024 |publisher=Oxford University Press |page=129}}</ref> Russian-backed forces were influenced by ] and sought to create a ].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=O'Loughlin |first1=John |title=The rise and fall of "Novorossiya": examining support for a separatist geopolitical imaginary in southeast Ukraine |journal=] |date=2017 |volume=33 |issue=2 |pages=124–144 |doi=10.1080/1060586X.2016.1146452 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1060586X.2016.1146452}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ukraine: Are 2014 pro-Russia rebels fighting 1920s war? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-28532392 |work=BBC News |date=28 July 2014}}</ref> Putin referred to the ] and ] as a justification for the annexation of Crimea and the war in Donbas,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pineles |first1=Dean |title=How the 'Kosovo Precedent' Shaped Putin's Plan to Invade Ukraine |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2022/03/09/how-the-kosovo-precedent-shaped-putins-plan-to-invade-ukraine/ |access-date=9 February 2024 |work=Balkan Insight |date=9 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Ingimundarson |first1=Valur |title=The 'Kosovo Precedent': Russia's justification of military interventions and territorial revisions in Georgia and Ukraine |url=https://www.lse.ac.uk/ideas/Assets/Documents/updates/2022-SU-Valur-RussKosovo.pdf |website=LSE |publisher=The London School of Economics and Political Science |access-date=9 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Tzimas |first1=Themis |title=Invoking the Kosovo Precedent: Can We Dismiss the Russian Argument? |url=https://www.fletcherforum.org/home/2023/1/12/invoking-the-kosovo-precedent-can-we-dismiss-the-russian-argument |access-date=9 February 2024 |work=The Fletcher Forum of World Affairs}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Rotaru |first1=Vasile |last2=Troncotă |first2=Miruna |title=Continuity and change in instrumentalizing 'The Precedent'. How Russia uses Kosovo to legitimize the annexation of Crimea |journal=Southeast European and Black Sea Studies |date=2017 |volume=17 |issue=3 |pages=325–345 |doi=10.1080/14683857.2017.1348044 |s2cid=157173954 }}</ref> while historians note the similarities with Nazi Germany's ].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Plokhy |first=Serhii |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e3eoEAAAQBAJ&dq=annexation+of+the+peninsula+to+Hitler%E2%80%99s+Anschluss+of+Austria+in+1938&pg=PT64 |title=The Russo-Ukrainian War: The Return of History |date=9 May 2023 |publisher=W. W. Norton & Company |isbn=978-1-324-05120-6 |language=en |quote=... In an article published on the eve of the referendum, the historian Andrei Zubov, a professor at the elite Moscow Institute of International Relations, compared the planned annexation of the peninsula to Hitler's Anschluss of Austria in 1938. He drew parallels between Hitler's vision of Greater Germany and Russia's reunification rhetoric, pointed out that both acts were justified to the public by the need to protect allegedly persecuted minorities, German (in Czechoslovakia) in the first case and Russian in the second, and mentioned the staged referendum as a sham to provide legal cover for the forcible annexation. ...}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Žalimas |first=Dainius |date=14 March 2017 |title=LESSONS OF WORLD WAR II AND THE ANNEXATION OF CRIMEA |url=https://ojs.mruni.eu/ojs/international-comparative-jurisprudence/article/view/4559 |journal=International Comparative Jurisprudence |language=en |volume=3 |issue=1 |pages=25–36 |doi=10.13165/j.icj.2017.03.003 |issn=2351-6674|doi-access=free }}</ref> | |||
=== Euromaidan, Revolution of Dignity, and the War in Donbas === | |||
{{Main|Euromaidan|Revolution of Dignity|War in Donbas}} | |||
{{See also|2014 pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine|Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|Russian imperialism}} | |||
] protests in Kyiv, December 2013]] | |||
In 2009, Yanukovych announced his intent to again run for president in the ],<ref>{{cite news |title=Yanukovych tops list of presidential candidates in Ukraine – poll |url=https://www.unian.net/eng/news/news-318868.html |agency=] |date=2 June 2009 |access-date=13 June 2009 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225025205/https://www.unian.info/politics/228200-yanukovych-tops-list-of-presidential-candidates-in-ukraine-poll.html |url-status=live}}</ref> which he subsequently won.<ref>{{cite web |last=Harding |first=Luke |date=8 February 2010 |title=Yanukovych set to become president as observers say Ukraine election was fair |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/feb/08/viktor-yanukovych-ukraine-president-election |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/feb/08/viktor-yanukovych-ukraine-president-election |archive-date=27 February 2022 |website=] |location=Kyiv |oclc=60623878}}</ref> In November 2013, he announced he would not sign the ], despite overwhelming support for the treaty within the Verkhovna Rada, instead choosing closer ties to Russia and the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Parliament passes statement on Ukraine's aspirations for European integration |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/ukraine-politics/parliament-passes-statement-on-ukraines-aspirations-for-european-integration-320792.html |work=] |date=22 February 2013}}</ref> Russia had put pressure on Ukraine to reject the agreement.<ref>{{cite book |editor-last1=Dinan |editor-first1=Desmond |editor-last2=Nugent |editor-first2=Neil |title=The European Union in Crisis |publisher=] |pages=3, 274}}</ref> This triggered a wave of pro-EU protests known as Euromaidan, which widened in scope to oppose widespread ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite book |editor-last1=Marples |editor-first1=David |editor-last2=Mills |editor-first2=Frederick |title=Ukraine's Euromaidan: Analyses of a Civil Revolution |date=2015 |publisher=] |pages=9–14}}</ref> | |||
Because of Russia's occupation of Crimea and its ], Ukraine's parliament voted in December 2014 to remove the ] clause from the ] and to seek Ukraine's ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-parliament-abandons-neutrality/26758725.html|title=Ukraine Votes To Abandon Neutrality|newspaper=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=23 December 2014|via=rferl.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/odr/nato-ukraine-neutrality-russia-zelenskyi/|title=How NATO can ease Ukraine's path to neutrality|website=openDemocracy}}</ref> However, it was impossible for Ukraine to join NATO at the time, as any applicant country must have no "unresolved external territorial disputes".<ref name="q264">{{cite web | last=Sommerlad | first=Joe | title=Why can't Ukraine join Nato? | website=The Independent | date=18 March 2022 | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-nato-membership-zelensky-russia-putin-b2039085.html | access-date=25 June 2024}}</ref> In 2016, ], ], said that it would take 20–25 years for Ukraine to join the EU and NATO.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811030116/http://www.rferl.org/content/juncker-says-ukraine-not-likely-join-eu-nato-for-20-25-years/27588682.html |date=11 August 2016 }}. ]. Published on 4 March 2016.</ref> | |||
In February 2014, clashes in Kyiv between protesters and ] ] resulted in the ]; most of the victims were shot by police snipers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Accountability for killings in Ukraine from January 2014 to May 2016 |url=https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Countries/UA/OHCHRThematicReportUkraineJan2014-May2016_EN.pdf |publisher=] |pages=9, 21–25}}</ref> On 21 February 2014, Yanukovych and parliamentary opposition leaders signed ] calling for an interim government and early elections. The following day, Yanukovych fled ] and later Ukraine;<ref>{{cite news |date=26 February 2014 |title=Источники РБК: Виктор Янукович находится в Подмосковье |newspaper=] |url=https://top.rbc.ru/politics/26/02/2014/907430.shtml |access-date=12 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227154300/https://top.rbc.ru/politics/26/02/2014/907430.shtml |archive-date=27 February 2014}}</ref> parliament subsequently voted to remove him from office.<ref>{{cite news|date=24 February 2014 |title=Rada removes Yanukovych from office, schedules new elections for May 25 |agency=] |url=https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/192030.html|url-status=live |access-date=15 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210094859/https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/192030.html |archive-date=10 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Sindelar |first=Daisy |date=23 February 2014 |title=Was Yanukovych's Ouster Constitutional? |url=https://www.rferl.org/content/was-yanukovychs-ouster-constitutional/25274346.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729143204/https://www.rferl.org/a/was-yanukovychs-ouster-constitutional/25274346.html |archive-date=29 July 2020 |access-date=25 February 2014 |newspaper=] |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Feffer |first=John |author-link=John Feffer |date=14 March 2014 |title=Who Are These 'People,' Anyway? |work=] |publisher=] |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-feffer/who-are-these-people-anyw_b_4964526.html |url-status=live |access-date=17 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318044043/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-feffer/who-are-these-people-anyw_b_4964526.html |archive-date=18 March 2014}}</ref> Leaders in Russian-speaking ] declared continuing loyalty to Yanukovych,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Polityuk |first1=Pavel |last2=Robinson |first2=Matt |last3=Baczynska |first3=Gabriela |last4=Goettig |first4=Marcin |last5=Graff |first5=Peter |last6=Elgood |first6=Giles |date=22 February 2014 |title=Ukraine parliament removes Yanukovich, who flees Kiev in 'coup' |work=Reuters |location=Kyiv |editor-last=Roche |editor-first=Andrew|url=https://in.reuters.com/article/ukraine-crisis-parliament-idINDEEA1L04L20140222 |url-status=live |access-date=18 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609181723/https://in.reuters.com/article/ukraine-crisis-parliament-idINDEEA1L04L20140222 |archive-date=9 June 2016}}</ref> leading to pro-Russian unrest.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fisher |first=Max |date=3 September 2014 |title=Everything you need to know about the Ukraine crisis |url=https://www.vox.com/2014/9/3/18088560/ukraine-everything-you-need-to-know |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122003807/https://www.vox.com/2014/9/3/18088560/ukraine-everything-you-need-to-know |archive-date=22 January 2022 |access-date=24 January 2022 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
] meeting on 9 December 2019 would be the first and only meeting between President Zelenskyy and President Putin.<ref name="i407">{{cite web | title=Zelenskyy on meeting Putin in 2019: We talked and bargained a lot | website=Ukrainska Pravda | date=25 February 2024 | url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/02/25/7443642/ | access-date=15 July 2024}}</ref>]] | |||
], with the annexed ] at bottom and two self-proclaimed separatist republics in ] at right]] | |||
The ], signed in September 2014 and February 2015, aimed to resolve the conflict, but ceasefires and further negotiations repeatedly failed.<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 July 2020 |title=Ukraine ceasefire violated more than 100 times within days: OSCE |publisher=] |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/7/29/ukraine-ceasefire-violated-more-than-100-times-within-days-osce |url-status=live |access-date=28 February 2022 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/7/29/ukraine-ceasefire-violated-more-than-100-times-within-days-osce |archive-date=1 March 2022 }}</ref> | |||
The unrest was followed by the ] of ] by Russia in March 2014 and the war in ], which started in April 2014 with the formation of two Russia-backed separatist ]s: the ] and the ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Grytsenko |first1=Oksana |last2=Vlasova |first2=Anastasia |date=12 April 2014 |title=Armed pro-Russian insurgents in Luhansk say they are ready for police raid |work=] |publisher=Businessgroup LLC |location=Luhansk |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/armed-pro-russian-insurgents-in-luhansk-say-they-are-ready-for-police-raid-343167.html|access-date=1 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412131249/https://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/armed-pro-russian-insurgents-in-luhansk-say-they-are-ready-for-police-raid-343167.html |archive-date=12 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Ragozin |first=Leonid |date=16 March 2019 |title=Annexation of Crimea: A masterclass in political manipulation |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2019/3/16/annexation-of-crimea-a-masterclass-in-political-manipulation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200528090201/https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/annexation-crimea-masterclass-political-manipulation-190315174459207.html |archive-date=8 May 2020 |access-date=24 January 2022 |publisher=] |location=Riga}}</ref> Russian troops were involved in the conflict.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Charap |first1=Samuel |last2=Boston |first2=Scott |title=U.S. Military Aid to Ukraine: A Silver Bullet? |url=https://www.rand.org/blog/2022/01/us-military-aid-to-ukraine-a-silver-bullet.html |publisher=] |date=21 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Walker |first1=Shaun |last2=Grytsenko |first2=Oksana |last3=Ragozin |first3=Leonid |title=Russian soldier: 'You're better clueless because the truth is horrible' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/03/ukraine-soldier-youre-better-clueless-because-truth-horrible-moscow-ilovaysk |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/03/ukraine-soldier-youre-better-clueless-because-truth-horrible-moscow-ilovaysk |archive-date=1 March 2022 |access-date=28 February 2022 |work=] |date=3 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Exclusive: Charred tanks in Ukraine point to Russian involvement |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-tanks-exclusive-idUSKCN0IC1GE20141023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-tanks-exclusive-idUSKCN0IC1GE20141023 |archive-date=1 March 2022 |access-date=28 February 2022 |work=Reuters |date=23 October 2014}}</ref> The ] were signed in September 2014 and February 2015 in a bid to stop the fighting, although ceasefires repeatedly failed.<ref>{{cite news |date=29 July 2020 |title=Ukraine ceasefire violated more than 100 times within days: OSCE |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/7/29/ukraine-ceasefire-violated-more-than-100-times-within-days-osce |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/7/29/ukraine-ceasefire-violated-more-than-100-times-within-days-osce |archive-date=1 March 2022 |access-date=28 February 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> A dispute emerged over the role of Russia: ] members France, Germany, and Ukraine saw Minsk as an agreement between Russia and Ukraine, whereas Russia insisted Ukraine should negotiate directly with the two ] republics.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 November 2021 |title=France says Russia refused to hold ministerial meeting on Ukraine |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/france-says-russia-refused-hold-normandy-format-meeting-ukraine-2021-11-09/ |access-date=26 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=12 July 2021 |title=Article by Vladimir Putin 'On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians' |url=https://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66181 |access-date=26 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219001954/https://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66181 |archive-date=19 February 2022 |website=] |quote=... the outcome of both Minsk‑1 and Minsk‑2 which give a real chance to peacefully restore the territorial integrity of Ukraine by coming to an agreement directly with the DPR and LPR with Russia, Germany and France as mediators, contradicts the entire logic of the anti-Russia project.}}</ref> In 2021, Putin refused offers from Ukrainian president ] for high-level talks, and the Russian government subsequently endorsed an article by former president ] arguing it was pointless to deal with Ukraine while it remained a "vassal" of the US.<ref>{{cite web |date=11 October 2021 |title=Russia Shouldn't Negotiate With 'Vassal' Ukraine, Ex-President Medvedev Says |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/10/11/russia-shouldnt-negotiate-with-vassal-ukraine-ex-president-medvedev-says-a75263 |access-date=26 January 2022 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
=== Economic aspects === | |||
{{anchor|putinsEssay}} | |||
In August 2012, the Ukrainian government of ], who, like the then Ukrainian President ], maintained good relations with the Russian leadership, commissioned a consortium including ], ], ] and the Ukrainian state-owned NAK Nadra Ukrainy to extract oil and natural gas in the Ukrainian part of the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-08-17 |title=Ukraine vergibt Offshore-Gas-Projekt an Shell und Exxon Mobil |url=https://www.energate-messenger.de/news/125491/ukraine-vergibt-offshore-gas-projekt-an-shell-und-exxon-mobil |access-date=2024-12-06 |website=www.energate-messenger.de |language=de}}</ref><ref name=":52">{{Cite web |title=Exxon und Shell kämpfen um ukrainische Öl- und Gasfelder |url=https://deutsche-wirtschafts-nachrichten.de/2014/03/13/exxon-und-shell-kaempfen-um-ukrainische-oel-und-gasfelder |access-date=2024-12-06 |website=Deutsche Wirtschafts Nachrichten |language=de-DE}}</ref> In 2013, Italy's largest oil and gas producer, ], was granted a license to extract oil and gas on the east coast of ]. In 2014, it was reported that if ], the production licenses could be reassigned and previous license holders would find themselves in a ].<ref name=":52" /> | |||
The annexation of Crimea led to a new wave of Russian nationalism, with large parts of the Russian ] movement aspiring to annexe more Ukrainian land, including the unrecognised ].<ref>{{cite news |first=Casey |last=Michael |date=19 June 2015 |title=Pew Survey: Irredentism Alive and Well in Russia |publisher=] |url=https://thediplomat.com/2015/06/pew-survey-irredentism-alive-and-well-in-russia/}}</ref> Analyst ] argued that Putin's 2014 speech after the annexation of Crimea was a ''de facto'' "manifesto of ]".<ref>{{cite news |first=Vladimir |last=Socor |author-link=Vladimir Socor |title=Putin's Crimea Speech: A Manifesto of Greater-Russia Irredentism |volume=11 |publisher=] |issue=56 |date=24 March 2014 |url=https://jamestown.org/program/putins-crimea-speech-a-manifesto-of-greater-russia-irredentism/}}</ref> In July 2021, Putin published an essay titled "]", in which he reaffirmed his view that Russians and Ukrainians were "]".<ref>{{cite web |last=Putin |first=Vladimir |author-link=Vladimir Putin |date=12 July 2021 |title=Article by Vladimir Putin 'On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians' |url=https://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66181 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125053520/https://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66181 |archive-date=25 January 2021 |access-date=1 February 2022 |website=] |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
Economic interests were also a motive for Russia's attack on Ukraine and its ]. ] deposits in the ] and Ukraine's grain wealth would mean a "monopoly on the world market" for Russia if it took over Ukraine.<ref name="auto3">{{Cite news |last=Brumme |first=Christoph |date=2024-01-28 |title=Der dysfunktionale russische Staat ist nicht wettbewerbsfähig |url=https://www.nzz.ch/meinung/des-kremls-uebersehene-kriegsgruende-der-dysfunktionale-russische-staat-kann-im-friedlichen-wettbewerb-mit-anderen-laendern-schlicht-nicht-mithalten-ld.1775119 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=Neue Zürcher Zeitung |language=de-CH |issn=0376-6829}}</ref> In 2022, Russian General Vladimir Ovchinsky confirmed that the "Russian special operation" was aimed at seizing Ukrainian lithium deposits. He claimed that Russia was thereby getting ahead of the United States. In fact, it was the Australian company ''European Lithium'' that received the mining rights for lithium deposits in ] and ] at the end of 2021. Almost at the same time, the Chinese company ''Chengxin Lithium'' had also applied for this, but was rejected.<ref name=":32">{{Cite web |last=Brumme |first=Christoph |title=In der Ukraine kämpft Russland um Rohstoffe |url=https://www.n-tv.de/politik/Der-Krieg-gegen-die-Ukraine-ist-fuer-Russland-ein-Kampf-um-Rohstoffe-article25032685.html |access-date=2024-12-06 |website=n-tv.de |language=de}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{Cite news |last=Margolina |first=Sonja |date=2024-03-23 |title=Russlands Appetit auf die ukrainischen Rohstoffe für die E-Zukunft |url=https://www.nzz.ch/feuilleton/russlands-appetit-auf-die-ukrainischen-rohstoffe-fuer-die-e-zukunft-ld.1821818 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=Neue Zürcher Zeitung |language=de-CH |issn=0376-6829}}</ref> | |||
American historian ] described Putin's ideas as ],<ref>{{cite web |last=Snyder |first=Timothy D. |date=18 January 2022 |title=How to think about war in Ukraine |url=https://snyder.substack.com/p/how-to-think-about-war-in-ukraine |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119065436/https://snyder.substack.com/p/how-to-think-about-war-in-ukraine |archive-date=19 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2021 |website=Thinking about... (newsletter) |publisher=]}}</ref> while British journalist ] called it ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Lucas |first=Edward |author-link=Edward Lucas (journalist) |date=15 September 2020 |title=Why Putin's history essay requires a rewrite |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/why-putins-history-essay-requires-a-rewrite-6nzjzbqjb |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125143913/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/why-putins-history-essay-requires-a-rewrite-6nzjzbqjb |archive-date=25 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2022 |work=]}}</ref> Other observers regarded the Russian leadership as having a distorted view of modern Ukraine and its history.<ref>{{cite web |last=Roth |first=Andrew |date=7 December 2021|title=Putin's Ukraine rhetoric driven by distorted view of neighbour |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/07/putins-ukraine-rhetoric-driven-by-distorted-view-of-neighbour |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207180813/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/07/putins-ukraine-rhetoric-driven-by-distorted-view-of-neighbour |archive-date=7 December 2021 |access-date=25 January 2021 |work=] |publication-place=Moscow}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Dickinson |first1=Peter |last2=Haring |first2=Melinda |last3=Lubkivsky |first3=Danylo |last4=Motyl |first4=Alexander |author-link4=Alexander J. Motyl |last5=Whitmore |first5=Brian |last6=Goncharenko |first6=Oleksiy |last7=Fedchenko |first7=Yevhen |last8=Bonner |first8=Brian |last9=Kuzio |first9=Taras |author-link9=Taras Kuzio |date=15 July 2021 |title=Putin's new Ukraine essay reveals imperial ambitions |url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/putins-new-ukraine-essay-reflects-imperial-ambitions/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715191212/https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/putins-new-ukraine-essay-reflects-imperial-ambitions/ |archive-date=15 July 2021 |access-date=25 January 2021 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=Andrew |date=23 December 2021 |title=Russia and Ukraine: 'One People' as Putin Claims? |url=https://rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/russia-and-ukraine-one-people-putin-claims |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124130721/https://rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/russia-and-ukraine-one-people-putin-claims/ |archive-date=24 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> Ukraine and other European countries neighbouring Russia accused Putin of ], attempts to restore the ] and of pursuing aggressive ] policies.<ref>{{cite web|author=Agencies |date=13 September 2014 |title=Putin wants to destroy Ukraine and restore Soviet Union, says Yatseniuk |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/13/putin-destroy-restore-soviet-union-ukraine-pm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125154846/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/13/putin-destroy-restore-soviet-union-ukraine-pm |archive-date=25 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2022 |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Bullough |first=Oliver |author-link=Oliver Bullough |date=28 March 2014 |title=Vladimir Putin: The rebuilding of 'Soviet' Russia |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-26769481 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124104112/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-26769481 |archive-date=24 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2022 |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Rubin |first=Trudy |date=11 January 2022 |title=Putin wants to reestablish the Russian empire. Can NATO stop him without war? |url=https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/ukraine-putin-russia-nato-20220111.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125155257/https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/ukraine-putin-russia-nato-20220111.html |archive-date=25 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2022 |work=] |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
Although the US government estimates that Russia's economic losses from the war and Western sanctions will amount to around $1.3 trillion by 2025, and the direct financial expenditure for conducting the war is estimated at around $250 billion (as of autumn 2024) - costs that Russia could not have foreseen. However, according to a study published in summer 2022 by the Canadian think tank SecDev, Russia controlled energy reserves, metals and minerals worth at least $12.4 trillion in the occupied territories in Donbas, including 41 coal fields (63 percent of Ukraine's coal reserves), 27 natural gas fields, 9 oil fields, 6 iron ore deposits, 2 titanium ore deposits, 1 strontium and 1 uranium deposit, 1 gold deposit and 1 large limestone quarry. The total value of national raw material stocks in Ukraine is estimated at over $26 trillion.<ref name=":32" /> The value of lithium and ] in Ukraine is estimated at around $11.5 trillion.<ref name=":42" /> In January 2024, the Russian occupation administration in Donetsk Oblast granted the Russian ] a "permission" to mine lithium in the Shevchenko deposit near Kurakhovo, where the lithium deposit is estimated to be worth hundreds of billions of US dollars.<ref name=":32" /> | |||
The green transformation or ] in Europe is threatening Russia's usual business and existence model, the trade in ]s. The energy transition is creating new dependencies, because technologies such as wind turbines, photovoltaics and electric car batteries are dependent on lithium and rare earths. Mining them in Europe would be too expensive due to high environmental regulations, low acceptance among the population and considerable labor costs (which is why they were imported from China and countries in the ]); however, Ukraine ranks fourth in the world with 800 deposits of 94 different mineral resources and would thus displace Russia as a trading partner. A few months before the start of the Russian invasion, the EU and Ukraine had signed a Green Deal or a transformation program for Ukraine, because the ] was at the time the most energy-intensive in the world with the most ineffective and expensive thermal power generation. The program envisaged further economic integration between the two contracting parties and climate neutrality in Ukraine by 2060. In addition to areas for the expansion of wind and solar energy, Ukraine also has infrastructure to transport ] to the EU. In addition, 22 of the 30 raw materials that the EU classified as strategically important are available in large quantities in Ukraine. Russia could only benefit from the energy transition in Europe if it acquired the resources and infrastructure on Ukrainian soil. Europe would then be even more dependent on Russia. If Russia were to achieve its war goals, Russia could steal and gain more than it would lose in peace through reduced exports to Europe.<ref name=":32" /><ref name=":42" /> | |||
The Russian elite, especially Russian generals, had invested their assets and property in Ukraine for ] before the begin of the conflict.<ref name="auto3"/><!-- Putin refused ]'s offer in 2021 to hold high-level talks. The Russian government endorsed an essay by former president ] that said it was pointless to deal with Ukraine, claiming it was a "]" of the United States.<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 October 2021 |title=Russia Shouldn't Negotiate With 'Vassal' Ukraine, Ex-President Medvedev Says |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/10/11/russia-shouldnt-negotiate-with-vassal-ukraine-ex-president-medvedev-says-a75263 |access-date=26 January 2022 |work=]}}</ref> --> | |||
== Prelude == | == Prelude == | ||
{{Main|Prelude to the |
{{Main|Prelude to the Russian invasion of Ukraine|Ukraine–NATO relations#Russian opposition to Ukrainian NATO membership}} | ||
] | |||
There was a large Russian military build-up near the Ukraine border in March and April 2021,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/russian-military-buildup-ukraines-border-expert-analysis | |||
|title=The Russian Military Buildup on Ukraine's Border: An Expert Analysis |first1=Peter B. | |||
|last1=Zwack |first2=Victor |last2=Andrusiv |first3=Oksana |last3=Antonenko |date=15 April 2021 |publisher=]}} | |||
* {{cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/22/europe/russia-military-ukraine-border-exercises-intl/index.html |title=Russia pulls back troops after massive buildup near Ukraine border |first1=Zahra |last1=Ullah |first2=Anna | |||
|last2=Chernova |first3=Eliza |last3=Mackintosh |publisher=] |date=23 April 2021}}</ref> and again in both Russia and Belarus from October 2021 onward.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Harris |first1=Shane |last2=Sonne |first2=Paul |date=3 December 2021 |title=Russia planning massive military offensive against Ukraine involving 175,000 troops, U.S. intelligence warns |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/russia-ukraine-invasion/2021/12/03/98a3760e-546b-11ec-8769-2f4ecdf7a2ad_story.html |access-date=23 February 2023}} | |||
* {{Cite web |last=Schogol |first=Jeff |date=22 February 2022 |title=Here's what those mysterious white 'Z' markings on Russian military equipment may mean |url=https://taskandpurpose.com/analysis/russian-military-equipment-white-markings/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://taskandpurpose.com/analysis/russian-military-equipment-white-markings/ |archive-date=27 February 2022 |access-date=27 February 2022 |website=] |publisher=North Equity |quote=ottom line is the 'Z' markings (and others like it) are a deconfliction measure to help prevent friendly fire incidents.}}</ref> Members of the Russian government, including Putin, repeatedly denied having plans to invade or attack Ukraine, with denials being issued up to the day before the invasion.<ref name="denials">{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Adam |others=Photograph by ] (]) |date=24 February 2022 |title=Russia's attack on Ukraine came after months of denials it would attack |newspaper=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/24/ukraine-russia-denials/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220224205233/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/24/ukraine-russia-denials/ |archive-date=24 February 2022 |quote=On Sunday ... "There is no invasion. There is no such plans," Antonov said.}}</ref><ref name="Deny">{{Cite news |last1=Farley |first1=Robert |last2=Kiely |first2=Eugene |date=24 February 2022 |title=Russian Rhetoric Ahead of Attack 66 Ukraine: Deny, Deflect, Mislead |work=] |publisher=] |url=https://www.factcheck.org/2022/02/russian-rhetoric-ahead-of-attack-against-ukraine-deny-deflect-mislead/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.factcheck.org/2022/02/russian-rhetoric-ahead-of-attack-against-ukraine-deny-deflect-mislead/ |archive-date=27 February 2022 |quote=Nov. 28 – ... 'Russia has never hatched, is not hatching and will never hatch any plans to attack anyone,' Peskov said. ... 19 Jan – ... Ryabkov ... 'We do not want and will not take any action of aggressive character. We will not attack, strike, invade, quote unquote, whatever Ukraine.'}}</ref><ref name="Czech">{{cite news |last=Fořtová |first=Klára |date=8 March 2022 |title=Velvyslanec Ukrajiny v Česku denně promlouvá, ruský mlčí a je 'neviditelný' |language=cs |trans-title=Ukraine's ambassador to the Czech Republic speaks daily, the Russian is silent and 'invisible' |work=] |url=https://www.idnes.cz/zpravy/domaci/jevhen-perebyjnis-alexandr-zmejevskij-velvyslanec-rusko-ukrajina.A220307_095550_domaci_klf |url-status=live |access-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308092951/https://www.idnes.cz/zpravy/domaci/jevhen-perebyjnis-alexandr-zmejevskij-velvyslanec-rusko-ukrajina.A220307_095550_domaci_klf |archive-date=8 March 2022 |quote=Zmejevský{{nbsp}}... 'Důrazně jsme odmítli jako nepodložená obvinění Ruska z přípravy, agrese vůči Ukrajině a fámy o vstupu ruských jednotek na ukrajinské území,' stojí v něm. |trans-quote=Zmeevsky{{nbsp}}... 'We emphatically dismissed Russia's allegations of preparation, aggression against Ukraine and rumors of Russian troops entering Ukrainian territory,' he said.}}</ref> The decision to invade Ukraine was reportedly made by Putin and a small group of ]s or '']i'' in Putin's inner circle, including national security adviser ] and ] ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 March 2022 |title=Kremlin Insiders Alarmed Over Growing Toll of Putin's War in Ukraine |work=] |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-20/putin-s-war-in-ukraine-has-russian-elites-fearing-global-isolation}}</ref> Reports of an alleged leak of Russian ] (FSB) documents by US intelligence sources said that the FSB had not been aware of Putin's plan to invade.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ball |first=Tom |date=7 March 2022 |title=This war will be a total failure, FSB whistleblower says |work=] |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/this-war-will-be-a-total-failure-fsb-whistleblower-says-wl2gtdl9m |access-date=21 March 2022 }}</ref> | |||
In July 2021, Putin published an essay "]", in which he called Ukraine "historically Russian lands" and claimed there is "no historical basis" for the "idea of Ukrainian people as a nation separate from the Russians".<ref name="Duben">{{cite journal |last1=Düben |first1=Björn Alexander |title=Revising History and 'Gathering the Russian Lands': Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian Nationhood |journal=LSE Public Policy Review |date=8 September 2023 |volume=3 |issue=1 |doi=10.31389/lseppr.86 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Putin |first=Vladimir |author-link=Vladimir Putin |date=12 July 2021 |title=Article by Vladimir Putin 'On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians' |url=https://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66181 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125053520/https://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66181 |archive-date=25 January 2022 |access-date=1 February 2022 |website=] |publisher=]}}</ref>{{anchor|putinsEssay}} Days before the invasion, Putin claimed that Ukraine never had "real statehood" and that modern Ukraine was a mistake created by the ].<ref name="Time22222"/> American historian ] described Putin's ideas as ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Snyder |first=Timothy D. |author-link=Timothy D. Snyder |date=18 January 2022 |title=How to think about war in Ukraine |url=https://snyder.substack.com/p/how-to-think-about-war-in-ukraine |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119065436/https://snyder.substack.com/p/how-to-think-about-war-in-ukrfaine |archive-date=19 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2022 |website=Thinking about... (newsletter) |publisher=] |quote=Historically speaking, the idea that a dictator in another country decides who is a nation and who is not is known as imperialism.}}</ref> British journalist ] described it as historical revisionism. Other observers found that Russia's leadership held a distorted view of Ukraine, as well as of its own history,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roth |first=Andrew |date=7 December 2021 |title=Putin's Ukraine rhetoric driven by distorted view of neighbor |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/07/putins-ukraine-rhetoric-driven-by-distorted-view-of-neighbour |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207180813/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/07/putins-ukraine-rhetoric-driven-by-distorted-view-of-neighbour |archive-date=7 December 2021 |access-date=25 January 2021 |website=] |quote=fear has gone hand-in-hand with chauvinistic bluster that indicates Moscow has a distorted view of modern Ukraine and the goals it wants to achieve there.}} | |||
=== Rise in tensions (March 2021 – February 2022) === | |||
* {{Cite web |last=Lucas |first=Edward |date=15 September 2020 |title=Why Putin's history essay requires a rewrite |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/why-putins-history-essay-requires-a-rewrite-6nzjzbqjb |url-access=subscription | |||
] depart Italy's ] for Latvia, 23 February 2022. Thousands of US troops were deployed to Eastern Europe amid Russia's military build-up.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.stripes.com/theaters/europe/2022-02-24/173rd-Airborne-Brigade-Ukraine-Latvia-Russia-5128627.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.stripes.com/theaters/europe/2022-02-24/173rd-Airborne-Brigade-Ukraine-Latvia-Russia-5128627.html |archive-date=26 February 2022 |work=] |title=173rd Airborne Brigade battalion heads to Latvia as Ukraine comes under Russian attack |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022}}</ref>]] | |||
|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125143913/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/why-putins-history-essay-requires-a-rewrite-6nzjzbqjb |archive-date=25 January 2022 |access-date=25 September 2023 |website=]}} | |||
From March to April 2021, Russia commenced a major military build-up near the Russo-Ukrainian border. It was followed by a second build-up between October 2021 to February 2022 in both Russia and Belarus.<ref name="Zsymbol">{{cite web |last=Schogol |first=Jeff |date=22 February 2022 |title=Here's what those mysterious white 'Z' markings on Russian military equipment may mean |url=https://taskandpurpose.com/analysis/russian-military-equipment-white-markings/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://taskandpurpose.com/analysis/russian-military-equipment-white-markings/ |archive-date=27 February 2022 |access-date=27 February 2022 |website=] |publisher=North Equity |quote=ottom line is the 'Z' markings (and others like it) are a deconfliction measure to help prevent fratricide, or friendly fire incidents.}}</ref> During these developments, the Russian government repeatedly denied it had plans to invade or attack Ukraine;<ref name="denials">{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Adam |others=Photograph by ] (]) |date=24 February 2022 |title=Russia's attack on Ukraine came after months of denials it would attack |newspaper=] |publisher=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/24/ukraine-russia-denials/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220224205233/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/24/ukraine-russia-denials/ |archive-date=24 February 2022 |url-status=live |quote=On Sunday ... "There is no invasion. There is no such plans," Antonov said.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=24 February 2022 |title=Putin attacked Ukraine after insisting for months there was no plan to do so. Now he says there's no plan to take over. |publisher=] |location=Kharkiv |publication-date=22 February 2022 |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-ukraine-putin-invasion-after-denials-now-says-no-occupation-plan |url-status=live |access-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-ukraine-putin-invasion-after-denials-now-says-no-occupation-plan |archive-date=27 February 2022}}</ref> those who issued the denials included government spokesman ] on 28 November 2021, Deputy Foreign Minister ] on 19 January 2022,<ref name="Deny">{{cite news |last1=Farley |first1=Robert |last2=Kiely |first2=Eugene |others=Photograph by Aris Messinis (]) |date=24 February 2022 |title=Russian Rhetoric Ahead of Attack Against Ukraine: Deny, Deflect, Mislead |work=] |publisher=] |quote=Nov. 28 – ... 'Russia has never hatched, is not hatching and will never hatch any plans to attack anyone,' Peskov said. ... Jan. 19 – ... Ryabkov ... 'We do not want and will not take any action of aggressive character. We will not attack, strike, invade, quote unquote, whatever Ukraine.' |url=https://www.factcheck.org/2022/02/russian-rhetoric-ahead-of-attack-against-ukraine-deny-deflect-mislead/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.factcheck.org/2022/02/russian-rhetoric-ahead-of-attack-against-ukraine-deny-deflect-mislead/ |archive-date=27 February 2022}}</ref> ] ] on 20 February 2022,<ref name="denials" /> and Russian ambassador to the Czech Republic Alexander Zmeevsky on 23 February 2022.<ref name="Czech">{{cite news |last=Fořtová |first=Klára |title=Velvyslanec Ukrajiny v Česku denně promlouvá, ruský mlčí a je 'neviditelný' |trans-title=Ukraine's ambassador to the Czech Republic speaks daily, the Russian is silent and 'invisible' |url=https://www.idnes.cz/zpravy/domaci/jevhen-perebyjnis-alexandr-zmejevskij-velvyslanec-rusko-ukrajina.A220307_095550_domaci_klf |access-date=10 March 2022 |work=] |date=8 March 2022 |quote=Zmejevský ... 'Důrazně jsme odmítli jako nepodložená obvinění Ruska z přípravy, agrese vůči Ukrajině a fámy o vstupu ruských jednotek na ukrajinské území,' stojí v něm. |trans-quote=Zmeevsky ... 'We emphatically dismissed Russia's allegations of preparation, aggression against Ukraine and rumors of Russian troops entering Ukrainian territory,' he said. |language=cs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308092951/https://www.idnes.cz/zpravy/domaci/jevhen-perebyjnis-alexandr-zmejevskij-velvyslanec-rusko-ukrajina.A220307_095550_domaci_klf |archive-date=8 March 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
* {{Cite web |last1=Dickinson |first1=Peter |last2=Haring |first2=Melinda |last3=Lubkivsky |first3=Danylo |last4=Motyl | |||
|first4=Alexander |last5=Whitmore |first5=Brian |last6=Goncharenko |first6=Oleksiy |last7=Fedchenko |first7=Yevhen | |||
|last8=Bonner |first8=Brian |last9=Kuzio |first9=Taras |date=15 July 2021 |title=Putin's new Ukraine essay reveals imperial ambitions |url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/putins-new-ukraine-essay-reflects-imperial-ambitions/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715191212/https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/putins-new-ukraine-essay-reflects-imperial-ambitions/ |archive-date=15 July 2021 |access-date=25 September 2023 |publisher=] |quote=Vladimir Putin's inaccurate and distorted claims are neither new nor surprising. They are just the latest example of gaslighting by the Kremlin leader.}} | |||
* {{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Andrew |date=23 December 2021 |title=Russia and Ukraine: 'One People' as Putin Claims? |url=https://rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/russia-and-ukraine-one-people-putin-claims | |||
|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124130721/https://rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/russia-and-ukraine-one-people-putin-claims/ |archive-date=24 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2022 |publisher=] |quote=Putin's key trope is that Ukrainians and Russians are 'one people', and he calls them both 'Russian'. He starts with a myth of common origin: 'Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians are all descendants of Ancient Rus', which was the largest state in Europe' from the 9th to 13th centuries AD.}}</ref> and that these distortions were propagated through the state.<ref> | |||
{{Cite web |last=Wiśnicki |first=Jarosław |date=14 July 2023 |title=History as an information weapon in Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine |url=<!-- https://web.archive.org/web/20230714101038/https://euvsdisinfo.eu/history-as-an-information-weapon-in-russias-full-scale-war-in-ukraine/ -->https://euvsdisinfo.eu/history-as-an-information-weapon-in-russias-full-scale-war-in-ukraine/ }}</ref> | |||
In December 2021, Russia issued ], which included demands that NATO end all activity in its Eastern European member states and ban Ukraine or any ] from ever joining the alliance.<ref name="Reuters 17 Dec 21">{{Cite news |last1=Tétrault-Farber |first1=Gabrielle |last2=Balmforth |first2=Tom |date=17 December 2021 |title=Russia demands NATO roll back from East Europe and stay out of Ukraine |work=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-unveils-security-guarantees-says-western-response-not-encouraging-2021-12-17/ |url-status=live |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222081106/https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-unveils-security-guarantees-says-western-response-not-encouraging-2021-12-17/ |archive-date=22 February 2022}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> Russia's government said NATO was a threat and warned of a military response if it followed an "aggressive line".<ref>{{Cite news |last=MacKinnon |first=Mark |date=21 December 2021 |title=Putin warns of unspecified military response if U.S. and NATO continue 'aggressive line' |work=] |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-putin-warns-of-unspecified-military-response-if-us-and-nato-continue/ |url-status=live |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115165246/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-putin-warns-of-unspecified-military-response-if-us-and-nato-continue/ |archive-date=15 January 2022}}</ref> Some of the demands had already been ruled out by NATO. A senior US official said the US was willing to discuss the proposals, but added that there were some "that the Russians know are unacceptable".<ref name="Reuters 17 Dec 21"/> Eastern European states willingly joined NATO for security reasons, and the last time a country bordering Russia had joined was in 2004. Ukraine had not yet applied, and some members were wary of letting it join.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Coyer |first=Cassandre |date=25 February 2022 |title=Why is Ukraine not in NATO and is it too late to join? Here's what experts, NATO say |work=] |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article258774458.html |url-status=live |access-date=28 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329021337/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article258774458.html |archive-date=29 March 2022}}</ref> Barring Ukraine would go against NATO's "]" policy, and against treaties agreed to by Russia itself.<ref name="NATO myths">{{Cite web |title=NATO-Russia: Setting the record straight |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/115204.htm |access-date=16 May 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref> NATO Secretary General ] replied that "Russia has no say" on whether Ukraine joins, and "has no right to establish a ] to try to control their neighbours".<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 December 2021 |title=NATO chief: "Russia has no right to establish a sphere of influence" |work=] |url=https://www.axios.com/nato-russia-ukraine-invasion-18619fd7-be80-4d37-86f8-fcebcb1fbe8a.html |url-status=live |access-date=17 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214172403/https://www.axios.com/nato-russia-ukraine-invasion-18619fd7-be80-4d37-86f8-fcebcb1fbe8a.html |archive-date=14 February 2022}}</ref> NATO underlined that it is a ], and that ] until the latter annexed Crimea.<ref name="NATO myths"/> It offered to improve communication with Russia, and to negotiate limits on missile placements and ]s, provided Russia withdrew its troops from Ukraine's borders,<ref>{{cite news |title=US offers no concessions in response to Russia on Ukraine |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-united-states-moscow-72856781c3b92640d03c5e954488ba90 |work=] |date=26 January 2022}}</ref> but Russia did not do so. | |||
Putin's chief national security adviser, ],<ref>{{cite news |title=The Hard-Line Russian Advisers Who Have Putin's Ear |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/30/world/europe/putin-top-advisers-ukraine.html |first=Anton |last=Troianovski |work=] |date=30 January 2022 |access-date=28 March 2022}}</ref> who believed that the West has been in an undeclared war with Russia for years,<ref>{{cite news |last=Galeotti |first=Mark |title=New National Security Strategy Is a Paranoid's Charter |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/07/05/new-national-security-strategy-is-a-paranoids-charter-a74424 |work=] |date=5 July 2021 |access-date=28 March 2022}}</ref> was a leading figure behind Russia's updated ] strategy, published in May 2021. It stated that Russia may use "forceful methods" to "thwart or avert unfriendly actions that threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Russian Federation".<ref>{{cite news |title=Russia's security strategy envisages 'forceful methods' |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/russias-security-strategy-envisages-forceful-methods-78002786 |publisher=] |date=31 May 2021 |access-date=28 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Putin's inner circle: Who has the Russian president's ear on the war in Ukraine? |url=https://www.dw.com/en/putins-inner-circle-who-has-the-russian-presidents-ear-on-the-war-in-ukraine/a-61102576 |editor-first=Jane |editor-last=Paulick |publisher=] |date=11 March 2022 |access-date=28 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
Western leaders vowed that heavy sanctions would be imposed should Putin choose to invade rather than to negotiate.<ref>{{cite news |title=U.S. and NATO Respond to Putin's Demands as Ukraine Tensions Mount |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/26/us/politics/russia-demands-us-ukraine.html |work=] |date=26 January 2022}}</ref> French President ]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/kremlin-denies-putin-promised-not-hold-manoeuvres-near-ukraine-2022-02-08/ |title=France's Macron calls for calm to resolve Ukraine crisis |first1=Michael |last1=Rose |first2=Pavel |last2=Polityuk |date=8 February 2022 |work=]}}</ref> and German Chancellor ] met Putin in February 2022 to dissuade him from an invasion. According to Scholz, Putin told him that Ukraine should not be an independent state.<ref>{{cite news |title=Scholz: Putin started war for 'completely absurd' reasons |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-scholz-says-putin-started-war-for-completely-absurd-reasons/a-62880926 |work=] |date=21 August 2022}}</ref> Scholz told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to declare Ukraine a ] and renounce its aspirations to join NATO. Zelenskyy replied that Putin could not be trusted to abide by such a settlement.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Gordon |first1=Michael R. |last2=Pancevski |first2=Bojan |last3=Bisserbe |first3=Noemie |last4=Walker |first4=Marcus |date=1 April 2022 |title=Vladimir Putin's 20-Year March to War in Ukraine—and How the West Mishandled It |work=] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/vladimir-putins-20-year-march-to-war-in-ukraineand-how-the-west-mishandled-it-11648826461 |url-access=subscription |access-date=18 June 2022}}</ref> Ukraine had been a neutral country in 2014 when Russia occupied Crimea and ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Blank |first1=Stephen |title=Ukrainian neutrality would not appease Putin or prevent further Russian aggression |url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/ukrainian-neutrality-would-not-appease-putin-or-prevent-further-russian-aggression/ |publisher=] |date=28 January 2022}}</ref><ref name="Chatham House: How to end Russia's war on Ukraine">{{cite web |last1=Lutsevych |first1=Orysia |title=How to end Russia's war on Ukraine: Safeguarding Europe's future, and the dangers of a false peace |url=https://www.chathamhouse.org/2023/06/how-end-russias-war-ukraine/fallacy-3-ukraine-should-adopt-neutrality |publisher=] |doi=10.55317/9781784135782 |date=27 June 2023}}</ref> On 19 February, Zelenskyy made a speech at the ], calling for Western powers to drop their policy of "]" towards Moscow and give a clear time-frame for when Ukraine could join NATO.<ref>{{cite news |title=West should stop 'appeasement' policy towards Russia, says Ukraine's Zelensky |url=https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20220219-harris-to-meet-zelensky-as-ukraine-crisis-overshadows-munich-security-conference |access-date=10 February 2024 |work=France 24 |date=19 February 2022}}</ref> As political analysts ] and ] agree, "when Russia made its decision to invade Ukraine, that country was more remote than ever not only from NATO membership but from any track that might lead to membership".<ref name=":5">{{Cite book |last1=Kuzio |first1=Taras |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IpBtzwEACAAJ |title=Fascism and Genocide: Russia's War Against Ukrainians |last2=Jajecznyk-Kelman |first2=Stefan |date=2023 |publisher=COLUMBIA University Press |isbn=978-3-8382-1791-8 |pages=17, 57 |language=en}}</ref> | |||
In early December 2021, following Russian denials, the US released intelligence of Russian invasion plans, including satellite photographs showing Russian troops and equipment near the Russo-Ukrainian border.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harris |first1=Shane |last2=Sonne |first2=Paul |date=3 December 2021 |title=Russia planning massive military offensive against Ukraine involving 175,000 troops, U.S. intelligence warns |newspaper=] |publisher=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/russia-ukraine-invasion/2021/12/03/98a3760e-546b-11ec-8769-2f4ecdf7a2ad_story.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=4 March 2022 |quote=.S. intelligence has found the Kremlin is planning a multi-frontal offensive as soon as early next year involving up to 175,000 troops ... .}}</ref> The intelligence reported the existence of a Russian list of key sites and individuals to be killed or neutralised upon invasion.<ref name="diditmatter">{{cite news |last=Merchant |first=Nomaan |others=Photographs by Alexei Alexandrov and Alex Brandon (AP Photo) |date=25 February 2022 |title=US intel predicted Russia's invasion plans. Did it matter? |work=] |location=Washington, D.C. |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-business-europe-8acc2106b95554429e93dfee5e253743 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-business-europe-8acc2106b95554429e93dfee5e253743 |archive-date=1 March 2022 |access-date=28 February 2022}}</ref> The US continued to release reports that accurately predicted the invasion plans.<ref name="diditmatter" /> | |||
=== |
=== Putin's invasion announcement === | ||
{{Main|On conducting a special military operation}} | |||
{{further|Russian opposition to Ukrainian NATO membership}} | |||
On 21 February, Putin ] that Russia recognized the Russian-controlled territories of Ukraine as independent states: the Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic. The following day, Russia announced that it was sending troops into these territories as "peacekeepers",<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 February 2022 |title=Ukraine crisis: Russia orders troops into rebel-held regions |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60468237}}</ref> and the ] authorised the use of military force abroad.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 February 2022 |title=Federation Council gives consent to use the Russian Armed Forces outside of the Russian Federation |url=http://council.gov.ru/en/events/news/133443/ |access-date=21 March 2023|publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
{{See also|Disinformation in the 2021–2022 Russo-Ukrainian crisis|Humanitarian situation during the war in Donbas}} | |||
] and NATO secretary-general ] spoke to media about the prospect of a Russian invasion.]] | |||
In the months preceding the invasion, Russian officials accused Ukraine of inciting tensions, ], and the repression of ]. They also made multiple security demands of Ukraine, NATO, and non-NATO allies in the EU. These actions were described by commentators and Western officials as attempts to justify war.<ref name="Li Allen Siemaszko">{{cite news |last1=Li |first1=David K. |last2=Allen |first2=Jonathan |last3=Siemaszko |first3=Corky |date=24 February 2022 |title=Putin using false 'Nazi' narrative to justify Russia's attack on Ukraine, experts say |publisher=] |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/putin-claims-denazification-justify-russias-attack-ukraine-experts-say-rcna17537 |access-date=24 February 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225025147/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/putin-claims-denazification-justify-russias-attack-ukraine-experts-say-rcna17537 |archive-date=25 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=US accuses Moscow of creating Ukraine invasion pretext with 'genocide' claims |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220216-us-accuses-moscow-of-creating-ukraine-invasion-pretext-with-genocide-claims |publisher=] |agency=] |date=15 February 2021 |access-date=23 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224034042/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220216-us-accuses-moscow-of-creating-ukraine-invasion-pretext-with-genocide-claims |url-status=live}}</ref> On 9 December 2021, Putin said that "Russophobia is a first step towards ]".<ref>{{cite news |title=Putin Says Conflict in Eastern Ukraine 'Looks Like Genocide' |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/12/10/putin-says-conflict-in-eastern-ukraine-looks-like-genocide-a75780 |work=] |date=10 December 2021 |access-date=23 February 2022 |archive-date=21 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221082440/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/12/10/putin-says-conflict-in-eastern-ukraine-looks-like-genocide-a75780 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|script-title=ru:Путин заявил о геноциде на Донбассе |trans-title=Putin announced the genocide in the Donbas |url=https://rg.ru/2021/12/09/putin-zaiavil-o-genocide-na-donbasse.html |work=] |date=9 December 2021 |language=ru |access-date=23 February 2022 |archive-date=22 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222212644/https://rg.ru/2021/12/09/putin-zaiavil-o-genocide-na-donbasse.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Putin's claims about "de-Nazification" have been described as absurd,<ref name="animating">{{cite news |last=Stanley |first=Jason |author-link=Jason Stanley |title=The antisemitism animating Putin's claim to 'denazify' Ukraine |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/25/vladimir-putin-ukraine-attack-antisemitism-denazify |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/25/vladimir-putin-ukraine-attack-antisemitism-denazify |archive-date=1 March 2022 |access-date=28 February 2022 |work=] |date=26 February 2022}}</ref> and Russian claims of genocide were widely rejected as baseless.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukraine crisis: Vladimir Putin address fact-checked |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/60477712 |access-date=24 February 2022 |work=] |date=22 February 2022 |archive-date=23 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223162137/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/60477712 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Hinton |first=Alexander |author-link=Alexander Laban Hinton |title=Putin's claims that Ukraine is committing genocide are baseless, but not unprecedented |website=] |date=24 February 2022 |url=https://theconversation.com/putins-claims-that-ukraine-is-committing-genocide-are-baseless-but-not-unprecedented-177511 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://theconversation.com/putins-claims-that-ukraine-is-committing-genocide-are-baseless-but-not-unprecedented-177511 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|date=24 January 2022 |title=Disinformation About the Current Russia-Ukraine Conflict – Seven Myths Debunked |url=https://ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-enlargement/news/disinformation-about-current-russia-ukraine-conflict-seven-myths-debunked-2022-01-24_en |access-date=22 February 2022 |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218045942/https://ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-enlargement/news/disinformation-about-current-russia-ukraine-conflict-seven-myths-debunked-2022-01-24_en |archive-date=18 February 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> Scholars of genocide and Nazism said that Putin was abusing the term genocide and his claims were "factually wrong" and could only be interpreted symbolically or as historical anachronism.<ref name="Tabarovsky-2022-02-27" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Treisman |first=Rachel |date=1 March 2022 |title=Putin's claim of fighting against Ukraine 'neo-Nazis' distorts history, scholars say |publisher=] |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/03/01/1083677765/putin-denazify-ukraine-russia-history |access-date=8 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Troianovski |first=Anton |author-link=Anton Troianovski |date=17 March 2022 |title=Why Vladimir Putin Invokes Nazis to Justify His Invasion of Ukraine |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/17/world/europe/ukraine-putin-nazis.html |access-date=8 April 2022}}</ref> Ukrainian president Zelenskyy declared that 16 February, a speculated date for the invasion, would be a "Day of Unity".<ref>{{cite web |title=Ukrainians Display Patriotism On First Day Of Unity Amid Uncertainty About Russian Invasion |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-president-unity-day/31706342.html |website=] |date=16 February 2022 |access-date=12 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hendrix |first1=Steve |last2=Khurshudyan |first2=Isabelle |title=With solidarity, apathy and a few songs, Ukraine's Unity Day reflects a weary nation |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/16/ukraine-russia-unity-kyiv/ |date=16 February 2022 |access-date=12 March 2022 |newspaper=]}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
Putin questioned the legitimacy of the Ukrainian state. In ],<ref>{{cite news |title=Extracts from Putin's speech on Ukraine |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/extracts-putins-speech-ukraine-2022-02-21/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/extracts-putins-speech-ukraine-2022-02-21/ |archive-date=1 March 2022 |work=Reuters |date=21 February 2022 |access-date=28 February 2022}}</ref> he claimed that "Ukraine never had a tradition of genuine statehood",<ref>{{cite web |last=Düben |first=Björn Alexander |date=1 July 2020 |title='There is no Ukraine': Fact-Checking the Kremlin's Version of Ukrainian History |url=https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/lseih/2020/07/01/there-is-no-ukraine-fact-checking-the-kremlins-version-of-ukrainian-history/ |access-date=7 March 2022 |website=LSE International History |publisher=]}}</ref> incorrectly described the country as having been created by ]<ref name="Putin Ukraine statehood" /> and falsely accused Ukrainian society and government of being dominated by ].<ref name="Abbruzzese 2022" /> | |||
Before 5 a.m. Kyiv time on 24 February, Putin, in ], announced a "]", which effectively declared war on Ukraine.<ref name="Meduza_Putin_announces_invasion">{{cite news |date=24 February 2022 |title=Putin announces formal start of Russia's invasion in eastern Ukraine |work=] |url=https://meduza.io/en/news/2022/02/24/putin-announces-start-of-military-operation-in-eastern-ukraine |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224033732/https://meduza.io/en/news/2022/02/24/putin-announces-start-of-military-operation-in-eastern-ukraine |archive-date=24 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 February 2022 |title=Putin declares war on Ukraine | |||
|url=https://kyivindependent.com/national/putin-declares-war-on-ukraine |access-date=24 June 2022 |website=]}} | |||
* {{Cite web |last=Haltiwager |first=John |date=23 February 2022 |title=Russian President Vladimir Putin announces military assault against Ukraine in surprise speech |work=] |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-announces-military-assault-against-ukraine-in-surprise-speech-2022-2 | |||
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224031448/https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-announces-military-assault-against-ukraine-in-surprise-speech-2022-2 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 | |||
}}</ref> Putin said the operation was to "protect the people" of the Russian-controlled breakaway republics. He ] that Russians had "been facing humiliation and genocide ]] perpetrated by the Kyiv regime."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hinton |first=Alexander |date=25 February 2022 |title=Putin's claims that Ukraine is committing genocide are baseless, but not unprecedented |work=] |url=https://theconversation.com/putins-claims-that-ukraine-is-committing-genocide-are-baseless-but-not-unprecedented-177511}}</ref> Putin said that Russia was being threatened: he ] that Ukrainian government officials ] under Western control, that Ukraine was developing nuclear weapons, and that a hostile NATO was building up its forces and military infrastructure in Ukraine.<ref name="Putin declaration"/><ref name="bbc22422"/> He said Russia sought the "demilitarization and denazification" of Ukraine, and espoused views challenging the legitimacy of the Ukrainian state.<ref name="bbc22422">{{Cite web |date=24 February 2022 |title=Ukraine conflict: Russian forces attack after Putin TV declaration<!-- different from current title, please do not change --> |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60503037 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224064553/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60503037 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="Time22222">{{cite magazine |last=Perrigo |first=Billy |title=What Putin Gets Wrong About Ukraine's Statehood |magazine=] |date=22 February 2022 |url=https://time.com/6150046/ukraine-statehood-russia-history-putin/ |access-date=6 November 2023}}</ref> Putin said he had no plans to occupy Ukraine.<ref name="Putin declaration">{{Cite news |date=24 February 2022 |title=Full text: Putin's declaration of war on Ukraine |work=] |url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/full-text-putin-s-declaration-of-war-on-ukraine}}</ref> | |||
The invasion began within minutes of Putin's speech.<ref name="Meduza_Putin_announces_invasion" /> | |||
While Ukraine, like Russia with its ], long active in Donbas,{{refn|<ref>{{cite news|first=Anton |last=Shekhovtsov |url=https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/.premium-the-shocking-inspiration-for-russia-s-atrocities-in-ukraine-1.10736790 |title=The Shocking Inspiration for Russia's Atrocities in Ukraine |work=] |date=13 April 2022 |access-date=19 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Neo-Nazi Russian nationalist exposes how Russia's leaders sent them to Ukraine to kill Ukrainians |url=https://khpg.org//en/1608809502 |access-date=19 April 2022 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Horvath |first=Robert |title=Putin's fascists: the Russian state's long history of cultivating homegrown neo-Nazis |url=http://theconversation.com/putins-fascists-the-russian-states-long-history-of-cultivating-homegrown-neo-nazis-178535 |access-date=19 April 2022 |website=The Conversation}}</ref>}} has a far-right fringe, including the neo-Nazi-linked ] and ],{{refn|<ref>{{cite news |last=Berger |first=Miriam |date=24 February 2022 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/24/putin-denazify-ukraine/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/24/putin-denazify-ukraine/ |archive-date=27 February 2022 |title=Russian President Valdimir Putin says he will 'denazify' Ukraine. Here's the history behind that claim. |newspaper=] |access-date=27 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Campbell |first=Eric |title=Inside Donetsk, the separatist republic that triggered the war in Ukraine |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-03/inside-the-separatist-republic-that-triggered-the-war-in-ukraine/100871262 |access-date=3 March 2022 |publisher=] |date=3 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Schipani |first1=Andres |last2=Olearchyk |first2=Roman |title='Don't confuse patriotism and Nazism': Ukraine's Azov forces face scrutiny |url=https://www.ft.com/content/7191ec30-9677-423d-873c-e72b64725c2d |access-date=11 April 2022 |work=] |date=29 March 2022}}</ref>}} experts<!-- see provided sources; per historians, academics, regional analysts & diplomats --> have described Putin's rhetoric as greatly exaggerating the influence of ]; there is no widespread support for the ideology in the government, military, or electorate.<ref name="Li Allen Siemaszko" /><ref name="Abbruzzese 2022">{{cite news |last=Abbruzzese |first=Jason |date=24 February 2022 |title=Putin says he is fighting a resurgence of Nazism. That's not true. |publisher=] |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/live-blog/russia-ukraine-conflict-live-updates-n1289655/ncrd1289673 |url-status=live |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224112830/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/live-blog/russia-ukraine-conflict-live-updates-n1289655/ncrd1289673 |archive-date=24 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The Azov Battalion: How Putin built a false premise for a war against "Nazis" in Ukraine |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-russia-war-azov-battalion-putin-premise-war-vs-nazis/ |access-date=25 March 2022 |publisher=] |date=22 March 2022}}</ref> Ukrainian president Zelenskyy, who is Jewish, rebuked Putin's allegations, stating that his grandfather had served in the ] fighting against the Nazis.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Dave |last1=Lawler |first2=Zachary |last2=Basu |date=24 February 2022 |title=Ukrainian President Zelensky says Putin has ordered invasion as country prepares for war |url=https://www.axios.com/ukraine-russia-putin-zelensky-invasion-3e5b8783-c4b6-41e9-b6d5-b0706bfedfdf.html |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=] |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224031305/https://www.axios.com/ukraine-russia-putin-zelensky-invasion-3e5b8783-c4b6-41e9-b6d5-b0706bfedfdf.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The ] and ] condemned the abuse of ] history and the use of comparisons with Nazi ideology for propaganda.<ref>{{cite web |last=Snyder |first=Timothy |author-link=Timothy D. Snyder |title=Putin's Hitler-like tricks and tactics in Ukraine |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/02/24/opinion/putins-hitler-like-tricks-tactics-ukraine/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/02/24/opinion/putins-hitler-like-tricks-tactics-ukraine/ |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=Yad Vashem Statement Regarding the Russian Invasion of Ukraine |url=https://www.yadvashem.org/press-release/27-february-2022-14-25.html |access-date=4 March 2022 |publisher=] |date=27 February 2022}}</ref> | |||
== Events == | |||
] (right) and his long-time confidant Defence Minister ]<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukraine conflict: Who's in Putin's inner circle and running the war? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60573261 |first=Paul |last=Kirby |work=] |date=2 March 2022 |access-date=4 March 2022}}</ref>]] | |||
{{for timeline|Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
During the second build-up, Russia issued demands to the US and NATO, including a legally binding arrangement preventing Ukraine from ever joining NATO, and the removal of multinational forces stationed in NATO's Eastern European member states.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tétrault-Farber |first1=Gabrielle |last2=Balmforth |first2=Tom |date=17 December 2021 |title=Russia demands NATO roll back from East Europe and stay out of Ukraine |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-unveils-security-guarantees-says-western-response-not-encouraging-2021-12-17/ |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=22 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222081106/https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-unveils-security-guarantees-says-western-response-not-encouraging-2021-12-17/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Russia threatened an unspecified military response if NATO continued to follow an "aggressive line".<ref>{{cite news |last=MacKinnon |first=Mark |date=21 December 2021 |title=Putin warns of unspecified military response if U.S. and NATO continue 'aggressive line' |work=] |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-putin-warns-of-unspecified-military-response-if-us-and-nato-continue/ |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115165246/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-putin-warns-of-unspecified-military-response-if-us-and-nato-continue/ |url-status=live}}</ref> These demands were widely interpreted as being non-viable; new NATO members in ] had joined the alliance because their populations broadly preferred to move towards the safety and economic opportunities offered by NATO and the EU, and their governments sought protection from Russian irredentism.<ref>{{cite web |last=Szayna |first=Thomas S. |title=The Enlargement of NATO and Central European Politics |url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/publication/142-the-enlargement-nato-and-central-european-politics |publisher=] |access-date=14 March 2022 |date=29 October 1997}}</ref> The demand for a formal treaty preventing Ukraine from joining NATO was also seen as unviable by Western officials, as it would contravene the treaty's "]" policy, although NATO showed no desire to accede to Ukraine's requests to join.<ref>{{cite news |last=Coyer |first=Cassandre |title=Why is Ukraine not in NATO and is it too late to join? Here's what experts, NATO say|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article258774458.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329021337/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article258774458.html |archive-date=28 March 2022 |access-date=28 February 2022 |work=] |date=25 February 2022}}</ref> | |||
{{main list|List of military engagements during the Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
<!-- Placeholder for inserting a recap of the timeline below. See discussion at ] --> | |||
] and ]) and 2022 (others). The 2022 annexation created a strategic land bridge between Crimea and Russia.]] | |||
The invasion began at dawn on 24 February.<ref name="Meduza_Putin_announces_invasion"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Missiles rain down around Ukraine |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-orders-military-operations-ukraine-demands-kyiv-forces-surrender-2022-02-24/ |work=] |date=25 February 2022}} | |||
* {{cite news |title=Russian forces launch full-scale invasion of Ukraine |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/24/putin-orders-military-operations-in-eastern-ukraine-as-un-meets |work=] |date=24 February 2022}}</ref> It was described as the biggest attack on a European country and the first full-scale war in Europe<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dietrich |first=Marc |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ujQszwEACAAJ |title=A Cosmopolitan Model for Peacebuilding: The Ukrainian Cases of Crimea and the Donbas |date=2023 |publisher=Ibidem Verlag |isbn=978-3-8382-1687-4}}</ref> since the Second World War. Russia launched a simultaneous ground and air attack.<ref name="CriticalThreats">{{Cite news |last1=Kagan |first1=Frederick |last2=Barros |first2=George |last3=Stepanenko |first3=Kateryna |date=5 March 2022 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 4 |work=CriticalThreats |url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-4 |access-date=5 March 2022}}</ref><ref name="ISW 4MAR"/> Russian missiles struck targets throughout Ukraine,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sheftalovich |first=Zoya |date=24 February 2022 |title=Battles flare across Ukraine after Putin declares war |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/putin-announces-special-military-operation-in-ukraine/ | |||
|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224064603/https://www.politico.eu/article/putin-announces-special-military-operation-in-ukraine/ |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=]}}</ref> and Russian troops invaded from the north, east, and south.<ref> | |||
{{Cite news |last1=Mongilio |first1=Heather |last2=LaGrone |first2=Sam |date=27 February 2022 |title=Russian Navy Launches Amphibious Assault on Ukraine; Naval Infantry 30 Miles West of Mariupol |url=https://news.usni.org/2022/02/25/russian-navy-launches-amphibious-assault-on-ukraine |website=USNI News}} | |||
* {{Cite journal |last1=Corten |first1=Olivier |last2=Koutroulis |first2=Vaios |date=22 May 2023 |title=The 2022 Russian intervention in Ukraine: What is its impact on the interpretation of jus contra bellum? |journal=] |volume=36 |issue=4 |pages=997–1022 |doi=10.1017/S0922156523000249 |s2cid=258857526 |doi-access=free}} | |||
* {{Cite web |last=Coakley |first=Amanda |date=24 February 2022 |title=Lukashenko Is Letting Putin Use Belarus to Attack Ukraine |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/02/24/russia-ukraine-war-belarus-chernobyl-lukashenko/ |access-date=25 September 2023 |website=Foreign Policy }}</ref> Russia did not officially declare war.<ref name="University of Hull 2023 u063">{{cite web |date=23 February 2023 |title=Putin |url=https://www.hull.ac.uk/work-with-us/more/media-centre/news/2023/putins-state-of-the-nation-why-russia-hasnt-officially-declared-war-and-what-difference-it-would-make |access-date=14 November 2023 |website=]}}</ref> It was Russia's largest ] operation since the ]'s ] in 1945.{{Citation needed|date=July 2024|reason=True but the source is needed}} Fighting began in Luhansk Oblast at 3:40 a.m. Kyiv time near ] on the border with Russia.<ref name="auto10">{{Cite web |script-title=uk:Олексій Данілов: Росія розпадеться ще при нашому житті |title=Oleksiy Danilov: Rosiya rozpadetʹsya shche pry nashomu zhytti |trans-title=Alexei Danilov: Russia will fall apart during our lifetime |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/articles/2022/04/22/7341267/ |access-date=24 June 2022 |website=] | |||
|language=uk}}</ref> The main infantry and tank attacks were launched in four spearheads, creating a northern front launched towards Kyiv from Belarus, a southern front from Crimea, a southeastern front from Russian-controlled Donbas, and an eastern front from Russia towards ] and ].<ref name="CBS-2022-03-20">{{Cite news |date=20 March 2022 |title=Ukraine rejects Russian demand to surrender port city of Mariupol in exchange for safe passage |publisher=] |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-mariupol-russia-surrender-reject/ |access-date=21 March 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite news |date=21 March 2022 |title=Ukraine refuses to surrender Mariupol as scope of human toll remains unclear |publisher=] |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-russia-war-march21-1.6391709 |access-date=21 March 2022}}</ref> Russian vehicles were subsequently marked with a white ] (a non-]), believed to be a measure to prevent ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dean |first=Jeff |date=9 March 2022 |title=The letter Z is becoming a symbol of Russia's war in Ukraine. But what does it mean? |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/03/09/1085471200/the-letter-z-russia-ukraine |website=NPR}}</ref> | |||
Immediately after the invasion began, Zelenskyy declared ] in a first video speech.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lock |first=Samantha |date=24 February 2022 |title=Russia-Ukraine crisis live news: Putin has launched 'full-scale invasion', says Ukrainian foreign minister – latest updates |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/feb/23/ukraine-russia-news-crisis-latest-live-updates-putin-biden-europe-sanctions-russian-invasion-border-troops |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224054309/https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/feb/23/ukraine-russia-news-crisis-latest-live-updates-putin-biden-europe-sanctions-russian-invasion-border-troops |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |work=]}} | |||
=== Alleged clashes (17–21 February 2022) === | |||
* {{Cite news |date=24 February 2022 |title=Ukraine president declares martial law following Russia invasion |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-russia-martial-law-zelensky-b2022093.html |access-date=11 September 2023 |work=]}}</ref> The same evening, he ordered a ] of all Ukrainian males between 18 and 60 years old,<ref name="Interfax 2022">{{Cite web |date=25 February 2022 |title=Zelensky signs decree declaring general mobilization |url=https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/801769.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225113724/https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/801769.html |archive-date=25 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=]}}</ref> prohibiting them from leaving the country.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gilbert |first=Asha C. |date=25 February 2022 |title=Reports: Ukraine bans all male citizens ages 18 to 60 from leaving the country |work=] |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2022/02/25/russia-invasion-ukraine-bans-male-citizens-leaving/6936471001/ |access-date=26 March 2022}}</ref> ] mercenaries and ] contracted by the Kremlin reportedly made ], including an operation involving several hundred mercenaries meant to infiltrate Kyiv with the aim of killing the Ukrainian president.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Boffey |first=Daniel |date=7 August 2023 |title=Zelenskiy assassination plot foiled by security service, says Ukraine |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/07/volodymyr-zelenskiy-assassination-plot-foiled-by-security-service-says-ukraine |access-date=11 September 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |quote=More than 400 Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group were reported to have been in Kyiv in February 2022 with orders to kill Zelenskiy as part of a "decapitation strategy".}} | |||
{{further|Timeline of the war in Donbas (2022)}} | |||
* {{Cite news |title=Ukraine: More Wagner Group mercenaries in country to attempt to assassinate Zelensky |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/ukraine-more-wagner-group-mercenaries-in-country-to-attempt-to-assassinate-zelensky/ |access-date=11 September 2023 |work=]}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Bostock |first=Bill |title=The Kremlin ordered 400 Russian mercenaries in Kyiv to hunt and kill Ukraine's president, report says |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-orders-mercenaries-assassinate-ukraine-president-report-2022-2 |access-date=11 September 2023 |work=]}}</ref> The Ukrainian government said anti-war officials within Russia's ] shared the plans with them.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rana |first=Manveen |date=3 March 2022 |title=Volodymyr Zelensky survives three assassination attempts in days |work=] |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/zelensky-survives-three-assassination-attempts-in-days-xnstdfdfc |url-access=subscription |access-date=21 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
Zelenskyy appeared defiant in ] on 24 through 26 February, that he and his cabinet is still in Kyiv. On 26 February NATO met and its countries pledged military aid for Ukraine and on 27 February Germany called the invasion a historic watershed.<ref name="g587">{{cite web | title=NATO bolsters arms supply to Ukraine with anti-tank weapons | website=Al Jazeera | date=26 February 2022 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/26/germany-approves-delivery-of-rpgs-from-netherlands-to-ukraine | access-date=17 August 2024}}</ref> That day in the evening Putin put Russia's nuclear deterrence into alert.<ref name="o522">{{cite web | last=Bildung | first=Bundeszentrale für politische | title=Chronik: 21. – 27. Februar 2022 | website=bpb.de | date=8 March 2022 | url=https://www.bpb.de/themen/europa/russland-analysen/nr-415/508979/chronik-21-27-februar-2022/ | language=de | access-date=16 August 2024}}</ref> | |||
] Russian column on 27 February in ]]] | |||
Fighting in Donbas escalated after 17 February 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=MacKinnon |first1=Mark |last2=Morrow |first2=Adrian |title=Putin orders snap nuclear drill |page=A3 |work=] |publisher=Phillip Crawley}}</ref> The Ukrainians and the Russian separatists accused one another of firing into their respective territories.<ref>{{cite web |last=Brown |first=David |date=17 February 2022 |others=Photograph by the ]; Graphics by Sandra Rodriguez Chillida and Prina Shah. |title=Ukraine: How big is Russia's military build-up? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60158694 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223070711/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60158694 |archive-date=23 February 2022 |access-date=23 February 2022 |website=] |publisher=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Talmazan |first1=Yuliya |last2=Shabad |first2=Rebecca |last3=Williams |first3=Abigail |date=17 February 2022 |title=Ukraine, West accuse Russia of trying to create pretext for invasion after shelling in east |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/west-accuses-russia-of-trying-to-create-pretext-for-invasion-after-shelling-in-east-ukraine/ar-AATZcQu?ocid=uxbndlbing |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222062307/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/west-accuses-russia-of-trying-to-create-pretext-for-invasion-after-shelling-in-east-ukraine/ar-AATZcQu?ocid=uxbndlbing |archive-date=22 February 2022 |access-date=23 February 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> On 18 February, the Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics ] their capitals,<ref>{{cite web |date=18 February 2022 |title=Russian-backed separatists announce civilian evacuation from eastern Ukraine as escalation stokes Russian invasion fears |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/east-ukraine-shelling-russian-invasion-fears-putin-pretext-rcna16773 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223132456/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/east-ukraine-shelling-russian-invasion-fears-putin-pretext-rcna16773 |archive-date=23 February 2022 |access-date=23 February 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Alexander |date=18 February 2022 |title=Warning siren sounds in rebel-held capital in east Ukraine -Reuters witness |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/warning-siren-sounds-in-rebel-held-capital-in-east-ukraine-reuters-witness/ar-AAU29BV?ocid=entnewsntp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224032724/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/warning-siren-sounds-in-rebel-held-capital-in-east-ukraine-reuters-witness/ar-AAU29BV?ocid=entnewsntp |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=23 February 2022 |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=19 February 2022 |title=Ukraine conflict: Rebels declare general mobilisation as fighting grows |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60443504 |url-status=live |access-date=19 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219100114/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60443504 |archive-date=19 February 2022}}</ref> although observers noted that full evacuations would take months.<ref>{{cite news |last=Light |first=Felix |date=20 February 2022 |title=In the Closest Russian City to Ukraine's Separatist Region, There Are Few Signs of Refugees |work=] |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/20/in-the-closest-russian-city-to-ukraines-separatist-region-there-are-few-signs-of-refugees-a76473 |url-status=live |access-date=20 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220074941/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/20/in-the-closest-russian-city-to-ukraines-separatist-region-there-are-few-signs-of-refugees-a76473 |archive-date=20 February 2022}}</ref> Ukrainian media reported a sharp increase in artillery shelling by the Russian-led militants in Donbas as an attempt to provoke the Ukrainian army.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ponomarenko |first=Illia |date=18 February 2022 |title=47 shelling incidents leave 5 injured in Donbas |work=] |url=https://kyivindependent.com/national/over-40-shelling-incidents-leave-5-injured-in-donbas/ |url-status=live |access-date=18 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217205001/https://kyivindependent.com/national/over-40-shelling-incidents-leave-5-injured-in-donbas/ |archive-date=17 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Volvach |first=Yaroslava |date=18 February 2022 |title=How Russian proxy forces are attempting to provoke the Ukrainian army and are lying about a new Ukrainian offensive |url=https://english.nv.ua/nation/how-russian-proxies-are-attempting-to-provoke-the-ukrainian-army-lying-about-a-ukrainian-offensive-50218033.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218180147/https://english.nv.ua/nation/how-russian-proxies-are-attempting-to-provoke-the-ukrainian-army-lying-about-a-ukrainian-offensive-50218033.html |archive-date=18 February 2022 |access-date=18 February 2022 |publisher=NV.UA}}</ref> On 19 February both separatist republics declared full mobilisation.<ref>{{cite news |date=19 February 2022 |title=Separatist leaders in eastern Ukraine declare full military mobilisation |work=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/separatist-leaders-eastern-ukraine-declare-full-military-mobilisation-2022-02-19/ |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2022}}</ref> | |||
The Russian invasion was unexpectedly met by fierce Ukrainian resistance.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Kube |first1=Courtney |last2=Siemaszko |first2=Corky |date=26 February 2022 |title=Russian offensive unexpectedly slowed by fierce Ukrainian resistance |work=] |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/russian-offensive-unexpectedly-slowed-fierce-ukrainian-resistance-rcna17703 |access-date=16 September 2022}}</ref> In Kyiv, Russia failed to take the city and was repulsed in the battles of ], ], and ]. The Russians tried to encircle the capital, but its defenders under ] held their ground, effectively using Western ] and ] to thin Russian supply lines and stall the offensive.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 April 2022 |title=Russia's failure to take down Kyiv was a defeat for the ages |work=] News |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-battle-for-kyiv-dc559574ce9f6683668fa221af2d5340 |access-date=16 September 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last1=Sonne |first1=Paul |last2=Khurshudyan |first2=Isabelle |date=24 August 2022 |title=Battle for Kyiv: Ukrainian valor, Russian blunders combined to save the capital |newspaper=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/interactive/2022/kyiv-battle-ukraine-survival/ |access-date=27 September 2022}}</ref> | |||
On the southern front, Russian forces had captured the regional capital of ] by 2 March. A column of Russian tanks and armoured vehicles was ] on 9 March in ] and sustained heavy losses that forced them to retreat.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kramer |first=Andrew E. |date=15 March 2022 |title=How a Line of Russian Tanks Became an Inviting Target for Ukrainians |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/11/world/europe/ukraine-kyiv-russia-fighting.html |access-date=16 September 2022}}</ref> The Russian army adopted ] on the western front around the key cities of Chernihiv, Sumy and Kharkiv, but failed to capture them due to stiff resistance and logistical setbacks.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 February 2022 |title=Russian advance slowed by Ukrainian resistance and logistical setbacks, U.S. defense official says |work=] |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-invasion-russia-resistance-slowed-advance |access-date=16 September 2022}}</ref> In ], Russian forces advanced as far as ], but were repelled and pushed back south of Mykolaiv. On 25 March, the ] stated that the first stage of the "military operation" in Ukraine was "generally complete", that the Ukrainian military forces had suffered serious losses, and the Russian military would now concentrate on the "liberation of ]."<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 March 2022 |title=Russian focus on 'liberating' Donbas hints at shift in strategy |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/25/russian-army-says-will-focus-on-liberation-of-donbas-region |access-date=4 February 2023 |work=]}} | |||
In the days leading up to the invasion, the Russian government intensified a ] intended to mute public criticism. Russian state media promoted fabricated videos—many amateur in quality<ref>{{cite news |author=Bellingcat Investigation Team |date=23 February 2022 |title=Documenting and Debunking Dubious Footage from Ukraine's Frontlines |work=] |url=https://www.bellingcat.com/news/2022/02/23/documenting-and-debunking-dubious-footage-from-ukraines-frontlines/ |url-status=live |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223204058/https://www.bellingcat.com/news/2022/02/23/documenting-and-debunking-dubious-footage-from-ukraines-frontlines/ |archive-date=23 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Harding |first1=Luke |last2=Roth |first2=Andrew |last3=Walker |first3=Shaun |date=21 February 2022 |title='Dumb and lazy': the flawed films of Ukrainian 'attacks' made by Russia's 'fake factory' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/21/dumb-and-lazy-the-flawed-films-of-ukrainian-attacks-made-by-russias-fake-factory |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221235946/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/21/dumb-and-lazy-the-flawed-films-of-ukrainian-attacks-made-by-russias-fake-factory |archive-date=21 February 2022 |access-date=22 February 2022 |work=]}}</ref>—that ] Ukrainian forces attacking Russians in Donbas; evidence showed that the claimed attacks, explosions, and evacuations were staged by Russia.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gilbert |first=David |date=21 February 2022 |title=Russia's 'Idiotic' Disinformation Campaign Could Still Lead to War in Ukraine |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/88gdj3/russia-disinformation-campaign-bombing-ukraine |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221194550/https://www.vice.com/en/article/88gdj3/russia-disinformation-campaign-bombing-ukraine |archive-date=21 February 2022 |access-date=22 February 2022}}</ref> On 21 February, the head of the Russian ] (FSB) said that Russian forces had killed five Ukrainian "saboteurs" that crossed into Russian territory, capturing one Ukrainian serviceman and destroying two armoured vehicles. The claim was denied by Ukraine and drew warnings that Russia was seeking further justification to start an invasion. '']'' described it as "the first move in Putin's war plan".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ukraine-saboteurs-claim-shows-putins-war-plan-has-now-begun-9bsrvvhj3 |title=Russian claim of sabotage 'the first move in Putin's war plan' |first=Catherine |last=Philp |newspaper=] |publisher=] |date=22 February 2022 |access-date=20 March 2022 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/russian-army-says-killed-5-saboteurs-from-ukraine-on-russian-territory-01645449007 |title=Russian Army Says Killed 5 'Saboteurs' From Ukraine On Russian Territory |work=] |date=21 February 2022 |access-date=20 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
^{{Cite news |date=26 March 2022 |title=Russia targets east Ukraine, says first phase over |publisher=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60872358 |access-date=27 March 2022}}</ref> The "first stage" of the invasion was conducted on four fronts, including one towards western ] from Belarus by the Russian ], comprising the ], ], and ]. A second axis, deployed towards eastern Kyiv from Russia by the ] (northeastern front), comprised the ] and the ].<ref name="auto"/> | |||
]. The settlement was captured on 3 March 2022.]] | |||
=== Escalation (21–23 February 2022) === | |||
A third axis was deployed towards Kharkiv by the ] (eastern front), with the ] and ]. A fourth, southern front originating in occupied Crimea and Russia's ] with an eastern axis towards Odesa and a western area of operations toward ] was opened by the ], including the ], ], and ], the latter also commanding the 1st and 2nd Army Corps of the ].<ref name="auto">{{Cite journal |last=Bielieskov |first=Mykola |date=21 September 2021 |title=The Russian and Ukrainian Spring 2021 War Scare |url=https://www.csis.org/analysis/russian-and-ukrainian-spring-2021-war-scare |access-date=25 November 2021 |website=]}}</ref> By 7 April, Russian troops deployed to the northern front by the Russian Eastern Military District pulled back from the Kyiv offensive, reportedly to resupply and redeploy to the Donbas region in an effort to reinforce the renewed invasion of southeastern Ukraine. The northeastern front, including the Central Military District, was similarly withdrawn for resupply and redeployment to southeastern Ukraine.<ref name="auto"/><ref name="news.yahoo.com">{{Cite news |last1=Epstein |first1=Jake |last2=Haltiwanger |first2=John |date=6 April 2022 |title=NATO chief says Putin still wants to control all of Ukraine, despite repositioning forces to the eastern Donbas region |url=https://news.yahoo.com/nato-chief-says-putin-still-144125043.html |access-date=7 April 2022}}</ref> On 26 April, delegates from the US and 40 allied nations ] in Germany to discuss the formation of ] that would provide economic support in addition to military supplies and refitting to Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Vandiver |first1=John |last2=Svan |first2=Jennifer H. |date=26 April 2022 |title=US and allies gather at Ramstein to discuss how to help Ukraine defeat Russia's 'unjust invasion' |work=] |location=Ramstein Air Base, Germany |url=https://www.stripes.com/theaters/europe/2022-04-26/austin-ukraine-ramstein-air-base-russia-5804405.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=9 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504174341/https://www.stripes.com/theaters/europe/2022-04-26/austin-ukraine-ramstein-air-base-russia-5804405.html |archive-date=4 May 2022}}</ref> Following Putin's ] speech in early May, US Director of National Intelligence ] said no short term resolution to the invasion should be expected.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Julian E. |date=10 May 2022 |title=The U.S. intelligence chief says Putin is preparing for a prolonged conflict |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/10/us/avril-haines-putin-russia-ukraine-war.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=27 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510154153/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/10/us/avril-haines-putin-russia-ukraine-war.html |archive-date=10 May 2022 |issn=1553-8095 |oclc=1645522}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
On 21 February,<ref>{{cite web |title=Address by the President of the Russian Federation |website=] |date=21 February 2022 |url=https://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/67828 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221215128/https://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/67828 |archive-date=21 February 2022 |access-date=2 March 2022}}</ref> Putin announced that the Russian government would ] the Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics.<ref>{{cite web |title=Extracts from Putin's speech on Ukraine |work=Reuters |date=21 February 2022 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/extracts-putins-speech-ukraine-2022-02-21/ |access-date=2 March 2022}}</ref> The same evening, Putin directed that Russian troops be deployed into Donbas, in what Russia referred to as a "] mission".<ref>{{cite news |date=21 February 2022 |last1=Kottasová |first1=Ivana |last2=Qiblawi |first2=Tamara |last3=Regan |first3=Helen |title=Putin orders troops into separatist-held parts of Ukraine |publisher=CNN |url=https://cnn.com/2022/02/21/europe/russia-ukraine-tensions-monday-intl/index.html |access-date=23 February 2022 |archive-date=23 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223102720/https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/21/europe/russia-ukraine-tensions-monday-intl/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Philp |first1=Catherine |last2=Wright |first2=Oliver |last3=Brown |first3=Larissa |title=Putin sends Russian tanks into Ukraine |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/putin-sends-tanks-into-ukraine-75dj973v8 |work=] |date=22 February 2022 |access-date=23 February 2022 |archive-date=23 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223032437/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/putin-sends-tanks-into-ukraine-75dj973v8 |url-status=live}}</ref> The 21 February intervention in Donbas was condemned by several members of the ]; none voiced support.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lederer |first=Edith |title=Putin gets no support from UN Security Council over Ukraine |date=22 February 2022 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/putin-support-security-council-ukraine-83037165 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223172555/https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/putin-support-security-council-ukraine-83037165 |archive-date=23 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> On 22 February, video footage shot in the early morning showed Russian armed forces and tanks moving in the Donbas region.<ref>{{cite web |title=Videos appear to show Russian armed forces moving deep into separatist region of Ukraine |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/videos-russian-military-tanks-move-donbas-seen-donetsk-putin-invade-2022-2 |work=] |date=22 February 2022}}</ref> The ] unanimously authorised the use of military force outside Russia.<ref name="Hodge 2022">{{cite web |last=Hodge |first=Nathan |date=26 February 2022 |title=Russia's Federation Council gives consent to Putin on use of armed forces abroad, Russian agencies report |url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-22-22/h_59a413ce984eda5954ce5b9c4655bcc5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-22-22/h_59a413ce984eda5954ce5b9c4655bcc5 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=26 February 2022 |website=] |location=Moscow}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
In response, Zelenskyy ordered the conscription of army ]s;<ref>{{cite news |last1=Zinets |first1=Natalia |last2=Williams |first2=Matthias |title=Ukrainian president drafts reservists but rules out general mobilisation for now |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukrainian-president-calls-up-reservists-launches-programme-economic-patriotism-2022-02-22/ |access-date=23 February 2022 |work=Reuters |date=22 February 2022 |archive-date=22 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222235612/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukrainian-president-calls-up-reservists-launches-programme-economic-patriotism-2022-02-22/ |url-status=live}}</ref> the following day, Ukraine's parliament proclaimed a 30-day nationwide ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Ukraine to introduce a state of emergency and tells its citizens to leave Russia immediately |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-sanctions-ukraine-reservists-west-b2021165.html |date=23 February 2022 |access-date=23 February 2022 |first=Thomas |last=Kingsley |work=] |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224032730/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-sanctions-ukraine-reservists-west-b2021165.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraines-parliament-approves-state-emergency-2022-02-23/ |title=Ukraine's Parliament approves state of emergency |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=23 February 2022 |work=Reuters |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=23 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223200424/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraines-parliament-approves-state-emergency-2022-02-23/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=D'agata |first1=Charlie |last2=Redman |first2=Justine |last3=Ott |first3=Haley |title=Ukraine calls up reservists, declares national emergency as U.S. and allies hit Russia with new sanctions |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-ukraine-news-miliatry-reservists-emergency-declaration/ |date=23 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |publisher=] |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224055846/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-ukraine-news-miliatry-reservists-emergency-declaration/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Russia began to evacuate its embassy in Kyiv.<ref>{{cite news|title=Russia evacuates embassy in Ukraine as crisis escalates |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-moscow-kyiv-626a8c5ec22217bacb24ece60fac4fe1 |date=23 February 2022 |access-date=23 February 2022 |first=Dasha |last=Litvinova |work=] |archive-date=23 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223102040/https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-moscow-kyiv-626a8c5ec22217bacb24ece60fac4fe1 |url-status=live}}</ref> The websites of the Ukrainian parliament and government, along with banking websites, were hit by ] attacks,<ref>{{cite news |last=Bajak |first=Frank |title=Ukraine hit by more cyberattacks, destructive malware |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-technology-business-europe-russia-9e9f9e9b52eaf53cf9d8ade0588b661b |access-date=24 February 2022 |work=] |date=23 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224064547/https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-technology-business-europe-russia-9e9f9e9b52eaf53cf9d8ade0588b661b |url-status=live}}</ref> widely attributed to Russian-backed hackers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-technology-business-europe-russia-9e9f9e9b52eaf53cf9d8ade0588b661b |title=Cyberattacks accompany Russian military assault on Ukraine |first=Frank |last=Bajak |date=25 February 2022 |access-date=4 March 2022 |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228150957/https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-technology-business-europe-russia-9e9f9e9b52eaf53cf9d8ade0588b661b |archive-date=28 February 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/24/russia-unleashed-data-wiper-virus-on-ukraine-say-cyber-experts |title=Russia unleashed data-wiper malware on Ukraine, say cyber experts |first=Dan |last=Milmo |date=25 February 2022 |access-date=4 March 2022 |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228205650/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/24/russia-unleashed-data-wiper-virus-on-ukraine-say-cyber-experts |archive-date=28 February 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> Chinese military attackers were also alleged to have conducted a massive cyberwarfare espionage programme on the eve of the invasion, including on nuclear infrastructure, pointing to advanced Chinese knowledge.<ref>{{cite web |date=1 April 2022 |title=China accused of launching cyber-attacks on Ukraine before Russian invasion |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/apr/01/china-accused-of-launching-cyber-attacks-on-ukraine-before-russian-invasion |first=Dan |last=Milmo |access-date=2 April 2022 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=7 April 2022 |title=Mystery of alleged Chinese hack on eve of Ukraine invasion |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-60983346 |access-date=8 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
Ukraine's reliance on Western-supplied equipment constrained operational effectiveness, as supplying countries feared that Ukraine would use Western-made matériel to strike targets in Russia.<ref name="Sabbagh">{{Cite news |last=Sabbagh |first=Dan |date=31 May 2022 |title=Biden will not supply Ukraine with long-range rockets that can hit Russia |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/30/biden-will-not-supply-ukraine-with-long-range-rockets-that-can-hit-russia}}</ref> Military experts disagreed on the future of the conflict; some suggested that Ukraine should trade territory for peace,<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Champion |first1=Marc |last2=Kudrytski |first2=Aliaksandr |date=28 May 2022 |title=Russian Wins in Eastern Ukraine Spark Debate Over Course of War |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-05-27/russian-wins-in-eastern-ukraine-spark-debate-over-course-of-war |work=]}} | |||
On the night of 23 February,<ref>{{cite AV media |author-link=Volodymyr Zelenskyy |last=Zelenskyy |first=Volodymyr |url=https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/724 |archive-url=https://archive.org/details/20220223-zvernennya-tg |date=23 February 2022 |archive-date=23 February 2022 |script-title=ru:Україна прагне миру! І робить для цього все! |trans-title=Ukraine seeks peace! And does everything for this! |language=ru |type=Video |location=Ukraine}}</ref> Zelenskyy gave ] in Russian in which he appealed to the citizens of Russia to prevent war.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sonne |first=Paul |date=24 February 2022 |title=Ukraine's Zelensky to Russians: 'What are you fighting for and with whom?' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/02/23/ukraine-zelensky-russia-address/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224073748/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/02/23/ukraine-zelensky-russia-address/ |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |newspaper=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/02/23/zelenskys-desperate-plea-for-peace/ |date=23 February 2022 |website=Foreign Policy |title=Zelensky's Last-Ditch Plea for Peace |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224140341/https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/02/23/zelenskys-desperate-plea-for-peace/ |url-status=live}}</ref> He also refuted Russia's claims about the presence of neo-Nazis in the Ukrainian government and said that he had no intention of attacking the Donbas region.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cruz Bustillos |first=Dominic |title=Full Translation: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Feb. 23 Speech |url=https://www.lawfareblog.com/full-translation-ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelenskyys-feb-23-speech |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.lawfareblog.com/full-translation-ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelenskyys-feb-23-speech |archive-date=26 February 2022 |website=] |access-date=25 February 2022 |date=24 February 2022}}</ref> Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on 23 February that the separatist leaders in Donetsk and Luhansk had sent a letter to Putin stating that Ukrainian shelling had caused civilian deaths and appealing for military support from Russia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/23/kremlin-says-ukraine-rebels-have-asked-russia-for-help-against-kyiv-a76548 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/23/kremlin-says-ukraine-rebels-have-asked-russia-for-help-against-kyiv-a76548 |archive-date=27 February 2022 |title=Kremlin Says Ukraine Rebels Have Asked Russia for 'Help' Against Kyiv |website=] |date=23 February 2022}}</ref> | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Luxmoore |first=Matthew |date=26 May 2022 |title=Ukraine Slams Idea of Swapping Land for Peace |work=] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-slams-idea-of-exchanging-land-for-peace-11653558912 |access-date=24 September 2023 |issn=0099-9660}}</ref> while others believed that Ukraine could maintain its resistance due to Russian losses.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Atlamazoglou |first=Stavros |date=30 May 2022 |title=War in Ukraine, Day 96 Update: Russia's Military Losses are 'Unsustainable' |url=https://www.19fortyfive.com/2022/05/war-in-ukraine-day-96-update-russias-military-losses-are-unsustainable/ |website=19fortyfive.com}}</ref> | |||
By 30 May, disparities between Russian and Ukrainian artillery were apparent, with Ukrainian artillery being vastly outgunned, in terms of both range and number.<ref name="Sabbagh"/> In response to ] ]'s indication that enhanced artillery would be provided to Ukraine, Putin said that Russia would expand its invasion front to include new cities in Ukraine. In apparent retribution, Putin ordered a missile strike against Kyiv on 6 June after not directly attacking the city for several weeks.<ref>CBS News Videos. "Russia bombards Kyiv, vows to strike new targets if U.S. sends long-range missiles to Ukraine". 6 June 2022. </ref> On 10 June 2022, deputy head of the ] Vadym Skibitsky stated that during the Severodonetsk campaign, the frontlines were where the future of the invasion would be decided: "This is an artillery war now, and we are losing in terms of artillery. Everything now depends on what gives us. Ukraine has one artillery piece to 10 to 15 Russian artillery pieces. Our western partners have given us about 10% of what they have."<ref name="iktgvs">{{Cite news |last=Koshiw |first=Isobel |date=10 June 2022 |title=We're almost out of ammunition and relying on western arms, says Ukraine |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/10/were-almost-out-of-ammunition-and-relying-on-western-arms-says-ukraine}}</ref> | |||
In response, Ukraine requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dw.com/en/russia-says-donbas-separatists-ask-putin-for-military-support/a-60893224 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.dw.com/en/russia-says-donbas-separatists-ask-putin-for-military-support/a-60893224 |archive-date=27 February 2022 |title=Russia says Donbas separatists ask Putin for military support |publisher=] |date=23 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=United Nations |title=Ukraine – Security Council, 8974th meeting |date=27 February 2022 |url=https://media.un.org/asset/k1j/k1j8unn1me |access-date=2 March 2022}}</ref> Half an hour into the emergency meeting, Putin announced the start of military operations in Ukraine. ], the Ukrainian representative, subsequently called on the Russian representative, ], to "do everything possible to stop the war" or relinquish his position as ]; Nebenzya refused.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mauldin |first=William |title=U.S. Says Russia Will Face U.N. Security Council Resolution |url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news/card/pUrIX20rUPrwgE9WQPoX |date=23 February 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224064610/https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news/card/pUrIX20rUPrwgE9WQPoX |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Leff |first1=Alex |last2=Wood |first2=Patrick |date=24 February 2022 |title=Read the impassioned plea from Ukraine's U.N. ambassador to Russia to stop the war |publisher=] |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/02/24/1082806285/ukraine-ambassador-russia-security-council |access-date=2 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
On 29 June, ] reported that US Intelligence Director Avril Haines, in an update of past US intelligence assessments on the Russian invasion, said that US intelligence agencies agree that the invasion will continue "for an extended period of time ... In short, the picture remains pretty grim and Russia's attitude toward the West is hardening."<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Alper |first1=Alexandra |last2=Freifeld |first2=Karen |last3=Landay |first3=Jonathan |date=29 June 2022 |title=Putin still wants most of Ukraine, war outlook grim -U.S. intelligence chief |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-still-wants-most-ukraine-war-outlook-grim-us-intelligence-chief-2022-06-29/ |access-date=2 July 2022 |website=]}}</ref> On 5 July, ] reported that extensive destruction by the Russian invasion would cause immense financial damage to Ukraine's reconstruction economy, with Ukrainian Prime Minister ] telling nations at a reconstruction conference in Switzerland that Ukraine needs $750bn for a recovery plan and Russian oligarchs should contribute to the cost.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rainford |first=Sarah |date=5 July 2022 |title=Ukraine war: Putin presses on after Lysychansk capture |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62033619}}</ref> | |||
=== Declaration of military operations === | |||
On 24 February, Putin announced that he had made the decision to launch a "special military operation" in eastern Ukraine.<ref name="Meduza_Putin_announces_invasion" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Haltiwager |first=John |title=Russian President Vladimir Putin announces military assault against Ukraine in surprise speech |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-announces-military-assault-against-ukraine-in-surprise-speech/ar-AAUebpI |date=23 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |publisher=] |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224064559/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-announces-military-assault-against-ukraine-in-surprise-speech/ar-AAUebpI |url-status=live}}</ref> In ], Putin said there were no plans to occupy Ukrainian territory and that he supported the right of the Ukrainian people to ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Full text: Putin's declaration of war on Ukraine |url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/full-text-putin-s-declaration-of-war-on-ukraine |work=] |date=24 February 2022}}</ref> He said the purpose of the "operation" was to "protect the people" in the predominantly Russian-speaking region of Donbas who, according to him, "for eight years now, been facing humiliation and genocide perpetrated by the Kyiv regime".<ref>{{cite news |last=Hinton |first=Alexander |title=Putin's claims that Ukraine is committing genocide are baseless, but not unprecedented |url=https://theconversation.com/putins-claims-that-ukraine-is-committing-genocide-are-baseless-but-not-unprecedented-177511 |work=] |date=25 February 2022}}</ref> | |||
=== Initial invasion (24 February – 7 April 2022) === | |||
Putin said that Russia sought the "demilitarisation and denazification" of Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60503037|title=Ukraine conflict: Russian forces attack after Putin TV declaration<!-- different from current title, please do not change --> |work=] |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224064553/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60503037 |url-status=live}}</ref> Within minutes of Putin's announcement, explosions were reported in Kyiv, ], ], and the Donbas region.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sheftalovich |first=Zoya |date=24 February 2022 |title=Putin announces 'special military operation' in Ukraine |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/putin-announces-special-military-operation-in-ukraine/ |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=] |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224064603/https://www.politico.eu/article/putin-announces-special-military-operation-in-ukraine/ |url-status=live}}</ref> An alleged leaked report from within the FSB claimed that the intelligence agency was not warned about Putin's plan to invade Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ball |first=Tom |title=This war will be a total failure, FSB whistleblower says |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/this-war-will-be-a-total-failure-fsb-whistleblower-says-wl2gtdl9m |access-date=21 March 2022 |work=] |date=7 March 2022}}</ref> Immediately following the attack, Zelenskyy announced the introduction of ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/feb/23/ukraine-russia-news-crisis-latest-live-updates-putin-biden-europe-sanctions-russian-invasion-border-troops |title=Russia-Ukraine crisis live news: Putin has launched 'full-scale invasion', says Ukrainian foreign minister – latest updates |first=Samantha |last=Lock |work=] |date=24 February 2022|access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224054309/https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/feb/23/ukraine-russia-news-crisis-latest-live-updates-putin-biden-europe-sanctions-russian-invasion-border-troops |url-status=live}}</ref> The same evening, he ordered a ] of all Ukrainian males between 18 and 60 years old<ref name="Interfax 2022" /> who were prohibited from leaving the country.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gilbert |first=Asha C. |date=25 February 2022 |title=Reports: Ukraine bans all male citizens ages 18 to 60 from leaving the country |work=] |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2022/02/25/russia-invasion-ukraine-bans-male-citizens-leaving/6936471001/ |access-date=26 March 2022}}</ref> Russian troops entered Ukraine from the north in Belarus (towards Kyiv); from the northeast in Russia (towards Kharkiv); from the east in the DPR and the Luhansk People's Republic; and from the south in Crimea.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Peltz |first1=Jennifer |last2=Lederer |first2=Edith |date=23 February 2022 |title='It's too late': Russian move roils UN meeting on Ukraine |url=https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-general-assembly-russia-ukraine-europe-russia-united-nations-31c5af31d2a72163676459d317269b35 |access-date=3 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref> Russian equipment and vehicles were marked with a white ] (a non-]), believed to be a measure to prevent ].<ref name="Zsymbol" /> | |||
{{for timeline|Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (24 February – 7 April 2022)}} | |||
] | |||
The invasion began on 24 February, launched out of Belarus to target Kyiv, and from the northeast against the city of Kharkiv. The southeastern front was conducted as two separate spearheads, from Crimea and the southeast against Luhansk and Donetsk. | |||
== |
==== Kyiv and northern front ==== | ||
{{Further|Capture of Chernobyl|Battle of Kyiv (2022)|Bucha massacre}} | |||
], the largest aircraft ever built, was destroyed during the ].]] | |||
<!-- Paragraph 1 for high level overview and summary of main events in February. --> | |||
Russian efforts to capture Kyiv included a probative spearhead on 24 February, from Belarus south along the west bank of the ]. The apparent intent was to encircle the city from the west, supported by two separate axes of attack from Russia along the east bank of the Dnipro: the western at ], and from the east at ]. These were likely intended to encircle Kyiv from the northeast and east.<ref name="CriticalThreats"/><ref name="ISW 4MAR">{{Cite web |last1=Kagan |first1=Frederick |last2=Barros |first2=George |last3=Stepanenko |first3=Kateryna |date=4 March 2022 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 4 |url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-4 |access-date=5 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
Russia tried to seize Kyiv quickly, with ] infiltrating into the city supported by airborne operations and a rapid mechanised advance from the north, but failed.<ref name="wapo20220320">{{Cite news |last1=Sly |first1=Liz |last2=Lamothe |first2=Dan |date=20 March 2022 |title=Russia's war for Ukraine could be headed toward stalemate |newspaper=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/03/20/russia-ukraine-military-offensive/ |url-status=live |access-date=6 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320093229/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/03/20/russia-ukraine-military-offensive/ |archive-date=20 March 2022 |issn=0190-8286 |oclc=2269358}} | |||
{{update|section|date=April 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite web |last=Roblin |first=Sebastien |date=27 February 2022 |title=At Vasylkiv, Ukrainians Repel Russia's Paratroopers and Commandos in Frantic Night Battle |url=https://www.19fortyfive.com/2022/02/at-vasylkiv-ukrainians-repel-russias-paratroopers-and-commandos-in-frantic-night-battle/ |access-date=5 March 2022 |website=19FortyFive}} | |||
{{further|List of military engagements during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|Timeline of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Boot |first=Max |date=21 March 2022 |title=Opinion: Against all odds, Ukrainians are winning. Russia's initial offensive has failed. |newspaper=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/03/21/ukraine-is-winning-war-russia-offensive-putin/ | |||
{{See also|Order of battle for the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
|access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kemp |first=Richard |date=22 March 2022 |title=The Russian army has run out of time |work=] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2022/03/22/russian-army-has-run-time/ |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref> The United States contacted Zelenskyy and offered to help him flee the country, lest the Russian Army attempt to kidnap or kill him on seizing Kyiv; Zelenskyy responded that "The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride."<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 February 2022 |title=Live updates: Zelenskyy declines US offer to evacuate Kyiv |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-europe-united-nations-kyiv-6ccba0905f1871992b93712d3585f548 |access-date=28 February 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref> ''The Washington Post'', which described the quote as "one of the most-cited lines of the Russian invasion", was not entirely sure of the comment's accuracy. Reporter ] said it came from "a single source, but on the surface it appears to be a good one."<ref>{{Cite news |title=Analysis: Zelensky's famous quote of 'need ammo, not a ride' not easily confirmed |newspaper=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/03/06/zelenskys-famous-quote-need-ammo-not-ride-not-easily-confirmed/ |access-date=28 February 2023 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> Russian forces advancing on Kyiv from Belarus ] of the ghost town of ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 February 2022 |title=Ukraine loses control of Chernobyl nuclear site, amid battles in Kyiv outskirts |work=] |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/ukraine-troops-battle-invading-russian-army-in-kyiv-outskirts/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225030412/https://www.timesofisrael.com/ukraine-troops-battle-invading-russian-army-in-kyiv-outskirts/ |archive-date=25 February 2022}} | |||
]<!-- Placeholder for inserting a recap of the timeline below. See discussion at ] --> | |||
* {{Cite web |date=25 February 2022 |title=Ukrayinsʹki viysʹkovi pid Kyyevom zupynyly kolonu rosiysʹkykh tankiv |script-title=uk:Українські військові під Києвом зупинили колону російських танків |trans-title=The Ukrainian military stopped a column of Russian tanks near Kyiv |url=https://gazeta.ua/articles/np/_ukrayinski-vijskovi-pid-kiyevom-zupinili-kolonu-rosijskih-tankiv/1072503 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225100628/https://gazeta.ua/articles/np/_ukrayinski-vijskovi-pid-kiyevom-zupinili-kolonu-rosijskih-tankiv/1072503 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=] |language=uk}}</ref> ] attempted to seize two key airfields near Kyiv, launching an ],<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 February 2022 |title=Battle Underway for Airbase on Kyiv Outskirts |work=]|agency=] |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/24/battle-underway-for-airbase-on-kyiv-outskirts-a76573 |url-status=live |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225043724/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/24/battle-underway-for-airbase-on-kyiv-outskirts-a76573 |archive-date=25 February 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite news |title=Russia claims to take control of Hostomel airport just outside Kyiv |work=] |agency=] |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/russia-claims-to-take-control-of-hostomel-airport-just-outside-kyiv/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225143618/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/russia-claims-to-take-control-of-hostomel-airport-just-outside-kyiv/ |archive-date=25 February 2022}}</ref> and a similar ], near ], on 26 February.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Okupanty namahayutʹsya vysadyty desant u Vasylʹkovi, ydutʹ boyi |script-title=uk:Окупанти намагаються висадити десант у Василькові, йдуть бої |language=uk |trans-title=The occupiers are trying to land in Vasylkiv, fighting is going on |agency=] |url=https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-ato/3413199-okupanti-namagautsa-visaditi-desant-u-vasilkovi-jdut-boi.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226004532/https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-ato/3413199-okupanti-namagautsa-visaditi-desant-u-vasilkovi-jdut-boi.html |archive-date=26 February 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite news |title=U Vasylʹkovi zbyly vynyshchuvach ta dva hvyntokryly okupantiv |script-title=uk:У Василькові збили винищувач та два гвинтокрили окупантів |language=uk |trans-title=A fighter and two helicopters of the occupiers were shot down in Vasylkiv |agency=] |url=https://www.unian.ua/war/u-vasilkovi-zbili-vinishchuvach-ta-dva-gvintokrili-okupantiv-trivayut-vazhki-boji-novini-donbasu-11718652.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226003258/https://www.unian.ua/war/u-vasilkovi-zbili-vinishchuvach-ta-dva-gvintokrili-okupantiv-trivayut-vazhki-boji-novini-donbasu-11718652.html |archive-date=26 February 2022}}</ref> | |||
<!-- Paragraph 2 and forward for summary of current situation. --> | |||
The invasion began on 24 February after Putin declared his intended military intervention.<ref name="Meduza_Putin_announces_invasion" /> The full military operation consisted of infantry divisions supported by armoured units and air support in Eastern Ukraine, along with dozens of missile attacks across both Eastern Ukraine and Western Ukraine.<ref name="CriticalThreats" /><ref name="ISW 4MAR" /> Ostensibly, the main infantry and tank division attacks were launched at four spearhead incursions, creating a Northern front (launched towards Kyiv), a Southern front (originating in Crimea), a Southeastern front (launched at the cities of Luhansk and Donbas), and an Eastern front.<ref name="CBS-2022-03-20"/><ref name="CBC-2022-03-21"/> An extensive missile bombardment campaign was also conducted with dozens of missile strikes across Ukraine, reaching as far west as Lviv.<ref name="Dutton-2022-02-25">{{cite news |last=Dutton |first=Jack |date=25 February 2022 |title=Russian Military Base Blown Up as Ukraine Fights Back |work=] |url=https://www.newsweek.com/russian-military-base-blown-ukraine-fights-back-1682558 |url-status=live |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225075915/https://www.newsweek.com/russian-military-base-blown-ukraine-fights-back-1682558 |archive-date=25 February 2022}}</ref><ref name="Rostov-Gazeta-2022-02-25">{{cite news |date=25 February 2022 |title=Ukrainian Armed Forces attacked Millerovo with Tochka-U |work=] |url=https://rostovgazeta.ru/news/politics/25-02-2022/vooruzhennye-sily-ukrainy-atakovali-millerovo-tochkoy-u |url-status=live |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225073113/https://rostovgazeta.ru/news/politics/25-02-2022/vooruzhennye-sily-ukrainy-atakovali-millerovo-tochkoy-u |archive-date=25 February 2022}}</ref> | |||
By early March, Russian advances along the west side of the Dnipro were limited by Ukrainian defences.<ref name="ISW 4MAR"/><ref name="CriticalThreats"/> As of 5 March, ], reportedly {{Convert|64|km|mi}} long, had made little progress toward Kyiv.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stern |first=David L. |date=5 March 2022 |title=After temporary cease-fires break down, Putin threatens Ukraine's government |newspaper=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/03/05/ukraine-military-battlefield-kyiv-mariupol/ |access-date=6 March 2022}}</ref> The London-based ] ] (RUSI) assessed Russian advances from the north and east as "stalled."<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1po2OdNnIc |title=How is the war in Ukraine going for Russia? |date=6 March 2022 |last=Arnold |first=Edward |others=Interviewed by ] |at=3:26 |access-date=18 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314020335/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1po2OdNnIc |archive-date=14 March 2022 |url-status=live |via=] |work=]}}</ref> Advances from Chernihiv largely halted as a ]. Russian forces continued to advance on Kyiv from the northwest, capturing ], ] and ] by 5 March,<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Lister |first1=Tim |last2=Pennington |first2=Josh |last3=McGee |first3=Luke |last4=Gigova |first4=Radina |name-list-style=and |date=7 March 2022 |title='A family died ... in front of my eyes': Civilians killed as Russian military strike hits evacuation route in Kyiv suburb |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/03/06/europe/ukraine-russia-invasion-sunday-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=9 March 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=7 March 2022 |title=Bucha, Vorzel, Hostomel under enemy's control, situation remains critical |agency=] |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3422872-bucha-vorzel-hostomel-under-enemys-control-situation-remains-critical.html |access-date=9 March 2022}}</ref> though ] remained contested as of 9 March.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Lister |first1=Tim |last2=Voitovych |first2=Olga |date=8 March 2022 |title="Irpin can't be bought, Irpin fights": Mayor refuses Russian demand to surrender |publisher=] |url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-03-08-22/h_e09d49888fcb2a07b8f1a95d6f2b0faa |access-date=8 March 2022}}</ref> By 11 March, the lengthy convoy had largely dispersed and taken cover.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Murphy |first=Paul |date=11 March 2022 |title=Stalled 40-mile-long Russian convoy near Kyiv now largely dispersed, satellite images show |publisher=] |url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-03-11-22/h_1b9599f9b4bf3b17110242404180ffec |access-date=11 March 2022}}</ref> On 16 March, Ukrainian forces began a counter-offensive to repel Russian forces.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Cullison |first1=Alan |last2=Coles |first2=Isabel |last3=Trofimov |first3=Yaroslav |date=16 March 2022 |title=Ukraine Mounts Counteroffensive to Drive Russians Back From Kyiv, Key Cities |work=] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-mounts-counteroffensive-to-drive-russians-back-from-kyiv-key-cities-11647428858 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=16 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316111106/https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-mounts-counteroffensive-to-drive-russians-back-from-kyiv-key-cities-11647428858 |archive-date=16 March 2022}}</ref> Unable to achieve a quick victory in Kyiv, Russian forces switched their strategy to ] and ] warfare.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Gordon |first1=Michael R. |last2=Leary |first2=Alex |date=21 March 2022 |title=The Wall Street Journal News Exclusive: Russia, Failing to Achieve Early Victory in Ukraine, Is Seen Shifting to 'Plan B' |work=] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/russia-failing-to-achieve-early-victory-in-ukraine-is-seen-shifting-to-plan-b-11647824374 |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Ali |first1=Idrees |last2=Stewart |first2=Phil |date=27 February 2022 |title=Russian forces appear to shift to siege warfare in Ukraine- U.S. official |work=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putins-nuclear-move-could-make-situation-much-much-more-dangerous-us-official-2022-02-27/ |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
On 25 March, a Ukrainian counter-offensive retook several towns to the east and west of Kyiv, including ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 March 2022 |title=Ukraine war: Ukrainian fightback gains ground west of Kyiv |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60847188 |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="Guardian220325">{{Cite news |last1=Walters |first1=Joanna |last2=Bartholomew |first2=Jem |last3=Belam |first3=Martin |last4=Lock |first4=Samantha |date=25 March 2022 |title=Russia-Ukraine war latest: Ukraine takes back towns east of Kyiv; hopes of Mariupol humanitarian corridor grow – live |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/mar/25/ukraine-war-latest-news-sanctions-a-little-late-zelenskiy-tells-european-council-biden-to-visit-poland-live |access-date=25 March 2022}}</ref> Russian troops in the Bucha area retreated north at the end of March. Ukrainian forces entered the city on 1 April.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rudenko |first=Olga |date=2 April 2022 |title=Hundreds of murdered civilians discovered as Russians withdraw from towns near Kyiv (Graphic Images) |url=https://kyivindependent.com/national/hundreds-of-murdered-civilians-discovered-as-russians-withdraw-from-towns-near-kyiv-graphic-images/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403022637/https://kyivindependent.com/national/hundreds-of-murdered-civilians-discovered-as-russians-withdraw-from-towns-near-kyiv-graphic-images/ |archive-date=3 April 2022 |access-date=3 April 2022 |website=]}}</ref> Ukraine said it had recaptured the entire region around Kyiv, including Irpin, Bucha, and Hostomel, and uncovered evidence of ] in ].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ukraine war latest: Ukraine says it has retaken entire Kyiv region |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-europe-60949706 |access-date=2 April 2022 }}</ref> On 6 April, NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said that the Russian "retraction, resupply, and redeployment" of their troops from the Kyiv area should be interpreted as an expansion of Putin's plans for Ukraine, by redeploying and concentrating his forces on eastern Ukraine.<ref name="news.yahoo.com"/> Kyiv was generally left free from attack apart from isolated missile strikes. One did occur while UN Secretary-General ] was ] on 28 April to discuss the survivors of the siege of Mariupol with Zelenskyy. One person was killed and several were injured in the attack.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 April 2022 |title=Russia attacks Kyiv as U.N. leader visits, and onslaught continues in eastern Ukraine |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-russia-attacks-kyiv-un-antonio-guterres-visits/ |website=] |access-date=20 March 2023}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last1=Tebor |first1=Celina |last2=Miller |first2=Ryan W. |last3=Hayes |first3=Christal |last4=Santucci |first4=Jeanine |date=30 April 2022 |title=Ukraine in 'a fight for life' in Donbas region, Zelenskyy says in nightly address; Russian strike kills at least 1 in Kyiv: Live updates |work=] |url=https://news.yahoo.com/biden-seeks-33-billion-aid-070001472.html |access-date=2 June 2022}}</ref> | |||
] meeting with Russian defence minister ] in April 2022, after Russia's defeat at the ]]] | |||
==== Northeastern front ==== | |||
On 25 March, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the "first stage" of what they referred as the "military operation in Ukraine" was generally complete, with Ukrainian military forces suffering serious losses, and the Russian military would now be concentrating on the "liberation of ]".<ref>{{cite news |title=Operation in Ukraine proceeds as planned, first stage goals complete |url=https://tass.com/politics/1427617 |access-date=27 March 2022 |agency=TASS |date=26 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Russia targets east Ukraine, says first phase over |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60872358 |access-date=27 March 2022 |publisher=BBC |date=26 March 2022}}</ref> The "first stage" of the invasion was conducted on four fronts.<ref>{{cite web |last=Varner |first=Joe |date=28 March 2022 |title=It's been one month since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. Here's where we stand |url=https://thehub.ca/2022-03-28/the-state-of-the-russian-ukrainian-war-one-month-in/ |access-date=3 April 2022 |website=The Hub}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=1 April 2022 |title=Russian invasion of Ukraine lacks a battlefield commander, U.S. officials say |url=https://news.yahoo.com/russian-invasion-ukraine-lacks-battlefield-202615350.html |access-date=3 April 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
{{Further|Siege of Chernihiv|Battle of Sumy}} | |||
* Along an axis towards western ] from Belarus (a northern front), conducted by the Russian ], comprising the ], ], and ] | |||
{{See also|Russian occupation of Sumy Oblast}} | |||
* An axis towards eastern Kyiv from Russia by the ] (a northeastern front), comprising the ] and ] | |||
Russian forces advanced into ] on 24 February, besieging its administrative capital within ]. On 25 February ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ward |first=Alexander |date=25 February 2022 |title='Almost not possible' for Ukraine to win without West's help, Ukraine official says |work=] |url=https://politi.co/3LWSyC5 |url-status=live |access-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226175146/https://www.politico.com/newsletters/national-security-daily/2022/02/25/almost-not-possible-for-ukraine-to-win-00011969 |archive-date=26 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=26 February 2022 |title=Ukraine war news from February 25: Kyiv suburbs breached, Russian forces face resistance, Zelensky warns Russia will 'storm' capital |work=] |url=https://www.ft.com/content/93554a7e-f974-49fc-85ba-c111d253b002 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226151541/https://www.ft.com/content/93554a7e-f974-49fc-85ba-c111d253b002 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |issn=0307-1766}}</ref> As ] took place in the city of ], just {{convert|35|km|mi}} from the Russo-Ukrainian border, Ukrainian forces claimed that on 28 February that 100 Russian armoured vehicles had been destroyed and dozens of soldiers captured following a ] drone and artillery attack on a large Russian ] near ] in ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Недилько |first=Владимир |date=28 February 2022 |title=Boi pod Sumami: artilleriya i "Bayraktary" unichtozhili 100 tankov i 20 "Gradov" okkupantov |script-title=uk:Бои под Сумами: артиллерия и "Байрактары" уничтожили 100 танков и 20 "Градов" оккупантов |language=uk |trans-title=Battles near Sumy: Artillery and Bayraktars destroyed 100 tanks and 20 "Grad" of invaders |work=Апостроф |url=https://apostrophe.ua/news/society/2022-02-28/boi-pod-sumami-artilleriya-i-bayraktaryi-unichtojili-100-tankov-i-20-gradov-okkupantov/260916 |url-status=live |access-date=28 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228222555/https://apostrophe.ua/news/society/2022-02-28/boi-pod-sumami-artilleriya-i-bayraktaryi-unichtojili-100-tankov-i-20-gradov-okkupantov/260916 |archive-date=28 February 2022 |trans-work=Apostrophe}}</ref> Russian forces ], deploying ]s.<ref name="unianberdyansk">{{Cite news |last=Polyakovskaya |first=Tanya |date=26 February 2022 |title=Rossiyskaya voyennaya tekhnika zanyala territoriyu byvshego aeroporta "Berdyansk" – gorsovet |script-title=ru:Российская военная техника заняла территорию бывшего аэропорта "Бердянск" – горсовет |language=ru |trans-title=Russian military equipment occupied the territory of the former airport "Berdyansk" – city council |publisher=Berdyansk City Council |agency=] |url=https://www.unian.net/war/rossiyskaya-voennaya-tehnika-zanyala-territoriyu-byvshego-aeroporta-berdyansk-gorsovet-novosti-donbassa-11719648.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226195413/https://www.unian.net/war/rossiyskaya-voennaya-tehnika-zanyala-territoriyu-byvshego-aeroporta-berdyansk-gorsovet-novosti-donbassa-11719648.html |archive-date=26 February 2022}}</ref> | |||
* An axis towards ] by the ] (an eastern front), with the ] and ] | |||
* A southern front (originating in occupied Crimea and Russia's Rostov oblast) with an eastern axis towards ] and a western area of operations toward ], by the ], including the ], ], and ], the latter also commanding the 1st and 2nd Army Corps of the ]<ref name="auto">{{cite web |date=21 September 2021 |title=The Russian and Ukrainian Spring 2021 War Scare |url=https://www.csis.org/analysis/russian-and-ukrainian-spring-2021-war-scare |access-date=25 November 2021 |first=Mykola |last=Bielieskov |website=]}}</ref> | |||
On 4 March, ] wrote that the Sumy axis was then "the most successful and dangerous Russian avenue of advance on Kyiv", and commented that the geography favoured mechanised advances as the terrain "is flat and sparsely populated, offering few good defensive positions."<ref name="CriticalThreats"/> Travelling along highways, Russian forces reached ], an eastern suburb of Kyiv, on 4 March.<ref name="ISW 4MAR"/><ref name="CriticalThreats"/> ] confirmed on 6 April that the Russian army had left ], but ] remained contested.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Demirjian |first1=Karoun |last2=Lamothe |first2=Dan |name-list-style=and |date=6 April 2022 |title=Pentagon: Russia has fully withdrawn from Kyiv, Chernihiv |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/04/06/pentagon-russia-withdraws-kyiv-chernihiv/ |access-date=7 April 2022 |newspaper=]}}</ref> On 7 April, the governor of Sumy Oblast said that Russian troops were gone, but had left behind rigged explosives and other hazards.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kalatur |first=Anastasiya |date=8 April 2022 |title=Sumy region liberated from Russian troops |work=] |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/04/8/7338013/ |access-date=15 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
By 7 April, Russian troops deployed to the Northern front conducted by the Russian ], comprising the ], ], and ], were retracted from the Kyiv offensive for apparent resupply and subsequent redeployment to the Donbas region to reinforce the southern and the eastern fronts for a renewed invasion front of southeastern Ukraine. The Northeastern front including the ], comprising the ] and ], was similarly withdrawn for resupply and redeployment in Southeastern Ukraine.<ref name="auto"/><ref name="news.yahoo.com">{{cite news |url=https://news.yahoo.com/nato-chief-says-putin-still-144125043.html |title=NATO chief says Putin still wants to control all of Ukraine, despite repositioning forces to the eastern Donbas region |first1=Jake |last1=Epstein |first2=John |last2=Haltiwanger |date=6 April 2022 |access-date=7 April 2022}}</ref> By 8 April, General ] was placed in charge of military operations during the invasion.<ref name="hindustannewshub.com"/> On 18 April, retired Lt. Gen. ], the former U.S. ambassador to NATO, reported in an interview on the PBS Newshour that Russia had repositioned its troops to initiate a new assault on Eastern Ukraine which would be limited to Russia's original deployment of 150,000 to 190,000 troops for the invasion, though the troops were being well supplied by adequate Russian weapons stockpiles stored within Russia. For Lute, this contrasted sharply with the vast size of the Ukrainian troops consisting of Zelenskyy's conscription of all male Ukrainian citizens between 16 and 60 years of age, however without adequate weapons available in Ukraine's highly limited stockpiles of weapons.<ref>{{cite news |title=Russia's battle for the east has begun, Zelenskyy says |work=] |date=18 April 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022 |url=https://www.pbs.org/video/russian-invasion-1650309065/}}</ref> | |||
==== Southern front ==== | |||
On 26 April, delegates of the USA along with 40 allied nations met at Ramstein Air Base in Germany to discuss forming a sustained coalition to provide economic support along with military supplies and refitting to Ukraine for its battle and possible counter-offensive against Russia.<ref>"US and allies gather at Ramstein to discuss how to help Ukraine defeat Russia’s ‘unjust invasion’". The link to one of the latest articles is in "Stars and Stripes" under the title I have just quoted, BY JOHN VANDIVER AND JENNIFER H. SVAN • STARS AND STRIPES • APRIL 26, 2022. .</ref> On 27 April, Putin announced in Russian's main legislative assembly that Russia would respond to any combative military provocation from outside of Ukraine with prompt peremptory action possible only with Russian's unique arsenal of nuclear weapons.<ref>"Germany's Ukraine Tank Plan at Risk Over Bullet Shortage". By Arne Delfs. April 27, 2022. Bloomberg News. </ref><ref>"Nuke-ready Putin vows 'lightning-fast' retaliation against other nations in Ukraine war". By Evan Simko-Bednarski and Lee Brown. NY Post. April 27, 2022. </ref> | |||
{{Further|Siege of Mariupol|2022 bombing of Odesa|Battle of Kherson|Battle of Enerhodar}} | |||
{{See also|Russian occupation of Kherson Oblast|Russian occupation of Zaporizhzhia Oblast}} | |||
] near Mariupol, 7 March 2022]] | |||
On 24 February, Russian forces took control of the ], allowing Crimea to obtain water from the ], which had been cut off since 2014.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Marrow |first1=Alexander |last2=Ostroukh |first2=Andrey |date=24 February 2022 |editor-last=Balmforth |editor-first=Tom |title=Russian forces unblock water flow for canal to annexed Crimea, Moscow says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-forces-unblock-water-flow-canal-annexed-crimea-moscow-says-2022-02-24/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-forces-unblock-water-flow-canal-annexed-crimea-moscow-says-2022-02-24/ |archive-date=1 March 2022 |work=]}}</ref> On 26 February, the ] began as the attack moved east linking to separatist-held Donbas.<ref name="unianberdyansk"/><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1497605510887100420 |user=nexta_tv |title=The tanks of the occupiers have circled #Berdyansk and are heading towards #Mariupol. https://t.co/jwsIoORzH0 |author=NEXTA |author-link=Nexta |date=26 February 2022 |access-date=28 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227062037/https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1497605510887100420 |archive-date=27 February 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> En route, Russian forces entered ] and ].<ref name="CNN-Berdyansk">{{Cite news |last1=Lister |first1=Tim |last2=Alkhaldi |first2=Celine |last3=Voitovych |first3=Olga |last4=Mezzofiore |first4=Gianluca |date=24 March 2022 |title=Ukrainians claim to have destroyed large Russian warship in Berdyansk |publisher=] |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/24/europe/ukraine-russian-warship-berdyansk-intl/index.html |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref> On 25 February, Russian units from the DPR were fighting near ] as they moved on Mariupol.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Battle ongoing near Mariupol – mayor |agency=] |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3412585-battle-ongoing-near-mariupol-mayor.html |url-status=live |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225110919/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3412585-battle-ongoing-near-mariupol-mayor.html |archive-date=25 February 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite web |last=Richárd |first=Jabronka |date=25 February 2022 |title=Így áll most a háború Ukrajnában: több nagyvárosban harcok dúlnak, megtámadtak egy orosz repülőteret |trans-title=This is how the war in Ukraine is now: fighting is raging in several big cities, a Russian airport has been attacked |url=https://ellenszel.hu/2022/02/25/igy-all-most-a-haboru-ukrajnaban-tobb-nagyvarosban-harcok-dulnak-megtamadtak-egy-orosz-repuloteret/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226011052/https://ellenszel.hu/2022/02/25/igy-all-most-a-haboru-ukrajnaban-tobb-nagyvarosban-harcok-dulnak-megtamadtak-egy-orosz-repuloteret/ |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=] |language=hu}}</ref> By evening, the ] began an ] on the coast of the ] {{convert|70|km|mi}} west of Mariupol. A US defence official said that Russian forces were deploying thousands of ] from this ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 February 2022 |title="Amphibious assault" underway west of Mariupol on the Sea of Azov, senior US defense official says |publisher=] |url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-25-22/h_622a8b21dd1cf52845090a96c9c6513b |url-status=live |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225220827/https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-25-22/h_622a8b21dd1cf52845090a96c9c6513b |archive-date=25 February 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite web |title=Russian Navy Carries Out Amphibious Assault Near Mariupol |url=https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/russian-navy-carries-out-amphibious-assault-near-mariupol |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225220846/https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/russian-navy-carries-out-amphibious-assault-near-mariupol |archive-date=25 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=The Maritime Executive}}</ref> | |||
The ] approached the ] on 26 February<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 February 2022 |title=Ukraine official says Russian troops approaching Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant |work=] |url=https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/ukraine-official-says-russian-troops-approaching-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant |access-date=28 February 2022}}</ref> and ]. A fire began,<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 March 2022 |title=Russian forces attacking Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, per multiple reports |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-forces-attacking-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant-ukraine-ap-2022-3 |access-date=4 March 2022 |website=] Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=4 March 2022 |title=Ukraine nuclear plant on fire after Russia shelling |work=] |url=https://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/ukraine-pounded-and-exodus-mounts-as-russia-seizes-key-city/news-story/4c2bd269029008ba09ab2cab3a5a32b7 |access-date=4 March 2022}}</ref> but the Ukrainian military said that essential equipment was undamaged.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 March 2022 |title=Russian forces strike Ukraine from multiple fronts, including at power plant |work=] |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-04/latest-on-where-fighting-is-happening-in-ukraine/100881052 |access-date=4 March 2022}}</ref> A third Russian attack group from Crimea moved northwest and captured the bridge over the Dnieper.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ukraine loses control over crossing to Kherson |agency=] |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3412906-ukraine-loses-control-over-crossing-to-kherson.html |url-status=live |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225155031/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3412906-ukraine-loses-control-over-crossing-to-kherson.html |archive-date=25 February 2022}}</ref> On 2 March, Russian troops took ]; this was the first major city to fall to Russian forces.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Schwirtz |first1=Michael |last2=Pérez-Peña |first2=Richard |name-list-style=and |date=2 March 2022 |title=First Ukraine City Falls as Russia Strikes More Civilian Targets |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/02/world/europe/kherson-ukraine-russia.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303000108/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/02/world/europe/kherson-ukraine-russia.html |archive-date=3 March 2022 |access-date=3 March 2022 |work=]}}</ref> Russian troops moved on ] and ] two days later. They were repelled by Ukrainian forces.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 March 2022 |title=Ukrainian defenders repelled attack on Mykolaiv city, fighting continues on outskirts |agency=] |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3420336-ukrainian-defenders-repelled-attack-on-mykolaiv-city-fighting-continues-on-outskirts.html |access-date=4 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
=== First phase: Invasion of Ukraine (24 February to 7 April) === | |||
After renewed missile attacks on 14 March in Mariupol, the Ukrainian government said more than 2,500 had died.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Lister |first1=Tim |last2=Kesa |first2=Julia |name-list-style=and |date=14 March 2022 |title=Ukraine puts death toll in Mariupol bombardment at more than 2,500 |url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-03-14-22/h_3db1542de366d188c4e7979e7b5ecc95 |access-date=14 March 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> By 18 March, Mariupol was completely encircled and fighting reached the city centre, hampering efforts to evacuate civilians.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Boffey |first1=Daniel |last2=Tondo |first2=Lorenzo |name-list-style=and |date=18 March 2022 |title=Fighting reaches central Mariupol as shelling hinders rescue attempts |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/18/russia-missile-lviv-mariupol-ukraine-war |access-date=21 March 2022 |work=]}}</ref> On 20 March, an art school sheltering around 400 people, was ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 March 2022 |title=Russian forces bomb school sheltering 400 people in Mariupol, city council says |publisher=] |url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-03-20-22/h_b1c1cd7201927da836d75f3e95f324f9 |access-date=20 March 2022}}</ref> The Russians demanded surrender, and the Ukrainians refused.<ref name="CBS-2022-03-20"/><ref name="CBC-2022-03-21">{{Cite news |date=21 March 2022 |title=Ukraine refuses to surrender Mariupol as scope of human toll remains unclear |publisher=] |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-russia-war-march21-1.6391709 |access-date=21 March 2022}}</ref> On 27 March, Ukrainian deputy prime minister ] said that "(m)ore than 85 percent of the whole town is destroyed."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Scully |first=Rachel |date=27 March 2022 |title=Ukrainian official: Mariupol 'simply does not exist anymore' |work=] |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/sunday-talk-shows/599917-ukrainian-official-mariupol-simply-does-not-exist-anymore |access-date=29 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
At the start of the invasion on 24 February, the northern front was launched out of Belarus and targeted Kyiv with a northeastern front launched at the city of Kharkiv; the southeastern front was conducted as two separate spearhead fronts including a southern front (originating in Crimea) and a separate probative southeastern front (launched at the cities of Luhansk and Donbas).<ref name="CBS-2022-03-20"/><ref name="CBC-2022-03-21"/> | |||
Putin told Emmanuel Macron in a phone call on 29 March that the bombardment of Mariupol would only end when the Ukrainians surrendered.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 March 2022 |title=Ukraine War: Putin demands Mariupol surrender to end shelling |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60926470 |access-date=31 March 2022}}</ref> On 1 April, Russian troops refused safe passage into Mariupol to 50 buses sent by the ] to evacuate civilians, as peace talks continued in Istanbul.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 April 2022 |title=Ukraine: No 'plan B' for evacuation of shattered Mariupol, say humanitarians, as Friday attempt fails |work=] |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/04/1115282 |access-date=3 April 2022}}</ref> On 3 April, following the retreat of Russian forces from Kyiv, Russia expanded its attack on southern Ukraine further west, with bombardment and strikes against Odesa, Mykolaiv, and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 April 2022 |title=Missiles hit Ukraine refinery, 'critical infrastructure' near Odessa |work=] |publisher=] |agency=] |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/world/missiles-hit-critical-infrastructure-at-ukrainian-port-of-odessa |access-date=6 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=11 March 2022 |title=Video analysis reveals Russian attack on Ukrainian nuclear plant veered near disaster |publisher=] |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/03/11/1085427380/ukraine-nuclear-power-plant-zaporizhzhia |access-date=1 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
==== First phase — Northern front ==== | |||
==== Eastern front ==== | |||
{{See also|Kyiv offensive (2022)|Siege of Chernihiv|Bucha massacre}} | |||
{{Further|Battle of Kharkiv (2022)|Battle of Izium|Millerovo air base attack}} | |||
{{See also|Russian occupation of Kharkiv Oblast}} | |||
] | |||
In the east, Russian troops ], less than {{convert|35|km|mi}} from the Russian border,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Losh |first=Jack |date=25 February 2022 |title=Kharkiv's Resistance to Russia's War Has Already Begun |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/02/24/russia-ukraine-war-resistance-kharkiv/ |magazine=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225044904/https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/02/24/russia-ukraine-war-resistance-kharkiv/ |archive-date=25 February 2022 |access-date=27 February 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite web |title=Rosiya atakuvala ukrayinsʹki mista: de vidbulysya boyi |script-title=uk:Росія атакувала українські міста: де відбулися бої |trans-title=Russia attacked Ukrainian cities: where the fighting took place |url=https://24tv.ua/rosiya-atakuvala-ukrayinski-mista-de-vidbulisya-boyi_n1877474 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225025620/https://24tv.ua/rosiya-atakuvala-ukrayinski-mista-de-vidbulisya-boyi_n1877474 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |access-date=27 February 2022 |website=] |language=uk}}</ref> and met strong Ukrainian resistance. On 25 February, the ] by Ukrainian military forces with ] missiles, which according to Ukrainian officials, destroyed several ] planes and started a fire.<ref name="Rostov-Gazeta-2022-02-25">{{Cite news |date=25 February 2022 |title=Ukrainian Armed Forces attacked Millerovo with Tochka-U |url=https://rostovgazeta.ru/news/politics/25-02-2022/vooruzhennye-sily-ukrainy-atakovali-millerovo-tochkoy-u |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225073113/https://rostovgazeta.ru/news/politics/25-02-2022/vooruzhennye-sily-ukrainy-atakovali-millerovo-tochkoy-u |archive-date=25 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=]}}</ref> On 1 March, ], head of the DPR, announced that DPR forces had almost completely surrounded the city of ].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Lister |first1=Tim |last2=Voitovych |first2=Olya |date=1 March 2022 |title=Russian-backed separatist leader expects his forces to surround Mariupol on Tuesday |publisher=] |url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-03-01-22/h_0e3d20b474aa007bb1e4acc0d0fba984 |access-date=1 March 2022}}</ref> On 2 March, Russian forces were repelled from ] during ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Novyny Ukrayiny: Rosiysʹke vtorhnennya: potochna sytuatsiya na Luhanshchyni |script-title=uk:Новини України: Російське вторгнення: поточна ситуація на Луганщині |trans-title=News of Ukraine: Russian invasion: the current situation in Luhansk region |url=https://galinfo.com.ua/news/rosiyske_vtorgnennya_potochna_sytuatsiya_na_luganshchyni_381541.html |access-date=3 March 2022 |website={{Interlanguage link|galinfo.com.ua|uk|Гал-інфо}} |language=uk}}</ref> On the same day, Ukrainian forces initiated ] on ],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 March 2022 |title=First in 7 days of war Ukrainian units go on offensive advancing to Horlivka – Arestovych |url=https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/805456.html |access-date=2 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref> controlled by the DPR.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Huijboom |first=Stefan |date=22 June 2015 |title=Resident of Russian-held Horlivka: 'We have nothing' |work=] |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/content/kyiv-post-plus/resident-of-russian-held-horlivka-we-have-nothing-391727.html |access-date=11 March 2022}}</ref> ] was captured by Russian forces on 1 April<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/04/07/izyum-eastern-ukraine-razing-towns/|title=In eastern Ukraine, Russian military razing towns to take them over|first=Dalton|last=Bennett|newspaper=]|date=7 April 2022|access-date=21 February 2022}}</ref> after a monthlong battle.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/18/russian-human-rights-abuses-took-place-in-izium-ukraine-investigation-finds|title=Militia units commanded by Russia named in Izium abuse investigation|first1=Nick|last1=Hopkins|first2=Jamie|last2=Wilson|first3=Luke|last3=Harding|work=]|date=18 July 2023|access-date=21 February 2024}}</ref> | |||
On 25 March, the Russian defence ministry said it would seek to occupy major cities in eastern Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 March 2022 |title=Russia says first phase of Ukraine operation mostly complete, focus now on Donbass |publisher=] |agency=] |location=London |editor-last=Trevelyan |editor-first=Mark |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/russia-says-first-phase-ukraine-134534902.html |access-date=28 March 2022}}</ref> On 31 March, '']'' reported renewed shelling and missile attacks in Kharkiv, as bad or worse than before, as peace talks with Russia were to resume in Istanbul.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Hewson |first1=Jack |last2=Ram |first2=Ed |last3=Frantsev |first3=Dmitri |date=30 March 2022 |title=Civilians endure intense suffering as Russian shelling reduces Kharkiv to 'a smoking ruin' |work=] |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/civilians-endure-intense-suffering-as-russian-shelling-reduces-kharkiv-to-a-smoking-ruin |access-date=1 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
<!-- Paragraph 1 for high level overview and summary of main events in February. --> | |||
Russian efforts to capture ] included a main probative spearhead front striking south from Belarus on 24 February along the west bank of the ], with the apparent aim of encircling the city from the west; the probative spearhead front was fully retracted by 7 April for resupply and redeployment for the active southeastern fronts of the second phase of the Russian invasion.<ref name="news.yahoo.com"/> The spearhead front initiated on 24 February for Kyiv was supported by two separate axes of attack from Russia along the east bank of the Dnipro: the western at ], and the eastern at ]. The eastern axes of attack likely intended to encircle Kyiv from the northeast and east.<ref name="ISW 4MAR">{{cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 4 |url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-4 |last1=Kagan |first1=Frederick |last2=Barros |first2=George |last3=Stepanenko |first3=Kateryna |website=] |access-date=5 March 2022 |date=4 March 2022}}</ref><ref name="CriticalThreats">{{cite news |last1=Kagan |first1=Frederick |last2=Barros |first2=George |last3=Stepanenko |first3=Kateryna |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 4 |url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-4 |access-date=5 March 2022 |work=CriticalThreats |date=5 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
Amid the heightened Russian shelling of Kharkiv on 31 March, Russia reported a helicopter strike against an oil supply depot approximately {{convert|35|km|mi}} north of the border in ], and accused Ukraine of the attack.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 April 2022 |title=Russia alleges Ukrainian helicopters struck Belgorod fuel depot |publisher=] |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/1/russia-alleges-ukrainian-helicopters-struck-belgorod-fuel-depot |access-date=6 April 2022}}</ref> Ukraine denied responsibility.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 April 2022 |title=War in Ukraine: Russia accuses Ukraine of attacking oil depot |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60952125 |access-date=6 April 2022}}</ref> By 7 April, the renewed massing of Russian invasion troops and tank divisions around the towns of Izium, ], and ] prompted Ukrainian government officials to advise the remaining residents near the eastern border of Ukraine to evacuate to western Ukraine within 2–3 days, given the absence of arms and munitions previously promised to Ukraine by then.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Picheta |first=Rob |date=6 April 2022 |title=The fight for Sloviansk may be 'the next pivotal battle' of Russia's war in Ukraine |publisher=] |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/06/europe/sloviansk-ukraine-russia-military-significance-intl/index.html |access-date=15 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
On the first day of the invasion, Russian forces advancing towards Kyiv from Belarus ] of the ghost towns of ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|date=24 February 2022 |title=Ukraine loses control of Chernobyl nuclear site, amid battles in Kyiv outskirts |work=] |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/ukraine-troops-battle-invading-russian-army-in-kyiv-outskirts/ |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225030412/https://www.timesofisrael.com/ukraine-troops-battle-invading-russian-army-in-kyiv-outskirts/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://gazeta.ua/articles/np/_ukrayinski-vijskovi-pid-kiyevom-zupinili-kolonu-rosijskih-tankiv/1072503 |date=25 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=] |language=uk |script-title=uk:Українські військові під Києвом зупинили колону російських танків |trans-title=The Ukrainian military stopped a column of Russian tanks near Kyiv |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225100628/https://gazeta.ua/articles/np/_ukrayinski-vijskovi-pid-kiyevom-zupinili-kolonu-rosijskih-tankiv/1072503 |url-status=live}}</ref> Following their breakthrough at Chernobyl, Russian forces ], a northern suburb of Kyiv. ] attempted to seize two key airfields around Kyiv, launching an ],<ref>{{cite news|date=24 February 2022 |title=Battle Underway for Airbase on Kyiv Outskirts |work=] |agency=] |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/24/battle-underway-for-airbase-on-kyiv-outskirts-a76573 |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225043724/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/24/battle-underway-for-airbase-on-kyiv-outskirts-a76573 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press |title=Russia claims to take control of Hostomel airport just outside Kyiv |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/russia-claims-to-take-control-of-hostomel-airport-just-outside-kyiv/ |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=] |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225143618/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/russia-claims-to-take-control-of-hostomel-airport-just-outside-kyiv/ |url-status=live}}</ref> followed by a similar ], near ] to the south of Kyiv, on 26 February.<ref>{{cite news |script-title=uk:Окупанти намагаються висадити десант у Василькові, йдуть бої |trans-title=The occupiers are trying to land in Vasylkiv, fighting is going on |url=https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-ato/3413199-okupanti-namagautsa-visaditi-desant-u-vasilkovi-jdut-boi.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226004532/https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-ato/3413199-okupanti-namagautsa-visaditi-desant-u-vasilkovi-jdut-boi.html |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=26 February 2022 |agency=] |language=uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|script-title=uk:У Василькові збили винищувач та два гвинтокрили окупантів |trans-title=A fighter and two helicopters of the occupiers were shot down in Vasylkiv |url=https://www.unian.ua/war/u-vasilkovi-zbili-vinishchuvach-ta-dva-gvintokrili-okupantiv-trivayut-vazhki-boji-novini-donbasu-11718652.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226003258/https://www.unian.ua/war/u-vasilkovi-zbili-vinishchuvach-ta-dva-gvintokrili-okupantiv-trivayut-vazhki-boji-novini-donbasu-11718652.html |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=26 February 2022 |agency=] |language=uk}}</ref> | |||
=== Southeastern front (8 April – 5 September 2022) === | |||
These attacks appeared to have been an attempt by Russia to seize Kyiv rapidly, with ] infiltrating into the city supported by airborne operations and a rapid mechanised advance from the north. The attacks were unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite web |last=Roblin |first=Sebastien |title=At Vasylkiv, Ukrainians Repel Russia's Paratroopers and Commandos in Frantic Night Battle |url=https://www.19fortyfive.com/2022/02/at-vasylkiv-ukrainians-repel-russias-paratroopers-and-commandos-in-frantic-night-battle/ |website=19FortyFive |access-date=5 March 2022 |date=27 February 2022}}</ref> During its initial assaults on Kyiv, Russia reportedly made ] using ] mercenaries and ] forces. The Ukrainian government said these efforts had been partially thwarted by anti-war officials within Russia's ] (FSB), who shared intelligence of the plans.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rana |first=Manveen |title=Volodymyr Zelensky survives three assassination attempts in days |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/zelensky-survives-three-assassination-attempts-in-days-xnstdfdfc |access-date=21 March 2022 |work=] |date=3 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
{{for timeline|Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (8 April – 28 August 2022)}} | |||
] | |||
By 17 April, Russian progress on the southeastern front appeared to be impeded by opposing Ukrainian forces in the large, heavily fortified Azovstal steel mill and surrounding area in Mariupol.<ref name="RNZM"/> | |||
On 19 April, '']'' confirmed that Russia had launched a renewed invasion front referred to as an "eastern assault" across a {{Convert|300|mi|km|adj=on|order=flip}} front extending from Kharkiv to Donetsk and Luhansk, with simultaneous missile attacks again directed at Kyiv in the north and Lviv in western Ukraine.<ref name="nytimes.com">{{Cite news |last1=Arraf |first1=Jane |last2=Nechepurenko |first2=Ivan |last3=Landler |first3=Mark |date=19 April 2022 |title=Ukraine Says Russia Begins Assault in the East After Raining Missiles Nationwide |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/18/world/europe/ukraine-russia-missiles-lviv-donbas.html |access-date=20 April 2022}}</ref> As of 30 April, a NATO official described Russian advances as "uneven" and "minor."<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 April 2022 |title=Russia bombards Kharkiv but Ukrainians having 'tactical successes', says Zelenskiy |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/30/russia-bombards-kharkiv-but-ukrainians-having-tactical-successes-says-zelenskiy}}</ref> An anonymous US Defence official called the Russian offensive "very tepid", "minimal at best", and "anaemic."<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 May 2022 |title=US official briefs on Russia's war effort |publisher=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-61295448}}</ref> | |||
<!-- Paragraph 2 and forward for summary of current situation. --> | |||
In June 2022 the chief spokesman for the ] ] revealed that Russian troops were divided between the Army Groups "Centre" commanded by Colonel General ] and "South" commanded by Army General ].<ref name="Novaya">{{Cite news |last=Cherkasov |first=Alexander |date=26 June 2022 |script-title=uk:Люди, стрелявшие в наших отцов |agency=] |url=https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2022/06/26/liudi-streliavshie-v-nashikh-ottsov}}</ref> On 20 July, Lavrov announced that Russia would respond to the increased military aid being received by Ukraine from abroad as justifying the expansion of its special military operation to include objectives in both the ] and ] oblasts.<ref name="auto6">{{Cite news |date=20 July 2022 |title=Ukraine News: Kyiv Intensifies Attacks on Russian Positions in South |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/07/20/world/ukraine-russia-war#russia-ukraine-territory-expansion-lavrov}}</ref> | |||
By early March, further Russian advances along the west side of the Dnipro were limited, after suffering setbacks from Ukrainian defence.<ref name="ISW 4MAR" /><ref name="CriticalThreats" /> As of 5 March, ], reportedly {{Convert|64|km|mi}} in length, had made little progress toward Kyiv.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stern |first=David L. |date=5 March 2022 |title=After temporary cease-fires break down, Putin threatens Ukraine's government |newspaper=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/03/05/ukraine-military-battlefield-kyiv-mariupol/ |access-date=6 March 2022}}</ref> The London-based ] ] (RUSI) assessed the Russian performance from the north and east as "stalled".<ref>{{cite AV media |last=Arnold |first=Edward |others=Interviewed by ] |date=6 March 2022 |at=3:26 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1po2OdNnIc |title=How is the war in Ukraine going for Russia? |work=] |via=YouTube |access-date=18 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314020335/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1po2OdNnIc |archive-date=14 March 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> Advances along the Chernihiv axis had largely halted as a ] began. Russian forces also continued advancing from the northwest of Kyiv, capturing ], ], and ] by 5 March,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/03/06/europe/ukraine-russia-invasion-sunday-intl-hnk/index.html |title='A family died... in front of my eyes': Civilians killed as Russian military strike hits evacuation route in Kyiv suburb |first1=Tim |last1=Lister |first2=Josh |last2=Pennington |first3=Luke |last3=McGee |first4=Radina |last4=Gigova |publisher=CNN |date=7 March 2022 |access-date=9 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3422872-bucha-vorzel-hostomel-under-enemys-control-situation-remains-critical.html |title=Bucha, Vorzel, Hostomel under enemy's control, situation remains critical |agency=] |date=7 March 2022 |access-date=9 March 2022}}</ref> though ] remained ] as of 9 March.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lister |first1=Tim |last2=Voitovych |first2=Olga |title="Irpin can't be bought, Irpin fights": Mayor refuses Russian demand to surrender |url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-03-08-22/h_e09d49888fcb2a07b8f1a95d6f2b0faa |access-date=8 March 2022 |publisher=CNN |date=8 March 2022}}</ref> By 11 March, it was reported that the lengthy convoy had largely dispersed, taking up positions that offered tree cover. Rocket launchers were also identified.<ref>{{cite news |last=Murphy |first=Paul |title=Stalled 40-mile-long Russian convoy near Kyiv now largely dispersed, satellite images show |url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-03-11-22/h_1b9599f9b4bf3b17110242404180ffec |access-date=11 March 2022 |publisher=CNN |date=11 March 2022}}</ref> On 16 March, Ukrainian forces began a counter-offensive to repel Russian forces approaching Kyiv from several surrounding cities.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Alan |last1=Cullison |first2=Isabel |last2=Coles |first3=Yaroslav |last3=Trofimov |date=16 March 2022 |title=Ukraine Mounts Counteroffensive to Drive Russians Back From Kyiv, Key Cities |work=] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-mounts-counteroffensive-to-drive-russians-back-from-kyiv-key-cities-11647428858 |access-date=16 March 2022 |archive-date=16 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316111106/https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-mounts-counteroffensive-to-drive-russians-back-from-kyiv-key-cities-11647428858 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
] started recruiting volunteer battalions from the regions in June 2022 to create a new ] within the Western Military District, with a planned strength estimated at 15,500–60,000 personnel.<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 July 2022 |title=Russia prepares to deploy new strike force against Ukraine – Ukrainian Intelligence |work=] |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/07/29/7360811/ |access-date=27 August 2022}} | |||
By 20 March, the Russian military appeared to be waging a rapid invasion to achieve its apparent primary goal of the seizure of Kyiv, along with the occupation of Eastern Ukraine and the displacement of the Ukrainian government. Russian forces quickly became stalled while approaching Kyiv due to several factors, including the disparity in morale and performance between Ukrainian and Russian forces, the Ukrainian use of sophisticated man-portable weapons provided by Western allies, poor Russian logistics and equipment performance, the failure of the Russian Air Force to achieve air superiority, and Russian military attrition during their siege of major cities.<ref name="wapo20220320">{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/03/20/russia-ukraine-military-offensive/ |title=Russia's war for Ukraine could be headed toward stalemate |first1=Liz |last1=Sly |first2=Dan |last2=Lamothe |newspaper=] |date=20 March 2022 |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/03/21/ukraine-is-winning-war-russia-offensive-putin/ |title=Opinion: Against all odds, Ukrainians are winning. Russia's initial offensive has failed. |first=Max |last=Boot |newspaper=] |date=21 March 2022 |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2022/03/22/russian-army-has-run-time/ |title=The Russian army has run out of time |first=Richard |last=Kemp |work=] |date=22 March 2022 |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref> Unable to achieve a quick victory in Kyiv, Russian forces switched strategies and began using standoff weapons, indiscriminate bombing, and siege warfare.<ref name="wapo20220320" /><ref>{{cite news |first1=Michael R. |last1=Gordon |first2=Alex |last2=Leary |title=WSJ News Exclusive {{!}} Russia, Failing to Achieve Early Victory in Ukraine, Is Seen Shifting to 'Plan B' |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/russia-failing-to-achieve-early-victory-in-ukraine-is-seen-shifting-to-plan-b-11647824374 |work=] |date=21 March 2022 |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putins-nuclear-move-could-make-situation-much-much-more-dangerous-us-official-2022-02-27/ |title=Russian forces appear to shift to siege warfare in Ukraine- U.S. official |first1=Idrees |last1=Ali |first2=Phil |last2=Stewart |work=Reuters |date=27 February 2022 |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
* {{Cite news |date=6 August 2022 |title=Russia forming 3rd Army Corps for war in Ukraine – ISW |agency=] |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3544612-russia-forming-3rd-army-corps-for-war-in-ukraine-isw.html |access-date=27 August 2022}}</ref> Its units were deployed to the front around the time of Ukraine's 9 September ], in time to join the Russian retreat, leaving behind tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and personnel carriers: the 3rd Army Corps "melted away" according to '']'', having little or no impact on the battlefield along with other irregular forces.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Axe |first=David |date=15 September 2022 |title=The Russians Spent Months Forming A New Army Corps. It Lasted Days in Ukraine. |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/news/the-russians-spent-months-forming-a-new-army-corps-it-lasted-days-in-ukraine/ar-AA11RjPK |magazine=] |access-date=19 September 2022 |via=MSN}} | |||
* {{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 18 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-18 |access-date=3 October 2022 |website=Institute for the Study of War}}</ref> | |||
==== Fall of Mariupol ==== | |||
On 25 March, the Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kyiv resulted in several towns to the east and west of Kyiv, including ],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60847188 |title=Ukraine war: Ukrainian fightback gains ground west of Kyiv |work=] |date=23 March 2022 |access-date=29 March 2022}}</ref> being retaken.<ref name="Guardian220325">{{cite news |first1=Joanna |last1=Walters |first2=Jem |last2=Bartholomew |first3=Martin |last3=Belam |first4=Samantha |last4=Lock |date=25 March 2022 |title=Russia-Ukraine war latest: Ukraine takes back towns east of Kyiv; hopes of Mariupol humanitarian corridor grow – live |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/mar/25/ukraine-war-latest-news-sanctions-a-little-late-zelenskiy-tells-european-council-biden-to-visit-poland-live |access-date=25 March 2022}}</ref> As part of a general retreat of Russian forces north of Kyiv, as well as attacks on Russian formations by the Ukrainian military, Russian troops in the Bucha area began to retreat north at the end of March. Ukrainian forces entered the city on 1 April.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rudenko |first=Olga |date=2 April 2022 |title=Hundreds of murdered civilians discovered as Russians withdraw from towns near Kyiv (GRAPHIC IMAGES) |url=https://kyivindependent.com/national/hundreds-of-murdered-civilians-discovered-as-russians-withdraw-from-towns-near-kyiv-graphic-images/ |access-date=3 April 2022 |website=] |archive-date=3 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403022637/https://kyivindependent.com/national/hundreds-of-murdered-civilians-discovered-as-russians-withdraw-from-towns-near-kyiv-graphic-images/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Ukraine claimed to have recaptured the entire region around Kyiv, including Irpin, Bucha, and Hostomel, by 2 April, with evidence of war crimes being uncovered in ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Ukraine war latest: Ukraine says it has retaken entire Kyiv region |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-europe-60949706 |access-date=2 April 2022 |website=]}}</ref> On 6 April, NATO secretary general ] said that the Russian "retraction, resupply, and redeployment" of their troops from the Kyiv area should be interpreted as an expansion of Putin's plans for his military actions against Ukraine, by redeploying and concentrating his forces on Eastern Ukraine and Mariupol within the next two weeks, as a precursor to the further expansion of Putin's actions against the rest of Ukraine.<ref name="news.yahoo.com"/> | |||
{{further|Siege of Mariupol}} | |||
On 13 April, Russian forces intensified their attack on the ] in Mariupol, and the remaining Ukrainian personnel defending it.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Harding |first1=Luke |last2=Koshiw |first2=Isobel |last3=McKernan |first3=Bethan |date=13 April 2022 |title=Last marines defending Mariupol 'running out of ammunition' |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/11/ukraine-last-marines-defending-mariupol-running-out-of-ammunition |access-date=15 April 2022}}</ref> By 17 April, Russian forces had surrounded the factory. Ukrainian prime minister Denys Shmyhal said that the Ukrainian soldiers had vowed to ignore the renewed ultimatum to surrender and to fight to the last soul.<ref name="RNZM">{{Cite news |date=17 April 2022 |title=Ukraine war: Mariupol defenders will fight to the end |work=] News |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/465439/ukraine-war-mariupol-defenders-will-fight-to-the-end-pm}}</ref> On 20 April, Putin said that the siege of Mariupol could be considered tactically complete, since the 500 Ukrainian troops entrenched in bunkers within the Azovstal iron works and estimated 1,000 Ukrainian civilians were completely sealed off from any type of relief.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schreck |first=Adam |date=21 April 2022 |title=Putin claims victory in Mariupol despite steel-mill holdouts |work=] News |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-kyiv-business-europe-f0e1cd893715eda1e6bef696d9c47db3}}</ref> | |||
After consecutive meetings with Putin and Zelenskyy, UN Secretary-General Guterres on 28 April said he would attempt to organise an emergency evacuation of survivors from Azovstal in accordance with assurances he had received from Putin on his visit to the Kremlin.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Prentice |first=Alessandra |date=28 April 2022 |title=U.N. chief Guterres calls for escape route from Mariupol 'apocalypse' |work=] |publication-place=Kyiv |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/un-doing-all-it-can-make-evacuation-ukrainian-steel-plant-possible-guterres-2022-04-28/ |url-status=live |access-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429105525/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/un-doing-all-it-can-make-evacuation-ukrainian-steel-plant-possible-guterres-2022-04-28/ |archive-date=29 April 2022}}</ref> On 30 April, Russian troops allowed civilians to leave under UN protection.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 May 2022 |title=Civilians flee Azovstal bunkers in evacuation led by U.N. |first1=Tom |last1=Balmforth |first2=Max |last2=Hunder |first3=Alessandra |last3=Prentice |work=] |agency=] |url=https://news.yahoo.com/more-civilians-evacuated-around-azovstal-111331097.html |access-date=2 September 2024}}</ref> By 3 May, after allowing approximately 100 Ukrainian civilians to depart from the Azovstal steel factory, Russian troops renewed their bombardment of the steel factory.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 May 2022 |title=Russia shells Mariupol plant with civilians still reported trapped |work=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-says-it-started-shelling-azovstal-plant-after-ukraine-took-advantage-2022-05-03/ |url-status=live |access-date=9 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506145656/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-says-it-started-shelling-azovstal-plant-after-ukraine-took-advantage-2022-05-03/ |archive-date=6 May 2022}}</ref> On 6 May, '']'' reported that Russia had used thermobaric bombs against the remaining Ukrainian soldiers, who had lost contact with the Kyiv government; in his last communications, Zelenskyy authorised the commander of the besieged steel factory to surrender as necessary under the pressure of increased Russian attacks.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vasilyeva |first=Nataliya |date=5 May 2022 |title=Ukraine loses contact with Azovstal defenders as Russian troops storm steelworks |work=] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/05/04/besieged-azovstal-steelwork-bunker-survivors-stave-hunger-frying/}}</ref> On 7 May, the ] reported that all civilians were evacuated from the Azovstal steel works at the end of the three-day ceasefire.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 May 2022 |title='All' civilians have been evacuated from a besieged steel plant in Mariupol |publisher=] |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/05/07/1097413091/steel-plant-mariupol-azovstal-civilians-evacuated |access-date=2 June 2022}}</ref> | |||
Following the commencement of the second phase of the invasion, Kyiv was left generally free of attack apart from isolated missile strikes, one of which occurred during the visit on 28 April of UN chief Guterres to Kyiv to meet with Zelenskyy to discuss the fate of survivors at the siege of Mariupol.<ref>"Russian strike targets Kyiv shortly after UN chief meets with Zelenskyy: Live Ukraine updates". By Celina Tebor and Ryan W. Miller, USA TODAY. April 29, 2022. </ref> | |||
] after ]]] | |||
==== First phase — Northeastern front ==== | |||
After the last civilians evacuated from the Azovstal bunkers, nearly two thousand Ukrainian soldiers remained barricaded there, 700 of them injured. They were able to communicate a plea for a military corridor to evacuate, as they expected summary execution if they surrendered to Russian forces.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Koshiw |first=Isobel |date=8 May 2022 |title='Surrender is not an option': Azov battalion commander in plea for help to escape Mariupol |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/08/surrender-is-not-an-option-azov-battalion-commander-in-plea-for-help-to-escape-mariupol}}</ref> Reports of dissent within the Ukrainian troops at Azovstal were reported by '']'' on 8 May indicating that the commander of the ] assigned to defend the Azovstal bunkers made an unauthorised acquisition of tanks, munitions, and personnel, broke out from the position there and fled. The remaining soldiers spoke of a weakened defensive position in Azovstal as a result, which allowed progress to advancing Russian lines of attack.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Petrenko |first=Roman |date=8 May 2022 |title=Mariupol defenders tell how the commander of marines fled the city |work=] |url=https://news.yahoo.com/mariupol-defenders-tell-commander-marines-120905296.html |access-date=2 June 2022}}</ref> ], deputy commander of the remaining Ukrainian troops barricaded at Azovstal, said: "We are basically here dead men. Most of us know this and it's why we fight so fearlessly."<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Krasnolutska |first1=Daryna |last2=Champion |first2=Marc |date=8 May 2022 |title=Mariupol Steel Plant's 'Dead Men' Defenders Call for Rescue Plan |work=] |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-05-08/mariupol-steel-plant-s-dead-men-defenders-call-for-rescue-plan |access-date=2 June 2022}}</ref> | |||
On 16 May, the Ukrainian General staff announced that the Mariupol garrison had "fulfilled its combat mission" and that final evacuations from the Azovstal steel factory had begun. The military said that 264 service members were evacuated to Olenivka under Russian control, while 53 of them who were "seriously injured" had been taken to a hospital in ] also controlled by Russian forces.<ref name="nytimes16">{{Cite news |last1=Hopkins |first1=Valerie |last2=Nechepurenko |first2=Ivan |last3=Santora |first3=Marc |name-list-style=and |date=16 May 2022 |title=Ukrainian authorities declare an end to the combat mission in Mariupol after weeks of Russian siege. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/16/world/europe/azovstal-mariupol.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220516233043/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/16/world/europe/azovstal-mariupol.html |archive-date=16 May 2022 |access-date=16 May 2022 |work=] |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Harrison |first1=Virginia |last2=agencies |name-list-style=and |date=17 May 2022 |title=Hundreds of Ukrainian troops evacuated from Mariupol steelworks after 82-day assault: Blow for Ukraine as removal of soldiers, many wounded, suggests city that became symbol of resistance has fallen into Russian hands |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/16/hundreds-of-ukrainian-troops-evacuated-from-azovstal-steelworks-after-82-day-assault |access-date=17 May 2022 |work=]}}</ref> Following the evacuation of Ukrainian personnel from Azovstal, Russian and DPR forces fully controlled all areas of Mariupol. The end of the battle also brought an end to the Siege of Mariupol. Russia press secretary Dmitry Peskov said Russian President Vladimir Putin had guaranteed that the fighters who surrendered would be treated "in accordance with international standards" while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an address that "the work of bringing the boys home continues, and this work needs delicacy—and time." Some prominent Russian lawmakers called on the government to deny prisoner exchanges for members of the ].<ref name="reutersmay17">{{Cite news |date=17 May 2022 |title=Azovstal siege ends as hundreds of Ukrainian fighters surrender |work=] |publication-place=Mariupol |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-backed-separatists-say-256-ukrainian-fighters-surrendered-azovstal-2022-05-17/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=17 May 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220517160354/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-backed-separatists-say-256-ukrainian-fighters-surrendered-azovstal-2022-05-17/ |archive-date=17 May 2022}}</ref> | |||
{{Main|Northeastern Ukraine offensive|Battle of Sumy|Russian occupation of Sumy Oblast}} | |||
Russian forces advanced into ] on 24 February and ]. The following day, the oblast's second largest city, ], {{convert|90|km|mi}} from the Russian border, ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Ward |first=Alexander |date=25 February 2022 |title='Almost not possible' for Ukraine to win without West's help, Ukraine official says |work=] |url=https://politi.co/3LWSyC5 |url-status=live |access-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226175146/https://www.politico.com/newsletters/national-security-daily/2022/02/25/almost-not-possible-for-ukraine-to-win-00011969 |archive-date=26 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=26 February 2022 |title=Ukraine war news from February 25: Kyiv suburbs breached, Russian forces face resistance, Zelensky warns Russia will 'storm' capital |work=] |url=https://www.ft.com/content/93554a7e-f974-49fc-85ba-c111d253b002 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226151541/https://www.ft.com/content/93554a7e-f974-49fc-85ba-c111d253b002 |archive-date=26 February 2022}}</ref> A separate advance was made into ] on the same day, where the city of ], just {{convert|35|km|mi}} from the Russo-Ukrainian border, ]. The Russian advance was bogged down in ], and Ukrainian forces were successful in holding the city. According to Ukrainian sources, more than 100 Russian armoured vehicles were destroyed and dozens of soldiers were captured.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://apostrophe.ua/news/society/2022-02-28/boi-pod-sumami-artilleriya-i-bayraktaryi-unichtojili-100-tankov-i-20-gradov-okkupantov/260916 |title=Бои под Сумами: артиллерия и "Байрактары" уничтожили 100 танков и 20 "Градов" оккупантов |access-date=28 February 2022 |archive-date=28 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228222555/https://apostrophe.ua/news/society/2022-02-28/boi-pod-sumami-artilleriya-i-bayraktaryi-unichtojili-100-tankov-i-20-gradov-okkupantov/260916 |url-status=live}}</ref> ], where Russian forces were spotted deploying ]s.<ref name="unianberdyansk">{{cite news |last=Polyakovskaya |first=Tanya |date=26 February 2022 |script-title=ru:Российская военная техника заняла территорию бывшего аэропорта "Бердянск" – горсовет |language=ru |trans-title=Russian military equipment occupied the territory of the former airport "Berdyansk" – city council |publisher=Berdyansk City Council |agency=] |url=https://www.unian.net/war/rossiyskaya-voennaya-tehnika-zanyala-territoriyu-byvshego-aeroporta-berdyansk-gorsovet-novosti-donbassa-11719648.html |access-date=26 February 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226195413/https://www.unian.net/war/rossiyskaya-voennaya-tehnika-zanyala-territoriyu-byvshego-aeroporta-berdyansk-gorsovet-novosti-donbassa-11719648.html |archive-date=26 February 2022}}</ref> | |||
==== Fall of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk ==== | |||
In an assessment of the campaign on 4 March, ] wrote that the Sumy axis was currently "the most successful and dangerous Russian avenue of advance on Kyiv", and commented that the geography favoured mechanised advances as the terrain "is flat and sparsely populated, offering few good defensive positions".<ref name="CriticalThreats" /> Russian forces made several deep advances along axes from the Sumy area, winning several battles in the process. Travelling along highways, Russian forces reached ], an eastern suburb of Kyiv, on 4 March.<ref name="ISW 4MAR" /><ref name="CriticalThreats" /> The ] confirmed on 6 April that the Russian army had left Chernihiv Oblast, while Sumy Oblast remained contested.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 April 2022 |title=Pentagon: Russia has fully withdrawn from Kyiv, Chernihiv |newspaper=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/04/06/pentagon-russia-withdraws-kyiv-chernihiv/ |access-date=7 April 2022}}</ref> On 7 April, ], governor of Sumy Oblast, stated that all Russian troops had left the region, adding that the territory of the region was still unsafe due to rigged explosives and other ammunition left behind by Russian troops.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/04/8/7338013/ |title=Sumy region liberated from Russian troops |first=Anastasiya |last=Kalatur |work=] |date=8 April 2022 |access-date=15 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
{{Main|Battle of Donbas (2022–present)}} | |||
{{Further|Battle of Popasna|Kramatorsk railway station attack|Battle of Sievierodonetsk (2022)|Battle of Lysychansk}} | |||
] | |||
A Russian missile attack on ] in the city of Kramatorsk took place on 8 April, reportedly killing at least 52 people<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Laizans |first1=Janis |last2=Piper |first2=Elizabeth |date=8 April 2022 |title=Ukraine and allies blame Russia for strike on station that killed over 50 |work=] |publication-place=Kyiv |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-laments-tragedy-troop-deaths-ukraine-braces-major-offensive-2022-04-07/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=8 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407234619/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-laments-tragedy-troop-deaths-ukraine-braces-major-offensive-2022-04-07/ |archive-date=7 April 2022}}</ref> and injuring as many as 87 to 300.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Tebor |first1=Celina |last2=Lee |first2=Ella |date=8 April 2022 |title='An evil without limits': Dozens killed, injured in rocket strike on train station in eastern Ukraine: Live updates |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2022/04/08/kraine-russia-invasion-live-updates/9507961002/ |access-date=8 April 2022 |website=]}}</ref> On 11 April, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine expected a major new Russian offensive in the east.<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 April 2022 |title=Tens of thousands feared dead in Mariupol |publisher=] |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/live-blog/russia-ukraine-war-live-updates-zelenskyy-warns-offensive-east-rcna23809 |access-date=15 April 2022}}</ref> American officials said that Russia had withdrawn or been repulsed elsewhere in Ukraine, and therefore was preparing a retraction, resupply, and redeployment of infantry and tank divisions to the southeastern Ukraine front.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Bacon |first1=John |last2=Mansfield |first2=Erin |last3=Wadington |first3=Katie |last4=Santucci |first4=Jeanine |last5=Vanden Brook |first5=Tom |last6=Tebor |first6=Celina |name-list-style=and |date=10 April 2022 |title=EU to consider Ukraine membership in weeks; Russia warns of 'direct military confrontation' with US: April 10 recap |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2022/04/10/ukraine-russia-invasion-live-updates/9528799002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410073616/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2022/04/10/ukraine-russia-invasion-live-updates/9528799002/ |archive-date=10 April 2022 |access-date=28 May 2022 |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Telford |first1=Taylor |last2=Timsit |first2=Annabelle |last3=Pietsch |first3=Bryan |last4=Duplain |first4=Julian |date=10 April 2022 |title=As war enters bloody new phase, Ukraine again calls for more weapons |newspaper=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/04/10/ukraine-russia-war-zelensky/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=23 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411003557/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/04/10/ukraine-russia-war-zelensky/ |archive-date=11 April 2022}}</ref> Military satellites photographed extensive Russian convoys of infantry and mechanised units deploying south from Kharkiv to Izium on 11 April, apparently part of the planned Russian redeployment of its northeastern troops to the southeastern front of the invasion.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Saric |first=Ivana |date=10 April 2022 |title=Satellite images: Russian military convoy heads south toward Donbas region |work=] |url=https://www.axios.com/photos-russia-convoy-donbas-3af345c4-c292-4181-abe5-80abbc303b8b.html}}</ref> | |||
On 18 April, with Mariupol almost entirely overtaken by Russian forces, the Ukrainian government announced that the second phase of the reinforced invasion of the Donetsk, Luhansk and Kharkiv oblasts had intensified with expanded invasion forces occupying of the Donbas.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 April 2022 |title=Ukraine says 'Battle of Donbas' has begun, Russia pushing in east |work=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/ukraine-says-battle-donbas-has-begun-russia-pushing-east-2022-04-18/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=23 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418205729/https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/ukraine-says-battle-donbas-has-begun-russia-pushing-east-2022-04-18/ |archive-date=18 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
==== First phase — Southern front ==== | |||
On 22 May, the BBC reported that after the fall of Mariupol, Russia had intensified offensives in Luhansk and Donetsk while concentrating missile attacks and intense artillery fire on Sievierodonetsk, the largest city under Ukrainian control in Luhansk province.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Murphy |first=Matt |date=23 May 2022 |title=Ukraine war: Russian assault on key Donbas city intensifies |publisher=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61547756 |url-status=live |access-date=26 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523080849/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61547756 |archive-date=23 May 2022}}</ref> | |||
{{Main|Southern Ukraine offensive|Siege of Mariupol|Battle of Enerhodar|Kramatorsk railway station attack|War in Donbas|Russian occupation of Zaporizhzhia Oblast|Russian occupation of Kherson Oblast}} | |||
] near Mariupol, 7 March]] | |||
On 24 February, Russian forces took control of the ], allowing Crimea to obtain water from the ], previously cut off since 2014.<ref>{{cite news |title=Russian forces unblock water flow for canal to annexed Crimea, Moscow says |first1=Alexander |last1=Marrow |first2=Andrey |last2=Ostroukh |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-forces-unblock-water-flow-canal-annexed-crimea-moscow-says-2022-02-24/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-forces-unblock-water-flow-canal-annexed-crimea-moscow-says-2022-02-24/ |archive-date=1 March 2022 |work=Reuters |date=24 February 2022}}</ref> On 26 February, a ] began as the attack moved east towards ], while simultaneously linking the front with separatist-held regions in Donbas.<ref name="unianberdyansk" /><ref>{{cite tweet |author=NEXTA |author-link=Nexta |user=nexta_tv |number=1497605510887100420 |date=26 February 2022 |title=The tanks of the occupiers have circled #Berdyansk and are heading towards #Mariupol. https://t.co/jwsIoORzH0 |access-date=28 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227062037/https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1497605510887100420 |archive-date=27 February 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> En route to Mariupol, Russian forces entered ] before ] the following day.<ref name="CNN-Berdyansk">{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/24/europe/ukraine-russian-warship-berdyansk-intl/index.html |title=Ukrainians claim to have destroyed large Russian warship in Berdyansk |first1=Tim |last1=Lister |first2=Celine |last2=Alkhaldi |first3=Olga |last3=Voitovych |first4=Gianluca |last4=Mezzofiore |publisher=CNN |date=24 March 2022 |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref> On 1 March, Russian forces started preparing to resume their attack on ] and other nearby cities, ].<ref>{{cite web |first=Anastasia |last=Zadorozhnaya |date=1 March 2022 |script-title=ru:Войска оккупанта готовят наступление на Мелитополь |trans-title=Invader's troops are preparing an attack on Melitopol |url=https://ria-m.tv/news/279120/voyska_okkupanta_gotovyat_nastuplenie_na_melitopol.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302054411/https://ria-m.tv/news/279120/voyska_okkupanta_gotovyat_nastuplenie_na_melitopol.html |archive-date=2 March 2022 |access-date=2 March 2022 |work=] |language=ru}}</ref> Ivan Fedorov, the mayor of Melitopol, later announced that Russian forces had occupied the city.<ref>{{cite web |first=Marina |last=Korobova |date=1 March 2022 |script-title=ru:"Мелитополь не сдался, Мелитополь – временно оккупирован" – городской голова о ситуации на 1 марта |trans-title="Melitopol did not surrender, Melitopol is temporarily occupied" – the mayor on the situation on March 1 |url=https://www.mv.org.ua/news/264014-melitopol_ne_sdalsja_melitopol_-_vremenno_okkupirovan_-_gorodskoi_golova_o_situacii_na_1_marta.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302054418/https://www.mv.org.ua/news/264014-melitopol_ne_sdalsja_melitopol_-_vremenno_okkupirovan_-_gorodskoi_golova_o_situacii_na_1_marta.html |archive-date=2 March 2022 |access-date=2 March 2022 |website=] |language=ru}}</ref> On the morning of 25 February, Russian units from the DPR advanced towards ] and encountered Ukrainian forces near the village of ], where they were defeated.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fierce battles raging in all directions near Mariupol – mayor |url=https://ua.interfax.com.ua/news/general/801883.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226011040/https://ua.interfax.com.ua/news/general/801883.html |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Richárd |first=Jabronka |date=25 February 2022 |title=Így áll most a háború Ukrajnában: több nagyvárosban harcok dúlnak, megtámadtak egy orosz repülőteret |trans-title=This is how the war in Ukraine is now: fighting is raging in several big cities, a Russian airport has been attacked |url=https://ellenszel.hu/2022/02/25/igy-all-most-a-haboru-ukrajnaban-tobb-nagyvarosban-harcok-dulnak-megtamadtak-egy-orosz-repuloteret/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226011052/https://ellenszel.hu/2022/02/25/igy-all-most-a-haboru-ukrajnaban-tobb-nagyvarosban-harcok-dulnak-megtamadtak-egy-orosz-repuloteret/ |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=] |language=hu}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Battle ongoing near Mariupol – mayor |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3412585-battle-ongoing-near-mariupol-mayor.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225110919/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3412585-battle-ongoing-near-mariupol-mayor.html |archive-date=25 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |agency=]}}</ref> By the evening, the ] reportedly began an ] on the coastlines of the ] {{convert|70|km|mi}} west of Mariupol. A US defence official said that Russian forces might be deploying thousands of ] from this ].<ref>{{cite news |date=25 February 2022 |title="Amphibious assault" underway west of Mariupol on the Sea of Azov, senior US defense official says |url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-25-22/h_622a8b21dd1cf52845090a96c9c6513b |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225220827/https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-25-22/h_622a8b21dd1cf52845090a96c9c6513b |archive-date=25 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |publisher=CNN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Russian Navy Carries Out Amphibious Assault Near Mariupol |url=https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/russian-navy-carries-out-amphibious-assault-near-mariupol |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225220846/https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/russian-navy-carries-out-amphibious-assault-near-mariupol |archive-date=25 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=The Maritime Executive}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=27 February 2022 |title=Russian forces are about 31 miles outside southeastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, US defense official says |url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-27-22/h_32a28d1a9ec40e68486a3526f035dc6f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227223234/https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-27-22/h_32a28d1a9ec40e68486a3526f035dc6f |archive-date=27 February 2022 |access-date=27 February 2022 |publisher=CNN}}</ref> | |||
On 23 May, Russian forces were reported entering the city of ], fully capturing the city by 26 May.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 May 2022 |title=Russia seeking to capture Ukraine's Lyman: separatist leader |work=] |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/russia-seeking-to-capture-ukraines-lyman-separatist-leader/news-story/501ab08e54c87aeb68daa4e4dbe6e4ef |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=15 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526032910/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/russia-seeking-to-capture-ukraines-lyman-separatist-leader/news-story/501ab08e54c87aeb68daa4e4dbe6e4ef |archive-date=26 May 2022 |issn=1038-8761}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 May 2022 |title=Russian forces have 'upper hand' in Donbas fighting, Ukrainian officials say |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/26/ukraine-burying-civilians-mass-graves-russia-advances |website=]}}</ref> Ukrainian forces were reported leaving ].<ref name="RID Rivista Italiana Difesa">{{Cite web |last=Markic |first=Igor |title=Ucraina, Belgorod sotto attacco, ma i Russi stringono la morsa su Severodonetsk |trans-title=Ukraine, Belgorod under attack, but the Russians tighten their grip on Severodonetsk |url=https://www.rid.it/shownews/4938 |access-date=22 May 2022 |website=] |publisher=] |language=it}}</ref> By 24 May, Russian forces captured the city of ].<ref name="Svitlodarsk24522">{{Cite news |title=Donetsk region: occupying forces capture Svitlodarsk |work=] |url=https://news.yahoo.com/donetsk-region-occupying-forces-capture-133430234.html |access-date=24 May 2022}}</ref> On 30 May, Reuters reported that Russian troops had breached the outskirts of Sievierodonetsk.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 May 2022 |title=Russian troops enter outskirts of key city in eastern Ukraine's Donbas |publisher=] |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/ukraine-russia-battle-east-zelenskyy-visits-front-rcna31076 |access-date=2 June 2022}}</ref> By 2 June, ''The Washington Post'' reported that Sievierodonetsk was on the brink of capitulation to Russian occupation with over 80 per cent of the city in the hands of Russian troops.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Thebault |first1=Reis |last2=Iati |first2=Marisa |last3=Timsit |first3=Annabelle |last4=Suliman |first4=Adela |last5=Pietsch |first5=Bryan |last6=Pannett |first6=Rachel |date=2 June 2022 |title=Russia, U.S. trade barbs over weapons pledge; Severodonetsk on the brink |newspaper=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/06/01/russia-ukraine-war-news-live-updates/ |access-date=5 June 2022}}</ref> On 3 June, Ukrainian forces reportedly began a counter-attack in Sievierodonetsk. By 4 June, Ukrainian government sources claimed 20% or more of the city had been recaptured.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 June 2022 |title=Russia 'suffering huge casualties' as troops retreat: Ukraine |publisher=] |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/6/4/fighting-rages-in-two-key-eastern-ukrainian-cities |access-date=5 June 2022}}</ref> | |||
Another group Russian forces advanced north from Crimea, with the ] approaching the ] on 26 February.<ref>{{cite news |date=26 February 2022 |title=Ukraine official says Russian troops approaching Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant |work=] |url=https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/ukraine-official-says-russian-troops-approaching-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant |access-date=28 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=28 February 2022 |title=The Russians paused the invasion, but aren't losing |url=https://www.afr.com/policy/foreign-affairs/the-russians-have-paused-the-invasion-but-aren-t-losing-20220228-p5a09f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228023541/https://www.afr.com/policy/foreign-affairs/the-russians-have-paused-the-invasion-but-aren-t-losing-20220228-p5a09f |archive-date=28 February 2022 |access-date=28 February 2022 |website=]}}</ref> On 28 February, they began a ] in an attempt to take control of the nuclear power plant.<ref>{{cite news |date=4 March 2022 |title=Ukraine nuclear plant on fire after Russia shelling |newspaper=] |url=https://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/ukraine-pounded-and-exodus-mounts-as-russia-seizes-key-city/news-story/4c2bd269029008ba09ab2cab3a5a32b7 |access-date=4 March 2022}}</ref> A fire was started at the plant during the battle.<ref>{{cite web |date=3 March 2022 |title=Russian forces attacking Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, per multiple reports |url=https://www.businessinsider.com.au/russian-forces-attacking-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant-ukraine-ap-2022-3 |access-date=4 March 2022 |website=] Australia}}</ref> The ] (IAEA) subsequently clarified that essential equipment had not been damaged.<ref>{{cite news |date=3 March 2022 |title=Russian forces strike Ukraine from multiple fronts, including at power plant |work=] |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-04/latest-on-where-fighting-is-happening-in-ukraine/100881052 |access-date=4 March 2022}}</ref> By 4 March, the nuclear power plant fell under Russian control. Despite reports of fires, the power plant recorded no radiation leaks.<ref>{{cite news |date=4 March 2022 |title=Russian troops take Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant |work=] |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/russia-attacks-ukraine-nuclear-plant-invasion-advances-83245801 |access-date=4 March 2022}}</ref> A third Russian attack group from Crimea moved northwest, where they captured bridges over the Dnieper.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ukraine loses control over crossing to Kherson |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3412906-ukraine-loses-control-over-crossing-to-kherson.html |access-date=25 February 2022 |agency=] |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225155031/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3412906-ukraine-loses-control-over-crossing-to-kherson.html |url-status=live}}</ref> On 2 March, Russian troops won ] and captured ], becoming the first major Ukrainian city to be captured by Russian forces during the invasion.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schwirtz |first1=Michael |last2=Pérez-Peña |first2=Richard |date=2 March 2022 |title=First Ukraine City Falls as Russia Strikes More Civilian Targets |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/02/world/europe/kherson-ukraine-russia.html |access-date=3 March 2022 |archive-date=3 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303000108/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/02/world/europe/kherson-ukraine-russia.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Russian troops then advanced to ] and ], but were later repelled by Ukrainian forces.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukrainian defenders repelled attack on Mykolaiv city, fighting continues on outskirts |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3420336-ukrainian-defenders-repelled-attack-on-mykolaiv-city-fighting-continues-on-outskirts.html |access-date=4 March 2022 |agency=] |date=4 March 2022}}</ref> Also on 2 March, Ukrainian forces initiated ] on ],<ref>{{cite web |date=2 March 2022 |title=First in 7 days of war Ukrainian units go on offensive advancing to Horlivka – Arestovych |url=https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/805456.html |access-date=2 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref> which had been mainly controlled by the DPR since 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/content/kyiv-post-plus/resident-of-russian-held-horlivka-we-have-nothing-391727.html |title=Resident of Russian-held Horlivka: 'We have nothing' |first=Stefan |last=Huijboom |newspaper=] |date=22 June 2015 |access-date=11 March 2022}}</ref> Following a renewed missile attack on 14 March in Mariupol, the Ukrainian government claimed more than 2,500 deaths in the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-03-14-22/h_3db1542de366d188c4e7979e7b5ecc95 |title=Ukraine puts death toll in Mariupol bombardment at more than 2,500 |first1=Tim |last1=Lister |first2=Julia |last2=Kesa |publisher=CNN |date=14 March 2022 |access-date=14 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
On 12 June, it was reported that possibly as many as 800 Ukrainian civilians (as per Ukrainian estimates) and 300–400 soldiers (as per Russian sources) were besieged at the ] chemical factory in Severodonetsk.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 June 2022 |title=Ukraine war: Chemical plant hit as fighting rages in Severodonetsk |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61773356 |access-date=9 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sauer |first=Pjotr |date=12 June 2022 |title=Fighting in eastern Ukraine rages as Sievierodonetsk chemical plant hit |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/12/fighting-eastern-ukraine-rages-sievierodonetsk-chemical-plant-hit |access-date=9 August 2022}}</ref> With the Ukrainian defences of Severodonetsk faltering, Russian invasion troops began intensifying their attack upon the neighbouring city of ] as their next target city in the invasion.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Gibbons-Neff |first1=Thomas |last2=Stevis-Gridneff |first2=Matina |date=13 June 2022 |title=Ukraine Allies Ponder Options As Cities Falter |edition=Late, New York |volume=59,453 |page=1 |work=] |url=https://static01.nyt.com/images/2022/06/13/nytfrontpage/scan.pdf}}</ref> On 20 June it was reported that Russian troops continued to tighten their grip on Severodonetsk by capturing surrounding villages and hamlets surrounding the city, most recently the village of Metelkine.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hughes |first=Clyde |date=20 June 2022 |title=Russian troops capture key suburb near Severodonetsk after months of battle |work=] |url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2022/06/20/Ukraine-Severdonetsk-suburb-capture-Kharkiv/6931655722874/}}</ref> | |||
By 18 March, ] and fighting reached the city centre, hampering civilian evacuation efforts.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/18/russia-missile-lviv-mariupol-ukraine-war |title=Fighting reaches central Mariupol as shelling hinders rescue attempts |first1=Daniel |last1=Boffey |first2=Lorenzo |last2=Tondo |newspaper=] |date=18 March 2022 |access-date=21 March 2022}}</ref> On 20 March, an art school in the city, which was sheltering around 400 people, was ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Russian forces bomb school sheltering 400 people in Mariupol, city council says |url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-03-20-22/h_b1c1cd7201927da836d75f3e95f324f9 |access-date=20 March 2022 |publisher=CNN |date=20 March 2022}}</ref> The same day, as Russian forces continued their siege of the city, the Russian government demanded a full surrender, which several Ukrainian government officials refused.<ref name="CBS-2022-03-20" /><ref name="CBC-2022-03-21" /> On 24 March, Russian forces entered central Mariupol as part of the second phase of the invasion.<ref>{{cite news |date=25 March 2022 |title=Ukraine war in maps: Tracking the Russian invasion |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60506682 |access-date=25 March 2022}}</ref> The city administration alleged the Russians were trying to demoralise residents by publicly shouting claims of Russian victories, including statements that ] had been captured.<ref>{{cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 24 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-24 |first1=Mason |last1=Clark |first2=George |last2=Barros |first3=Kateryna |last3=Stepanenko |access-date=25 March 2022 |date=24 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref> On 27 March, Ukraine's deputy prime minister, ], stated that " don't have access to water, to any food supplies, to anything. More than 85 percent of the whole town is destroyed", and that Russia's objectives have "nothing to do with humanity".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/sunday-talk-shows/599917-ukrainian-official-mariupol-simply-does-not-exist-anymore |title=Ukrainian official: Mariupol 'simply does not exist anymore' |first=Rachel |last=Scully |work=] |date=27 March 2022 |access-date=29 March 2022}}</ref> In a telephone conversation between Putin and Macron on 29 March, Putin stated that the bombardment of Mariupol would only end when Ukrainian troops fully surrendered Mariupol, given the advanced state of devastation in the nearly overtaken city.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60926470 |title=Ukraine War: Putin demands Mariupol surrender to end shelling |work=] |date=30 March 2022 |access-date=31 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
On 24 June, ] reported that, amid continuing scorched-earth tactics being applied by advancing Russian troops, Ukraine's armed forces were ordered to evacuate the Severodonetsk; several hundred civilians taking refuge in the Azot chemical plant were left behind in the withdrawal, with some comparing their plight to that of the civilians at the Azovstal steel works in Mariupol in May.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Berlinger |first1=Joshua |last2=Lister |first2=Tim |date=24 June 2022 |title=Ukraine to withdraw from key city of Severodonetsk as Russia's advance grinds on |work=] |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/24/europe/severodonetsk-luhansk-russia-ukraine-intl/index.html}}</ref> On 3 July, CBS announced that the Russian defence ministry claimed that the city of Lysychansk had been captured and occupied by Russian forces.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 July 2022 |title=Russia claims capture of pivotal city in eastern Ukraine |work=] |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-russia-war-lysychansk-luhansk-province-donbas/}}</ref> On 4 July, ''The Guardian'' reported that after the fall of the Luhansk oblast, that Russian invasion troops would continue their invasion into the adjacent ] to attack the cities of Sloviansk and ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Sam |date=4 July 2022 |title=Putin declares victory in Luhansk after fall of Lysychansk |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/04/ukraine-donetsk-next-russian-target-after-capture-of-luhansk-says-governor}}</ref> | |||
On 1 April, a rescue effort by the United Nations (UN) to transport hundreds of civilian survivors out of Mariupol with 50 allocated buses was impeded by Russian troops, who refused the buses safe passage into the city while peace talks continued in Istanbul.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukraine: No 'plan B' for evacuation of shattered Mariupol, say humanitarians, as Friday attempt fails |date=1 April 2022 |work=] |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/04/1115282 |access-date=3 April 2022}}</ref> On 3 April, following the retraction of Russian forces from Kyiv at the end of phase one of the military invasion, Russia began to expand their attack on Southern Ukraine further west with increased bombardment and strikes against Odesa, Mykolaiv, and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/world/missiles-hit-critical-infrastructure-at-ukrainian-port-of-odessa |title=Missiles hit Ukraine refinery, 'critical infrastructure' near Odessa |newspaper=] |publisher=] |agency=Reuters |date=3 April 2022 |access-date=6 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Video analysis reveals Russian attack on Ukrainian nuclear plant veered near disaster |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/03/11/1085427380/ukraine-nuclear-power-plant-zaporizhzhia |access-date=1 April 2022 |publisher=] |date=11 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
==== |
==== Kharkiv front ==== | ||
{{Main|Battle of Kharkiv (2022)}} | |||
{{Further|Russian occupation of Kharkiv Oblast}} | |||
] residential area after the battle of Kharkiv on 19 May 2022]] | |||
On 14 April, Ukrainian troops reportedly blew up a bridge between Kharkiv and Izium used by Russian forces to redeploy troops to Izium, impeding the Russian convoy.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 April 2022 |title=Ukraine Military Claims It Blew Up A Bridge Destroying Russian Convoy |publisher=] |editor-last=Chaturvedi |editor-first=Amit |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/ukraine-military-claims-it-blew-up-a-bridge-destroying-russian-convoy-2888420 |access-date=20 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
On 5 May, ] writing for ''Forbes'' stated that the Ukrainian army had concentrated its 4th and ] and the ] around Izium for possible rearguard action against the deployed Russian troops in the area; Axe added that the other major concentration of Ukraine's forces around Kharkiv included the 92nd and ] which could similarly be deployed for rearguard action against Russian troops around Kharkiv or link up with Ukrainian troops contemporaneously being deployed around Izium.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Axe |first=David |date=5 May 2022 |title=The Ukrainian Army Is On The Attack. This Is How The War With Russia Could End. |work=] |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2022/05/05/an-advancing-ukrainian-army-just-showed-us-how-the-war-with-russia-could-end/?sh=587eee4e43c5 |access-date=26 May 2022}}</ref> | |||
{{Main|Eastern Ukraine offensive|Battle of Kharkiv (2022)|Attack on Belgorod|Millerovo air base attack}} | |||
] | |||
In the east, Russian troops ], less than {{convert|35|km|mi}} from the Russian border.<ref>{{cite web |date=25 February 2022 |last=Losh |first=Jack |title=Kharkiv's Resistance to Russia's War Has Already Begun |website=Foreign Policy |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/02/24/russia-ukraine-war-resistance-kharkiv/ |access-date=27 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225044904/https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/02/24/russia-ukraine-war-resistance-kharkiv/ |archive-date=25 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Росія атакувала українські міста: де відбулися бої |trans-title=Russia attacked Ukrainian cities: where the fighting took place |url=https://24tv.ua/rosiya-atakuvala-ukrayinski-mista-de-vidbulisya-boyi_n1877474 |access-date=27 February 2022 |website=] |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225025620/https://24tv.ua/rosiya-atakuvala-ukrayinski-mista-de-vidbulisya-boyi_n1877474 |url-status=live}}</ref> During the fighting, Russian tanks were met with strong Ukrainian resistance. On 25 February, the ] by Ukrainian military forces using ] missiles. According to Ukrainian officials, this destroyed several ] planes and set the airbase on fire.<ref name="Dutton-2022-02-25" /><ref name="Rostov-Gazeta-2022-02-25" /> On 28 February, Kharkiv was targeted by missile attacks which killed several people.<ref>{{cite web |date=2 March 2022 |title=Russia-Ukraine War: What to know on Day 7 of Russian assault |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-united-nations-general-assembly-state-of-the-union-address-kyiv-business-1fc732f01985f1b57e8dc5e7e411805f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302184211/https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-united-nations-general-assembly-state-of-the-union-address-kyiv-business-1fc732f01985f1b57e8dc5e7e411805f |archive-date=2 March 2022 |access-date=2 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref> On 1 March, ], the head of the DPR, announced that DPR forces had almost completely surrounded the city of ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lister |first1=Tim |last2=Voitovych |first2=Olya |date=1 March 2022 |title=Russian-backed separatist leader expects his forces to surround Mariupol on Tuesday |url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-03-01-22/h_0e3d20b474aa007bb1e4acc0d0fba984 |access-date=1 March 2022 |publisher=CNN}}</ref> On 2 March, Russian forces were repelled from ] during ].<ref>{{cite web |script-title=uk:Новини України: Російське вторгнення: поточна ситуація на Луганщині |trans-title=News of Ukraine: Russian invasion: the current situation in Luhansk region |language=uk |url=https://galinfo.com.ua/news/rosiyske_vtorgnennya_potochna_sytuatsiya_na_luganshchyni_381541.html |access-date=3 March 2022 |website=galinfo.com.ua}}</ref> On 17 March, ] was reportedly captured by Russian forces,<ref>{{cite web |title=Pentagon says Russian advance is frozen |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60774819/ |work=] |date=17 March 2022 |access-date=17 March 2022 |archive-date=17 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317013837/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60774819 |url-status=live}}</ref> although fighting continued.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-18 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 18 |website=] |date=18 March 2022 |access-date=19 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
On 13 May, BBC reported that Russian troops in Kharkiv were being retracted and redeployed to other fronts in Ukraine following the advances of Ukrainian troops into surrounding cities and Kharkiv itself, which included the destruction of strategic ]s built by Russian troops to cross over the ] and previously used for rapid tank deployment in the region.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sommerville |first=Quentin |date=11 May 2022 |title=Ukraine war: Russia pushed back from Kharkiv—report from front line |publisher=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61378196 |url-status=live |access-date=27 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511122005/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61378196 |archive-date=11 May 2022}}</ref> | |||
On 25 March, the Russian defence ministry stated that Russia was prepared to enter the second phase of military operations in seeking to occupy major Ukrainian cities in Eastern Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/russia-says-first-phase-ukraine-134534902.html |title=Russia says first phase of Ukraine operation mostly complete, focus now on Donbass |publisher=] |date=25 March 2022 |access-date=28 March 2022}}</ref> On 31 March, the Ukrainian military confirmed Izium was under Russian control.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 April 2022 |title=На Київщині ЗСУ звільнили 15 населених пунктів – зведення Генерального штабу |work=] |url=https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/news-kyivshchyna-zsu-henshtab/31781218.html |access-date=3 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1 April 2022 |title=Росіяни контролюють Ізюм – Генштаб ЗСУ |work=Український мілітарний центр |url=https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/rosiyany-kontrolyuyut-izyum-genshtab-zsu/ |access-date=3 April 2022}}</ref> On 31 March, '']'' reported that Kharkiv had been attacked by renewed shelling and missile attacks, at levels equalling or exceeding previous levels of shelling, on the day on which peace talks were to resume with Russia in Istanbul.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/civilians-endure-intense-suffering-as-russian-shelling-reduces-kharkiv-to-a-smoking-ruin |title=Civilians endure intense suffering as Russian shelling reduces Kharkiv to 'a smoking ruin' |first1=Jack |last1=Hewson |first2=Ed |last2=Ram |first3=Dmitri |last3=Frantsev |work=] |date=30 March 2022 |access-date=1 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
==== Kherson-Mykolaiv front ==== | |||
Amid the heightened Russian shelling of Kharkiv on 31 March, Russia reported a ] approximately {{convert|35|km|mi}} north of the border in ] and accused Ukraine of the attack.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/1/russia-alleges-ukrainian-helicopters-struck-belgorod-fuel-depot |title=Russia alleges Ukrainian helicopters struck Belgorod fuel depot |publisher=] |date=1 April 2022 |access-date=6 April 2022}}</ref> Ukraine, however, denied responsibility for the attack.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60952125 |title=War in Ukraine: Russia accuses Ukraine of attacking oil depot |work=BBC News |date=1 April 2022 |access-date=6 April 2022}}</ref> By 7 April, the renewed massing of Russian invasion troops and tank divisions around the towns of Izium, ], and ] prompted Ukrainian government officials to advise all remaining residents living near the eastern border of Ukraine to evacuate to the western parts of Ukraine within the next 2–3 days in the absence of the timely arrival of arms and munitions previously promised to Ukraine by this time.<ref>{{cite news |title=The fight for Sloviansk may be 'the next pivotal battle' of Russia's war in Ukraine |first=Rob |last=Picheta |publisher=] |date=6 April 2022 |access-date=15 April 2022 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/06/europe/sloviansk-ukraine-russia-military-significance-intl/index.html}}</ref> | |||
{{Further|2022 Kherson counteroffensive|2022 bombing of Odesa|2022 Transnistria attacks}} | |||
{{See also|Russian occupation of Kherson Oblast}} | |||
] in September 2022 during the ]]] | |||
Missile attacks and bombardment of the key cities of Mykolaiv and Odesa continued as the second phase of the invasion began.<ref name="nytimes.com"/> On 22 April 2022, Russia's Brigadier General Rustam Minnekayev in a defence ministry meeting said that Russia planned to extend its Mykolaiv–Odesa front after the siege of Mariupol further west to include ] of Transnistria on the Ukrainian border with Moldova.<ref name="dw">{{Cite news |last=Hubenko |first=Dmytro |date=22 April 2022 |title=Russia eyes route to Trans-Dniester: What do we know? |publisher=] |url=https://www.dw.com/en/russia-eyes-route-to-trans-dniester-what-do-we-know/a-61559127|access-date=1 October 2023}} | |||
* {{Cite news |date=22 April 2022 |title=Russia plans to seize Donbas, southern Ukraine: Military official |publisher=] |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/22/russia-says-it-plans-to-seize-donbas-southern-ukraine |access-date=1 October 2023}}</ref> The ] called this plan imperialism and said that it contradicted previous Russian claims that it did not have territorial ambitions in Ukraine and also that the statement admitted that "the goal of the 'second phase' of the war is not victory over the mythical Nazis, but simply the occupation of eastern and southern Ukraine."<ref name="dw"/> Georgi Gotev of EURACTIV noted on 22 April that Russian occupation from Odesa to Transnistria would transform Ukraine into a ] with no practical access to the Black Sea.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gotev |first=Georgi |date=22 April 2022 |title=Russian general says Moscow aim is to leave Ukraine as a landlocked country |work=] |agency=] |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/russian-general-says-moscow-aim-is-to-leave-ukraine-as-a-landlocked-country/}}</ref> Russia resumed its missile strikes on Odesa on 24 April, destroying military facilities and causing two dozen civilian casualties.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 April 2022 |title=Russia renews Mariupol attack, missiles hit Odesa |work=] |agency=] |url=https://www.jpost.com/international/article-704872 |access-date=1 October 2023}}</ref> | |||
Explosions destroyed two Russian broadcast towers in Transnistria on 27 April that had primarily rebroadcast Russian television programming, Ukrainian sources said.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Petrenko |first=Roman |date=26 April 2022 |title=New explosions in Transnistria: antennas broadcasting Russian radio channel destroyed |work=] |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/04/26/7342125/ |access-date=1 October 2023}}</ref> Russian missile attacks at the end of April destroyed runways in Odesa.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Al-Arshani |first=Sarah |date=30 April 2022 |title=A Russian missile strike damaged the runway of an airport in Odesa, rendering it unusable, Ukraine says |work=] |url=https://news.yahoo.com/russian-missile-strike-damaged-runway-185425783.html?fr=yhssrp_catchall |access-date=1 October 2023}}</ref> In the week of 10 May, Ukrainian troops began to dislodge Russian forces from ] in the Black Sea approximately {{convert|200|km}} from Odesa.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Latschan |first=Thomas |date=14 May 2022 |title=Ukraine and Russia fight intense battles for Snake Island |publisher=] |url=https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-and-russia-fight-intense-battles-for-snake-island/a-61800180 |access-date=1 October 2022}}</ref> Russia said on 30 June 2022 that it had withdrawn its troops from the island, once their objectives had been completed.<ref name="RBC 30 June">{{Cite web |date=30 June 2022 |title=Minoborony ob"yavilo o vyvode voysk s ostrova Zmeinyy |script-title=ru:Минобороны объявило о выводе войск с острова Змеиный |trans-title=The Ministry of Defense announced the withdrawal of troops from Snake Island |url=https://www.rbc.ru/politics/30/06/2022/62bd60f99a794772a54cb7a8 |access-date=1 October 2023 |website=РБК |language=ru}} | |||
==== First phase — Western Ukraine ==== | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Talmazan |first=Yuliya |date=1 October 2023 |title=All eyes are on the battle for the east. But the south might hold the key to Ukraine's fate. |work=] |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/russia-withdraws-snake-island-ukraine-counteroffensive-south-kherson-rcna35874}}</ref> | |||
On 23 July, CNBC reported a Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian port of Odesa, swiftly condemned by world leaders amid a recent ] to secure a sea corridor for exports of grains and other foodstuffs.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 July 2022 |title=Russia, Ukraine seal grain deal in Istanbul |work=] |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2022/07/22/russia-ukraine-seal-grain-deal-in-istanbul_5991090_4.html |access-date=2 August 2022}} | |||
On 14 March, Russian forces conducted multiple ] attacks on a military training facility in ], ], close to the Polish border. Local governor ] reported that at least 35 people had been killed in the attacks.<ref>{{cite news|title=Russia strikes Ukraine army base near Poland as it widens attacks |date=14 March 2022 |access-date=19 March 2022 |publisher=] |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/13/russia-air-strikes-hit-ukraine-military-base-near-poland}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Dozens killed as Russian forces strike targets in western Ukraine |first1=Tim |last1=Lister |first2=Mohammed |last2=Tawfeeq |first3=Olga |last3=Voitovych |first4=Simone |last4=McCarthy |first5=Tara |last5=John |publisher=CNN |date=13 March 2022 |access-date=19 March 2022 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/13/europe/russia-invasion-ukraine-03-13-intl-hnk/index.html}}</ref> On 18 March, Russia expanded the attack to Lviv, with Ukrainian military officials saying initial information suggested that the missiles which hit Lviv were likely air-launched cruise missiles originating from warplanes flying over the Black Sea.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/18/europe/lviv-ukraine-attack-russia-importance-intl/index.html |title=Russia has attacked Lviv. Here's why the western city is so important to Ukraine's defense |first1=Petro |last1=Zadorozhnyy |first2=Yulia |last2=Kesaieva |first3=Mohammed |last3=Tawfeeq |first4=Seán |last4=Federico-O'Murchú |first5=Adam |last5=Renton |first6=Tamara |last6=Qiblawi |publisher=CNN |date=18 March 2022 |access-date=19 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Macias |first=Amanda |date=23 July 2022 |title='He simply cannot be trusted:' World leaders slam Putin's attack on Odesa following sea corridor deal |work=] |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/23/world-leaders-slam-putins-attack-on-odesa-following-sea-corridor-deal.html|access-date=1 October 2023}}</ref> On 31 July, CNN reported significantly intensified rocket attacks and bombing of ] by Russians, which also killed Ukrainian grain tycoon ].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Kottasová |first1=Ivana |last2=Voitovych |first2=Olga |last3=Tarasova |first3=Darya |last4=Suri |first4=Manveena |last5=Khadder |first5=Kareem |last6=Pennington |first6=Josh |last7=Robertson |first7=Nic |date=31 July 2022 |title=Ukrainian grain tycoon killed in Mykolaiv shelling as Putin threatens 'lightning speed' response to interference |work=] |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/31/europe/ukraine-russia-war-putin-intl/index.html |access-date=1 October 2023}}</ref> | |||
==== Zaporizhzhia front ==== | |||
=== Second phase: Southeastern offensive (8 April to present) === | |||
{{See also|Russian occupation of Zaporizhzhia Oblast}} | |||
] on 28 June 2022 a "war crime"]] | |||
Russian forces continued to fire missiles and drop bombs on the key cities of ] and ].<ref name="nytimes.com"/> Russian missiles destroyed the ] on 10 April 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 April 2022 |title=Russian rockets destroy airport in Ukrainian city of Dnipro |work=] |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/10/russian-rockets-destroy-airport-in-ukrainian-city-of-dnipro |access-date=1 October 2023}}</ref> On 2 May, the UN, reportedly with the cooperation of Russian troops, evacuated about 100 survivors from the siege of Mariupol to the village of ] near Donetsk, from whence they would move to Zaporizhzhia.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Rai |first1=Arpan |last2=Bancroft |first2=Holly |date=2 May 2022 |title=Mariupol steelworks shelling resumes as doctors describe dire bunker conditions |publisher=] |url=https://news.yahoo.com/ukraine-news-live-un-conducting-025522315.html |access-date=2 June 2022}}</ref> On 28 June, Reuters reported that a Russian missile attack on the city of ] northwest of Zaporizhzhia detonated in a public mall and caused at least 18 deaths. France's Emmanuel Macron called it a "war crime."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lewis |first=Simon |date=28 June 2022 |title=Dozens missing after Russian missile strike on mall kills 18 |work=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/rescuers-dig-survivors-russian-missile-strike-ukrainian-shopping-mall-2022-06-28/}}</ref> | |||
Ukrainian nuclear agency ] called the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant "extremely tense", although it was still operated by its Ukrainian staff. As many as 500 Russian soldiers controlled the plant; Kyiv's nuclear agency said they were shelling nearby areas and storing weapons and "missile systems" there. Almost the entire country went on air raid alert. "They already shell the other side of the river Dnipro and the territory of Nikopol," Energoatom president Pedro Kotin said.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 July 2022 |title=Russia accused of shelling from Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine |url=https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20220716-live-russia-accused-of-shelling-from-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant |access-date=13 August 2022 |website=]}}</ref> Russia agreed on 19 August to allow IAEA inspectors access to the Zaporizhzhia plant after a phone call from Macron to Putin. As of July 2023, however, access to the plant remained limited and required extensive negotiation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-yet-grant-access-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-reactor-roofs-iaea-2023-07-20/ |title=Russia yet to grant access to Zaporizhzhia nuclear reactor roofs, IAEA says |last1=Murphy |first1=Francois |date=20 July 2023|work=Reuters |access-date=24 September 2023}} | |||
On 8 April, the Russian ministry had announced that all its troops and divisions deployed in southeastern Ukraine would be united under the command and control of General Dvornikov, who was placed in charge of combined military operations, including the redeployed probative fronts originally assigned to the northern front and the north-eastern front which were subsequently withdrawn and reassigned to the southeastern front.<ref name="hindustannewshub.com"/> By 17 April, progress on the southeastern front appeared to be impeded by troops continuing to hold out in abandoned factories in Mariupol and refusing surrender ultimatums from surrounding Russian troops.<ref name="Radio New Zealand"/> On 19 April, ''The New York Times'' confirmed that Russia had launched a renewed invasion front referred to as an "eastern assault" across a 300-mile front extending from Kharkiv to Donetsk and Luhansk, with simultaneous missile attacks again directed at Kyiv in the north and Lviv in Western Ukraine.<ref name="nytimes.com"/> According to the UK Defence Secretary ], President Putin is considering a mass mobilisation of Russian citizens to replace losses suffered in Ukraine on 9 May.<ref>"UK Defence Secretary warns Vladimir Putin could declare a new world war within days". 30 APRIL 2022, by Adam Cole.''News.com.au''. </ref> As of 30 April, a NATO official has described Russian advances as “uneven” and “minor”.<ref>"Russia bombards Kharkiv but Ukrainians having ‘tactical successes’, says Zelenskiy". 30 APRIL 2022.''The Guardian''. </ref> | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Mureephy |first=Matt |date=19 August 2022 |title=Ukraine war: Russia to allow inspectors at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant – Putin |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62613013 |access-date=1 October 2023}}</ref> | |||
Russia reported that 12 attacks with explosions from 50 artillery shells had been recorded by 18 August at the plant and the company town of ].<ref name="nei-20220822">{{Cite news |date=22 August 2022 |title=Growing concern about Zaporizhzya NPP sparks international diplomacy |publisher=Nuclear Engineering International |url=https://www.neimagazine.com/news/newsgrowing-concern-about-zaporizhzya-npp-sparks-international-diplomacy-9944011 |access-date=1 October 2023}}</ref> ], chair of the UK's ], said on 19 August that any deliberate damage to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant that could cause radiation leaks would be a breach of ], under which an attack on a member state of NATO is an attack on them all. US congressman ] said the following day that any radiation leak would kill people in NATO countries, an automatic activation of Article 5.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 August 2022 |title=UK, US Set Ultimatum Against Russia Due To Provocations At Zaporizhzhia NPP |publisher=] |url=https://charter97.org/en/news/2022/8/20/512116/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=The West considers applying NATO's Article 5 in response to possible accident at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant |work=] |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/08/20/7364116/ |access-date=20 August 2022}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
] by Russian Army in September 2022]] | |||
==== Second phase — Donbas front ==== | |||
Shelling hit ] dumps at the ] on 23 August, and the ash was on fire on 25 August. The 750 ] transmission line to the Dniprovska substation, the only one of the four 750 kV transmission lines still undamaged and cut by military action, passes over the ash dumps. At 12:12 p.m. on 25 August, the line was cut off due to the fire, disconnecting the plant and its two operating reactors from the national grid for the first time since its startup in 1985. In response, ] and ] for reactor 5 started up, and reactor 6 reduced generation.<ref name="auto8">{{Cite news |last=Fairley |first=Peter |date=26 August 2022 |title=Fitful Ukrainian nuclear plant stokes powerful fears |work=] |url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/ukraine-nuclear-power-plant-fears |access-date=31 August 2022}}</ref> | |||
Incoming power was still available across the 330 kV line to the substation at the coal-fired station, so the diesel generators were not essential for cooling reactor cores and ]s. The 750 kV line and reactor 6 resumed operation at 12:29 p.m., but the line was cut by fire again two hours later. The line, but not the reactors, resumed operation again later that day.<ref name="auto8"/> On 26 August, one reactor restarted in the afternoon and another in the evening, resuming electricity supplies to the grid.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 August 2022 |title=Russian-held nuclear plant resumes power supply to Ukraine, two reactors connected |work=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-one-reactor-nuclear-plant-reconnects-its-grid-2022-08-26/ |access-date=1 October 2023}}</ref> On 29 August 2022, an IAEA team led by Rafael Grossi went to the plant to investigate.<ref name="likpic">{{Cite web |last=IAEA Imagebank |date=29 August 2022 |title=Lydie Evrard (02011236) |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/iaea_imagebank/52318815883/ |access-date=29 August 2022 |publisher=Flickr}}</ref> ] and ] were also on the team. No leaks had been reported at the plant before their arrival, but shelling had occurred days before.<ref name="aug292022">{{Cite web |date=29 August 2022 |title=Grossi: IAEA mission heading to Ukraine's besieged nuclear plant |url=https://www.laprensalatina.com/grossi-iaea-mission-heading-to-ukraines-besieged-nuclear-plant/ |access-date=29 August 2022 |website=La Prensa Latina Media}}</ref> | |||
{{Main|Southern Ukraine offensive|Battle of Donbas (2022)|Russian occupation of Kherson|Siege of Mariupol|Battle of Enerhodar|Kramatorsk railway station attack|Eastern Ukraine offensive}} | |||
{{Further information|Battle of Kharkiv (2022)|Russian occupation of Kharkiv Oblast|Attack on Belgorod}} | |||
=== Russian annexations and occupation losses (6 September – 11 November 2022) === | |||
A Russian missile attack on ] in the city of ] took place on 8 April, reportedly killing at least 52 people<ref>{{cite news |last1=Laizans |first1=Janis |last2=Piper |first2=Elizabeth |date=8 April 2022 |title=Ukraine and allies blame Russia for strike on station that killed over 50 |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-laments-tragedy-troop-deaths-ukraine-braces-major-offensive-2022-04-07/ |access-date=8 April 2022}}</ref> and injuring 87 to 300 people.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tebor |first1=Celina |last2=Lee |first2=Ella |title='An evil without limits': Dozens killed, injured in rocket strike on train station in eastern Ukraine: Live updates |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2022/04/08/kraine-russia-invasion-live-updates/9507961002/ |website=] |access-date=8 April 2022 |date=8 April 2022}}</ref> On 11 April, Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine was expecting a major new Russian offensive in the east.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/live-blog/russia-ukraine-war-live-updates-zelenskyy-warns-offensive-east-rcna23809 |title=Live Updates / Tens of thousands feared dead in Mariupol |publisher=] |date=11 April 2022 |access-date=15 April 2022}}</ref> American officials said that Russia had withdrawn or been repulsed elsewhere in Ukraine, and therefore was preparing a subsequent phase to its military operations by focusing on the east, due to the retraction, resupply, and redeployment of infantry and tank divisions to the Southeastern Ukraine front.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2022/04/10/ukraine-russia-invasion-live-updates/9528799002/ |title=EU to consider Ukraine membership in weeks; Russia warns of 'direct military confrontation' with US: April 10 recap |first1=John |last1=Bacon |first2=Erin |last2=Mansfield |first3=Katie |last3=Wadington |first4=Jeanine |last4=Santucci |first5=Tom |last5=Vanden Brook |first6=Celina |last6=Tebor |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/04/10/ukraine-russia-war-zelensky/ |title=As war enters bloody new phase, Ukraine again calls for more weapons |first1=Taylor |last1=Telford |first2=Annabelle |last2=Timsit |first3=Bryan |last3=Pietsch |first4=Julian |last4=Duplain |date=10 April 2022 |access-date=15 April 2022 |newspaper=]}}</ref> Military satellites photographed extensive Russian convoys of infantry and mechanised units deploying south from Kharkiv to ] on 11 April as an apparent part of the planned Russian redeployment of its Northeastern troops to the Southeastern front of the invasion.<ref>{{cite news |date=10 April 2022 |title=Satellite images: Russian military convoy heads south toward Donbas region |first=Ivana |last=Saric |work=] |url=https://www.axios.com/photos-russia-convoy-donbas-3af345c4-c292-4181-abe5-80abbc303b8b.html}}</ref> | |||
{{for timeline|Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (29 August – 11 November 2022)}} | |||
] | |||
On 6 September 2022, Ukrainian forces launched a surprise ], beginning near ], led by ].<ref name="auto2"> | |||
{{Cite report |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/Russian%20Operations%20Assessment%20September%206.pdf | |||
|title=Russian offensive campaign assessment, September 6 |last1=Hird |first1=Karolina |last2=Barros |first2=George | |||
|date=6 September 2022 |publisher=Institute for the Study of War |last3=Philipson |first3=Layne |last4=Kagan |first4=Frederick W. |access-date=10 September 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite web |title=Oleksandr Syrskyi, o coronel-general que está a orquestrar a contraofensiva na Ucrânia |trans-title=Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Colonel General who is orchestrating the counter-offensive in Ukraine |url=https://observador.pt/2022/09/11/oleksandr-syrskyi-o-coronel-general-que-esta-a-orquestrar-a-contraofensiva-na-ucrania |website=] |language=pt}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last1=Sauer |first1=Pjotr |last2=Koshiw |first2=Isobel |date=8 September 2022 |title=Ukraine launches surprise counterattack in Kharkiv region |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global/2022/sep/07/ukraine-launches-surprise-counterattack-kharkiv-region-russia | |||
|access-date=10 September 2022}}</ref> An emboldened Kyiv launched a counteroffensive 12 September around Kharkiv successful enough to make Russia admit losing key positions and for ''The New York Times'' to say that it dented the image of a "Mighty Putin". Kyiv sought more arms from the West to sustain the counteroffensive.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Troianovski |first=Anton |date=12 September 2022 |title=Retreat Dents Image of a Might Putin |edition=Late, New York |volume=59544 |page=1 |work=] |url=https://static01.nyt.com/images/2022/09/12/nytfrontpage/scan.pdf}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last1=Kramer |first1=Andrew |last2=Higgins |first2=Andrew |date=12 September 2022 |title=An Emboldened Kyiv Wants More Arms |edition=Late, New York |volume=59544 |page=1 |work=] |location=Kharkiv, Ukraine |url=https://static01.nyt.com/images/2022/09/12/nytfrontpage/scan.pdf}}</ref> On 21 September 2022, Vladimir Putin announced ] and Minister of Defence ] said 300,000 reservists would be called.<ref name="France 24 2022">{{Cite web |date=21 September 2022 |title=Putin calls up reservists, warns Russia will use 'all means' for defence |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220921-putin-calls-up-reservists-warns-russia-will-use-all-means-for-defence |access-date=21 September 2022 |website=]}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Scott-Geddes |first=Arthur |date=21 September 2022 |title=Putin calls up 300,000 reservists in 'partial mobilisation' |work=] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/09/21/putin-calls-300000-reservists-partial-mobilisation/ |access-date=21 September 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite web |date=21 September 2022 |title=Russia calls up 300,000 reservists, says 6,000 soldiers killed in Ukraine |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russias-partial-mobilisation-will-see-300000-drafted-defence-minister-2022-09-21/ |access-date=21 September 2022 |website=]}}</ref> He also said that his country would use "all means" to "defend itself." Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Zelenskyy, said that the decision was predictable and that it was an attempt to justify "Russia's failures."<ref name="gazetapl 2022 pd">{{Cite web |date=21 September 2022 |title=Ukraina odpowiada na orędzie Władimira Putina: Rosjanie dostali "prezent" |trans-title=Ukraine responds to Vladimir Putin's message: Russians got a "gift" |url=https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/wiadomosci/7,114881,28935390,ukraina-odpowiada-na-oredzie-wladimira-putina-rosjanie-dostali.html |access-date=21 September 2022 |website=gazetapl |language=pl}}</ref> British Foreign Office Minister Gillian Keegan called the situation an "escalation",<ref name="Ellyatt 2022 esc">{{Cite news |last=Ellyatt |first=Holly |date=21 September 2022 |title=Russia's Putin announces partial military mobilization |work=] |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/21/russia-ukraine-war-putin-announces-partial-military-mobilization.html |access-date=21 September 2022}}</ref> while former Mongolian president ] accused Russia of using Russian Mongols as "cannon fodder."<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 October 2022 |title='We're minor losses': Russia's mobilisation targets ethnic minorities |work=] |url=https://www.ft.com/content/ae06c532-e1ff-488a-b77c-cb93422d3dd7 |access-date=3 November 2022}}</ref> | |||
==== Russian annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts ==== | |||
On 14 April, it was reported that Ukrainian troops had detonated a bridge between Kharkiv and Izium being used by Russian forces to redeploy troops to Izium, destroying the bridge and impeding the progress of the Russian convoy.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukraine Military Claims It Blew Up A Bridge Destroying Russian Convoy |editor-first=Amit |editor-last=Chaturvedi |date=14 April 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022 |publisher=] |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/ukraine-military-claims-it-blew-up-a-bridge-destroying-russian-convoy-2888420}}</ref> On 18 April, with Mariupol almost entirely overtaken by Russian occupation forces, the Ukrainian government announced that the second phase of the reinforced invasion of the Donetsk, Luhansk and Kharkiv regions had intensified with increased and expanded invasion forces by the Russians to continue further occupation of the Donbas oblast and its other major cities.<ref>April 18, 2022. "Ukraine says 'Battle of Donbas' has begun, Russia pushing in east". Reuters. </ref> | |||
{{Main|Russian annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts}} | |||
In late September 2022, Russian-installed officials in Ukraine organised ] on the annexation of the occupied territories of Ukraine. These included the Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic in Russian-occupied Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine, as well as the Russian-appointed military administrations of Kherson Oblast and Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Denounced by Ukraine's government and its allies as ]s, the elections' official results showed overwhelming majorities in favour of annexation.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 September 2022 |title=Ukraine war: Russia claims win in occupied Ukraine 'sham' referendums |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63052207 |access-date=29 September 2022}}</ref> | |||
On 30 September 2022, Vladimir Putin announced the annexation of Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts in an address to both houses of the ].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Berlinger |first1=Joshua |last2=Chernova |first2=Anna |last3=Lister |first3=Tim |date=30 September 2022 |title=Putin announces annexation of Ukrainian regions in defiance of international law |publisher=] |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/30/europe/putin-russia-ukraine-annexation-intl/index.html |access-date=26 January 2023}} | |||
==== Second phase — Mykolaiv–Odessa front ==== | |||
* {{Cite web |last=Speri |first=Alice |date=8 October 2022 |title=Will Putin Face Prosecution for the Crime of Aggression in Ukraine? |url=https://theintercept.com/2022/10/08/russia-putin-ukraine-war-crimes-accountability/ |access-date=26 January 2023 |website=]}}</ref> Ukraine, the United States, the European Union and the United Nations all denounced the annexation as illegal.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Trevelyan |first=Mark |date=30 September 2022 |title=Putin declares annexation of Ukrainian lands in Kremlin ceremony |publisher=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/putin-declare-annexation-ukrainian-lands-major-escalation-war-2022-09-29/ |access-date=30 September 2022}}</ref> | |||
==== Zaporizhzhia front ==== | |||
{{Main|Eastern Ukraine offensive|Battle of Kharkiv (2022)|Attack on Belgorod|Transnistria–Ukraine relations}} | |||
{{see also|Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant crisis|Zaporizhzhia residential building airstrike}} | |||
{{Further information|Russian occupation of Kherson Oblast}} | |||
] following an ]]] | |||
General missile attacks and bombardment of the key cities of Mykolaiv and Odessa continued at the start of the second phase of the invasion.<ref name="nytimes.com"/> On 22 April, Russia's Brigadier General Rustam Minnekayev, speaking during a defence ministry meeting, indicated that Russia would plan to extend its Mykolayiv–Odessa front after the siege of Mariupol further west into Ukraine in order to include ] of ] on the border of Ukraine with ].<ref name="dw">{{cite news|url=https://www.dw.com/en/russia-eyes-route-to-trans-dniester-what-do-we-know/a-61559127|title=Russia eyes route to Trans-Dniester: What do we know?|first=Dmytro|last=Hubenko|publisher=Deutsche Welle|date=22 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/22/russia-says-it-plans-to-seize-donbas-southern-ukraine|title=Russia plans to seize Donbas, southern Ukraine: Military official|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=22 April 2022}}</ref> The ] replied to this announcement by describing Russia's intentions as ], saying that it contradicted previous Russian claims that Russia did not have territorial ambitions over Ukraine and that Russia had admitted that "the goal of the 'second phase' of the war is not victory over the mythical Nazis, but simply the occupation of eastern and southern Ukraine".<ref name="dw" /> Georgi Gotev, writing for Reuters on 22 April, noted that the extension of Russia's battlefront and occupation of Ukraine from Odessa to ] would transform Ukraine into a ] without any practical access to the Black Sea.<ref>"Russian general says Moscow aim is to leave Ukraine as a landlocked country". By Georgi Gotev. EURACTIV.com with Reuters. 22 April 2022. </ref> On 24 April, Russia resumed its missile strikes on Odessa destroying military facilities and causing two dozen civilian casualties.<ref>"Russia renews Mariupol attack, missiles hit Odesa". By Reuters, Jerusalem Post staff. 24 April 2022. </ref> | |||
An ] delegation visited the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant on 3 September, and on 6 September reported damage and security threats caused by external shelling and the presence of occupying troops in the plant.<ref name="reuters-20220906">{{Cite news |date=6 September 2022 |title=Factbox: Seven recommendations the IAEA makes in its Ukraine report |publisher=] |location=Vienna |editor-last=Janowski |editor-first=Tomasz | |||
|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/seven-recommendations-iaea-makes-its-ukraine-report-2022-09-06/ |access-date=6 September 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite web |date=6 September 2022 |title=Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards in Ukraine: 28 April–5 September 2022 |url=https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/22/09/ukraine-2ndsummaryreport_sept2022.pdf |access-date=6 September 2022 |publisher=IAEA |pages=13–16, 46–48}}</ref> On 11 September, at 3:14 a.m., the sixth and final reactor was disconnected from the grid, "completely stopping" the plant. ] said that preparations were "underway for its cooling and transfer to a cold state."<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 September 2022 |title=Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant halts operations in Ukraine |publisher=] |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-11/zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant-halts-operations-in-ukraine/101427770 |access-date=11 September 2022}}</ref> | |||
In the early hours of 9 October 2022, Russian Armed Forces ] in Zaporizhzhia, killing 13 civilians and injuring 89 others.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 October 2022 |title=Vladimir Putin calls blast on Crimea-Russia bridge an 'act of terror' |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/09/russia-ukraine-war-attack-housing-zaporizhzhia |access-date=9 October 2022}} | |||
On 27 April, Ukrainian sources indicated that two Russian broadcast towers were destroyed by explosions in Transnistria which were used primarily to rebroadcast Russian television programming.<ref>"New explosions in Transnistria: antennas broadcasting Russian radio channel destroyed". 26 APRIL 2022, by Roman Petrenko. ''Ukrainian Truth''. </ref> At the end of April, Russia renewed missile attacks on runways in Odesa destroying some of them in a further attempt to weaken Ukrainian's transportation infrastructure.<ref>"A Russian missile strike damaged the runway of an airport in Odesa, rendering it unusable, Ukraine says". By Sarah Al-Arshani. April 30, 2022. Yahoo News. </ref> | |||
* {{Cite web |date=9 October 2022 |title=Russian strikes kill 17 in Ukraine following bridge attack |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/09/russian-strikes-kill-17-in-ukraine-following-bridge-attack.html |access-date=10 October 2022 |publisher=]}} | |||
* {{Cite news |date=9 October 2022 |title=Scores killed and wounded in 'Russian attack' on Zaporizhzhia |publisher=] |url=https://www.euronews.com/2022/10/09/ukraine-war-scores-dead-and-wounded-after-russian-missile-attack-on-zaporizhzhia |access-date=9 October 2022}}</ref> | |||
==== Kherson counteroffensive ==== | |||
==== Second phase — Dnipro–Zaporizhzhia front ==== | |||
{{Main|2022 Kherson counteroffensive|Liberation of Kherson}} | |||
], participating in reraising the Ukrainian flag in Kherson a few days after ]]] | |||
On 29 August, Zelenskyy advisedly vowed the start of a full-scale counteroffensive in the southeast. He first announced a counteroffensive to retake Russian-occupied territory in the south concentrating on the Kherson-Mykolaiv region, a claim that was corroborated by the Ukrainian parliament as well as ].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ukraine's south is on the line as a major counteroffensive appears to be underway |work=] |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/ukraine-counteroffensive-russian-held-south-kherson-rcna45265 |access-date=31 August 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite web |date=29 August 2022 |title=Ukraine says long-anticipated southern offensive has begun |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/ukraine-says-long-anticipated-southern-offensive-has-begun-2022-08-29/ |access-date=29 August 2022 |website=]}} | |||
* {{Cite web |date=29 August 2022 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 29 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-29 |access-date=31 August 2022 |website=Institute for the Study of War}}</ref> | |||
On 4 September, Zelenskyy announced the liberation of two unnamed villages in Kherson Oblast and one in Donetsk Oblast. Ukrainian authorities released a photo showing the raising of the Ukrainian flag in ] by Ukrainian forces.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Asami |first=Terajima |date=4 September 2022 |title=Ukraine war latest: Ukraine liberates villages in south and east |work=] |url=https://kyivindependent.com/national/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-liberates-villages-in-south-and-east |access-date=5 September 2022}} | |||
{{Main|Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant|Russian occupation of Zaporizhzhia Oblast}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last1=Gadzo |first1=Mersiha |last2=Ibrahim |first2=Arwa |date=4 September 2022 |title=Ukraine-Russia live 4 September 2022 |work=] |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2022/9/4/ukraine-russia-live-updates-berlin-agrees-e65bn-inflation-relief}}</ref> Ukrainian attacks also continued along the southern frontline, though reports about territorial changes were largely unverifiable.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dammers |first=Tobias |date=10 September 2022 |title=Gegenoffensive in Südukraine. "Je schneller vorbei, desto besser" |trans-title=Counteroffensive in southern Ukraine. "The quicker it's over, the better" |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/europa/mykolajiw-krieg-101.html |access-date=10 September 2022 |website=] |language=German}}</ref> On 12 September, Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian forces had retaken a total of {{convert|6000|km2|sqmi}} from Russia, in both the south and the east. The BBC stated that it could not verify these claims.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 September 2022 |title=Ukraine war: We retook 6,000 sq km from Russia in September, says Zelensky |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62884668 |access-date=13 September 2022}}</ref> | |||
General missile attacks and bombardment of the key cities of Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia continued at the start of the second phase of the invasion.<ref name="nytimes.com"/> On 10 April, the ] was destroyed during a missile attack.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dnipro airport in eastern Ukraine "completely destroyed" by new Russian military bombing: "And missiles continue to fly" |date=10 April 2022 |access-date=15 April 2022 |editor-first=Liviu |editor-last=Cojan |url=https://www.tylaz.net/2022/04/10/dnipro-airport-in-eastern-ukraine-completely-destroyed-by-new-russian-military-bombing-and-missiles-continue-to-fly/ |work=Tylaz}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/10/russian-rockets-destroy-airport-in-ukrainian-city-of-dnipro |title=Russian rockets destroy airport in Ukrainian city of Dnipro |publisher=] |date=10 April 2022 |access-date=15 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
In October, Ukrainian forces pushed further south towards the city of Kherson, taking control of {{convert|1170|km2|sqmi}} of territory, with fighting extending to ].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Peter |first1=Laurence |last2=Murphy |first2=Matt |date=4 October 2022 |title=Ukraine makes breakthrough in south against Russia Published |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-63126156 |access-date=10 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=9 October 2022 |title=Ukraine says it recaptured 1,200 sq km of Kherson region in ongoing counteroffensive |work=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-it-recaptured-1200-sq-km-kherson-region-ongoing-counteroffensive-2022-10-09/ |access-date=10 October 2022}}</ref> On 9 November, defence minister Shoigu ordered Russian forces to leave part of Kherson Oblast, including the city of ], and move to the eastern bank of the Dnieper.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Beaumont |first1=Peter |last2=Sauer |first2=Pjotr |date=9 November 2022 |title=Russian troops ordered to retreat from Kherson in face of Ukrainian advance |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/09/russians-destroy-dnieper-bridges-to-slow-ukraine-advance-on-kherson |access-date=10 November 2022}}</ref> On 11 November, Ukrainian troops entered Kherson, as Russia completed its withdrawal. This meant that Russian forces no longer had a foothold on the west (right) bank of the Dnieper.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Kramer |first1=Andrew E. |last2=Santora |first2=Marc |date=11 November 2022 |title=Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Hails 'Historic Day' as Ukrainian Troops Enter Kherson |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/11/11/world/ukraine-war-news-russia-updates |access-date=11 November 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> | |||
==== Second phase — Siege of Mariupol ==== | |||
==== Kharkiv counteroffensive ==== | |||
{{Main|Siege of Mariupol}} | |||
{{Main|2022 Kharkiv counteroffensive}} | |||
On 13 April, Russian forces intensified their attack on the abandoned steel factory at the ] in Mariupol, which was being used by residual Ukrainian defences in the city.<ref>{{cite news |title=Last marines defending Mariupol 'running out of ammunition' |first1=Luke |last1=Harding |first2=Isobel |last2=Koshiw |first3=Bethan |last3=McKernan |work=] |date=13 April 2022 |access-date=15 April 2022 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/11/ukraine-last-marines-defending-mariupol-running-out-of-ammunition}}</ref> By 17 April, Russian forces had surrounded the steel factory where final Ukrainian forces had been operating, with the Ukrainian prime minister ] stating that the Ukrainian soldiers had vowed to ignore the renewed ultimatum to surrender and to fight to the last soul.<ref>Ukraine war: Mariupol defenders will fight to the end." April 17, 2022. RNZ News. </ref>On 20 April, Putin said that the Siege of Mariupol could be considered as tactically completed with approximately 500 Ukrainian troops entrenched in bunker defences within the Azovstal iron works factory with an estimated one thousand Ukrainian citizens completely sealed off from any type of relief in their siege.<ref>"Putin claims victory in Mariupol despite steel-mill holdouts". By ADAM SCHRECK. AP News. 21 April 2022. </ref> | |||
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Ukrainian forces launched another surprise counteroffensive on 6 September in the Kharkiv Oblast near ] led by General Syrskyi.<ref name="auto2"/> By 7 September, Ukrainian forces had advanced some {{convert|20|km}} into Russian occupied territory and claimed to have recaptured approximately {{convert|400|km2}}. Russian commentators said this was likely due to the relocation of Russian forces to Kherson in response to the Ukrainian offensive there.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Hird |first1=Karolina |last2=Mappes |first2=Grace |last3=Barros |first3=George |last4=Philipson |first4=Layne |last5=Clark |first5=Mason |date=7 September 2022 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 7 |url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-7 |access-date=10 September 2022 |publisher=Institute for the Study of War |via=understandingwar.org}}</ref> On 8 September, Ukrainian forces captured Balakliia and advanced to within {{convert|15|km}} of ].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Stepanenko |first1=Kateryna |last2=Mappes |first2=Grace |last3=Barros |first3=George |last4=Philipson |first4=Layne |last5=Clark |first5=Mason |date=8 September 2022 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 8 |url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-8 |access-date=10 September 2022 |publisher=Institute for the Study of War |via=understandingwar.org}}</ref> Military analysts said Ukrainian forces appeared to be moving towards Kupiansk, a major railway hub, with the aim of cutting off the Russian forces at Izium from the north.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Santora |first1=Marc |last2=Nechepurenko |first2=Ivan |last3=Hernandez |first3=Marco |date=9 September 2022 |title=Ukraine Attacks Russia Along Northern Front, Swiftly Making Gains |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/09/world/europe/ukraine-russia-kharkiv.html |access-date=10 September 2022}}</ref> | |||
On 9 September, the ] announced it would "evacuate" the civilian populations of Izium, Kupiansk and ]. The ] (ISW) said it believed Kupiansk would likely fall in the next 72 hours,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Osterman |first=Cynthia |date=9 September 2022 |title=Ukraine retakes settlements in Kharkiv advance – Russian-installed official |work=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/civilians-being-evacuated-russian-held-kharkiv-region-towns-russian-installed-2022-09-09/ |access-date=10 September 2022}}</ref> while Russian reserve units were sent to the area by both road and helicopter.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Lister |first1=Tim |last2=Kesaieva |first2=Julia |last3=Pennington |first3=Josh |date=9 September 2022 |title=Russia sends reinforcements to Kharkiv as Ukrainians advance |work=] |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/09/10/europe/ukraine-kharkiv-advances-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=10 September 2022}}</ref> On the morning of 10 September, photos emerged claiming to depict Ukrainian troops raising the Ukrainian flag in the centre of Kupiansk,<ref name="kupiansk-euromaidanpress">{{Cite news |date=10 September 2022 |title=Ukrainian troops liberate Kupiansk, Kharkiv oblast – media |work=] |url=https://euromaidanpress.com/2022/09/10/ukrainian-troops-liberate-kupiansk-kharkiv-oblast-media/ |access-date=10 September 2022}}</ref> and the ISW said Ukrainian forces had captured approximately {{convert|2500|sqkm}} by effectively exploiting their breakthrough.<ref name="isw20220909">{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 9 |url=https://www.iswresearch.org/2022/09/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment_10.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220910102731/https://www.iswresearch.org/2022/09/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment_10.html |archive-date=10 September 2022 |access-date=10 September 2022}}</ref><!-- published online c. 0600 hrs on 10 Sep Ukraine time zone --> Later in the day, ''Reuters'' reported that Russian positions in northeast Ukraine had "collapsed" in the face of the Ukrainian assault, with Russian forces forced to withdraw from their base at Izium after being cut off by the capture of Kupiansk.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Hunder |first1=Max |last2=Hnidyi |first2=Vitalii |date=10 September 2022 |title=Russian grip on northeast Ukraine collapses after Kyiv severs supply line |work=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-troops-raise-flag-over-railway-hub-advance-threatens-turn-into-rout-2022-09-10/ |access-date=10 September 2022}}</ref> | |||
Following meetings with Putin and Zelenskyy on consecutive days, on 28 April UN secretary Guterres stated that he would attempt to organize an emergency evacuation of survivors entrenched in the Mariupol Azovstal iron works in accordance with assurances he had personally received from Putin on his visit to the Kremlin.<ref>"U.N. chief Guterres calls for escape route from Mariupol 'apocalypse'". By Alessandra Prentice. Reuters. April 28, 2022. </ref> In response to initiated evacuation efforts by the UN on 30 April, dozens of civilians were photographed by Reuters as being allowed by Russian troops to be evacuated from their entrenched positions in the Azovstal iron works in Mariupol.<ref>"Civilians flee Azovstal bunkers in evacuation led by U.N." Reuters. May 1, 2022. </ref> | |||
By 15 September, an assessment by ]'s ] confirmed that Russia had either lost or withdrawn from almost all of their positions west of the ]. The retreating units had also abandoned various high-value military assets.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 September 2022 |title=Ukraine continues to consolidate its control in Kharkiv area, UK says |work=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-continues-consolidate-its-control-kharkiv-area-uk-says-2022-09-15/}}</ref> The offensive continued pushing east and by 1 October, Ukrainian Armed Forces ].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Balmforth |first1=Tom |last2=Polityuk |first2=Pavel |date=1 October 2022 |title=Ukraine troops say they take key town, Putin ally mulls possible nuclear response |work=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-encircles-russian-forces-around-lyman-stronghold-military-2022-10-01/ |access-date=10 October 2022}}</ref> | |||
=== Air warfare === | |||
=== Winter stalemate, attrition campaign and 1st military surge (12 November 2022 – 7 June 2023) === | |||
On 24 February, Russian forces ],<ref>{{cite web |title=Ukraine: Video appears to show aftermath of missile strike on air base in Chuhuiv |publisher=] |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=6 April 2022 |url=https://news.sky.com/video/ukraine-video-appears-to-show-aftermath-of-missile-strike-on-air-base-in-chuhuiv-12550242}}</ref> which housed ] drones. The attack caused damage to fuel storage areas and infrastructure.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/24/satellite-imagery-shows-russian-attack-on-ukraine-from-space.html |title=Satellite imagery shows Russian attack on Ukraine from space |publisher=] |first=Michael |last=Sheetz |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=8 March 2022}}</ref> The next day, the ] was attacked by Ukrainian forces.<ref name="Dutton-2022-02-25" /><ref name="Rostov-Gazeta-2022-02-25" /> In the ] on 27 February, it was reported that Russia used ] missile systems, located in Belarus, to attack the civilian ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Airport in central Ukraine reportedly targeted by missile fired from Belarus |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/airport-in-central-ukraine-reportedly-targeted-by-missile-fired-from-belarus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227183646/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/airport-in-central-ukraine-reportedly-targeted-by-missile-fired-from-belarus/ |archive-date=27 February 2022 |access-date=28 February 2022 |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|number=1498178611916034054 |user=KyivIndependent |title=Russia used Iskander missile systems to attack Zhytomyr Airport. The air strikes were conducted from Belarus, using Russian ballistic missile launchers. Earlier, Belarus said it wouldn't allow air strikes from its territory amid Ukraine's upcoming peace talks with Russia. |access-date=8 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305041549/https://twitter.com/KyivIndependent/status/1498178611916034054 |archive-date=5 March 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> Many Ukrainian air defence facilities were destroyed fully or partially in the first days of the invasion by Russian air strikes.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61106245 |title=Ukraine's battle for control of its skies |first=Jonathan |last=Beale |work=] |date=14 April 2022 |access-date=19 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
{{for timeline|Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (12 November 2022 – 7 June 2023)}} | |||
{{further|Russian Winter Offensive in Ukraine (2022–2023)|Battle of Vuhledar|Battle of Marinka (2022–2023)}} | |||
] tanks provided by Poland to Ukraine]] | |||
After the end of the twin Ukrainian counteroffensives, the fighting shifted to a semi-deadlock during the winter,<ref name="TakesStock">{{Cite news |date=8 April 2023 |title=Russia Takes Stock After Winter Offensive Fails to Deliver Gains |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/04/08/russia-takes-stock-after-winter-offensive-fails-to-deliver-gains-a80762 |access-date=26 April 2023}}</ref> with heavy casualties but reduced motion of the frontline.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Trofimov |first=Yaroslav |title=Ukraine, Russia Gird for a Decisive Spring Campaign After a Bloody Winter |work=] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-russia-gird-for-a-decisive-spring-campaign-after-a-bloody-winter-a3beef16 |access-date=26 April 2023}}</ref> Russia launched a self-proclaimed winter offensive in eastern Ukraine, but the campaign ended in "disappointment" for Moscow, with limited gains as the offensive stalled.<ref name="TakesStock"/><ref name="aground">{{Cite news |last1=Holder |first1=Josh |last2=Hernandez |first2=Marco |date=6 April 2023 |title=How Russia's Offensive Ran Aground |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/04/06/world/europe/russia-offensive-maps.html |access-date=26 April 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Analysts variously blamed the failure on Russia's lack of "trained men", and supply problems with artillery ammunition, among other problems.<ref name=TakesStock/><ref name=aground/> Near the end of May, ] assessed that "after Russia's abortive and ill-conceived winter offensive, which squandered its opportunity to consolidate its forces, Ukraine is in a relatively strong position."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Galeotti |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Galeotti |date=24 May 2023 |title=Ukraine's next move: can Putin be outsmarted? |url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/ukraines-next-move-can-putin-be-outsmarted/ |access-date=25 May 2023 |website=The Spectator}}</ref> | |||
On 7 February, ''The New York Times'' reported that Russians had newly mobilised nearly 200,000 soldiers to participate in the offensive in the Donbas, against Ukraine troops already wearied by previous fighting.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last1=Schwirtz |first1=Michael |last2=Addario |first2=Lynsey |date=6 February 2023 |title=Outnumbered and Worn Out, Ukrainians in East Brace for Russian Assault |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/06/world/europe/ukraine-russia-offensive.html |access-date=25 March 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The Russian private military company Wagner Group took on greater prominence in the war,<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 January 2023 |title=The success of Russia's mercenary group says something about Putin's war |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/wagner-mercenary-group-russia-putin-b2261201.html |access-date=26 April 2023}}</ref> leading "grinding advances" in ] with tens of thousands of recruits from ] taking part in "near suicidal" assaults on Ukrainian positions.<ref name=aground/> | |||
Russia lost at least ten aircraft on 5 March.<ref>{{cite news |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |title=The Russian Air Force Just Had A Terrible Day Over Ukraine |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/44602/the-russian-air-force-just-had-a-terrible-day-over-ukraine |access-date=5 March 2022 |work=The Drive}}</ref> On 6 March, the ] reported that 88 Russian aircraft had been destroyed since the war began.<ref>{{cite web|title=Enemy loses 88 aircraft, helicopters in Ukraine – General Staff |url=https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/808029.html |access-date=9 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref> However, an anonymous senior US defence official told Reuters on 7 March that Russia still had the "vast majority" of its fighter jets and helicopters that had been amassed near Ukraine available to fly.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-has-deployed-nearly-100-pct-pre-staged-forces-into-ukraine-us-official-2022-03-07/ |title=Putin has deployed nearly 100% of pre-staged forces into Ukraine- U.S. Official |first1=Idrees |last1=Ali |first2=Phil |last2=Stewart |work=Reuters |date=7 March 2022}}</ref> After the first month of the invasion, Justin Bronk, a British military observer, counted the Russian aircraft losses at 15 fixed-wing aircraft and 35 helicopters, but noted that the true total was certainly higher.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/24/analysis-russia-falls-back-on-urban-siege-warfare-in-ukraine |title=Analysis: Russia falls back on urban siege warfare in Ukraine |first=Justin |last=Bronk |publisher=] |date=24 March 2022 |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref> In contrast, according to the United States, 49 Ukrainian fighter aircraft were lost by 18 March.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60774819?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=62349f1d0ce87e491a0f0199%26How%20much%20of%20Ukraine%27s%20air%20force%20is%20still%20operational%3F%262022-03-18T19%3A44%3A06%2B00%3A00&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:12473c63-8acb-47a3-975e-484ef2787681&pinned_post_asset_id=62349f1d0ce87e491a0f0199&pinned_post_type=share |title=How much of Ukraine's air force is still operational? |editor-first=Jude |editor-last=Sheerin |work=] |date=18 March 2022 |access-date=19 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
In late January 2023, fighting intensified in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Grove |first=Thomas |date=24 January 2023 |title=Fighting Intensifies in Southern Ukraine |page=A6 |work=]}} | |||
On 13 March, Russian forces conducted multiple ] attacks on a ] in ], ], close to the Polish border. Local governor ] reported that at least 35 people had been killed in the attacks.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/13/russia-air-strikes-hit-ukraine-military-base-near-poland |title=Russia strikes Ukraine army base near Poland as it widens attacks |publisher=] |date=13 March 2022 |access-date=14 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/13/europe/russia-invasion-ukraine-03-13-intl-hnk/index.html |title=Dozens killed as Russian forces strike targets in western Ukraine |first1=Tim |last1=Lister |first2=Mohammed |last2=Tawfeeq |first3=Olga |last3=Voitovych |first4=Simone |last4=McCarthy |first5=Tara |last5=John |publisher=CNN |date=13 March 2022 |access-date=14 March 2022}}</ref> The poor performance of the Russian Air Force has been attributed by '']'' to Russia's inability to suppress Ukraine's medium ranged surface-to-air missile (SAM) batteries, Russia's lack of precision-guided bombs, together with Ukrainian mid-range SAM sites that force planes to fly low, making them vulnerable to Stinger and other shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles, and lack of training and flight hours for Russian pilots rendering them inexperienced for the type of close ground support missions typical of modern air forces.<ref>{{cite news |date=3 March 2022 |title=The curious case of Russia's missing air force |url=https://www.economist.com/interactive/2022/03/08/curious-case-russias-missing-air-force |newspaper=] |access-date=9 March 2022 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> | |||
^{{Cite news |date=22 January 2023 |title=Ukraine Latest: Russia Makes 'Incremental Gains' Around Bakhmut |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-01-22/ukraine-latest-russia-makes-incremental-gains-around-bakhmut |access-date=17 June 2023}}</ref> In nearby southern parts of Donetsk Oblast, an ] near the coal-mining town of ] was called the largest tank battle of the war to date, and ended in disaster for Russian forces, who lost "at least 130 tanks and armored personnel carriers" according to Ukrainian commanders. The ] stated that "a whole Russian brigade was effectively annihilated."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Santora |first=Marc |date=16 February 2023 |title=Moscow's Military Capabilities Are in Question After Failed Battle for Ukrainian City |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/15/world/europe/russia-military-vuhledar-ukraine.html |access-date=26 April 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="TankKramer">{{Cite news |last=Kramer |first=Andrew E. |date=1 March 2023 |title=How Russia Lost an Epic Tank Battle, Repeating Earlier Mistakes |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/01/world/europe/ukraine-russia-tanks.html |access-date=26 April 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> | |||
=== |
=== Battle of Bakhmut === | ||
{{Main article|Battle of Bakhmut}} | |||
] | |||
Following defeat in Kherson and Kharkiv, Russian and Wagner forces focused on taking the city of Bakhmut and breaking the half year long stalemate that prevailed there since the start of the war. Russian forces sought to encircle the city, attacking from the north via ]. After taking heavy casualties, Russian and Wagner forces ] on 16 January 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 January 2023 |title=Ukrainian military source: Russia controls administrative territory of Soledar |url=https://kyivindependent.com/news-feed/ukrainian-military-source |access-date=16 January 2023 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ukraine confirms that Russia has taken control of disputed town of Soledar |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/ukraine-confirms-that-russia-has-taken-control-of-disputed-town-of-soledar/ar-AA16nYjG |access-date=16 January 2023 |website=]}}</ref> By early February 2023, Bakhmut was facing attacks from north, south and east, with the sole Ukrainian supply lines coming from ] to the west.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 February 2023 |title=Russia Pours Fighters Into Battle for Bakhmut |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/01/31/world/russia-ukraine-news |url-access=subscription}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Guerin |first=Orla |date=8 February 2023 |title=Ukraine war: Borrowed time for Bakhmut as Russians close in |publisher=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64523029 |access-date=10 February 2023}} | |||
* {{Cite web |last=Engel |first=Richard |date=9 February 2023 |title=Ukraine's defiant city struggles to hold out as Russia pushes for a bloody victory |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/bakhmut-ukraine-surrounded-russia-offensive-rcna69651 |access-date=10 February 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
On 3 March 2023, Ukrainian soldiers destroyed two key bridges, creating the possibility for a controlled fighting withdrawal from eastern sectors of Bakhmut.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 3, 2023 | |||
]'' was reportedly sunk by two Ukrainian ] ]s on 14 April 2022]] | |||
|url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-3-2023|access-date=17 June 2023 |website=Institute for the Study of War}}</ref> On 4 March, Bakhmut's deputy mayor told news services that there was street fighting in the city.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 March 2023 |title=Bakhmut: Fighting in the street but Russia not in control – deputy mayor |publisher=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64846666 |access-date=4 March 2023}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last1=Badshah |first1=Nadeem |last2=Clinton |first2=Jane |last3=Gerts |first3=Mark |date=4 March 2023 |title=As it happened: street fighting in Bakhmut as battle rages for control of the city |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/mar/04/russia-ukraine-war-live-ukraine-fortifying-bakhmut-as-russian-encirclement-looms |access-date=4 March 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> On 7 March, despite the city's near-encirclement, ''The New York Times'' reported that Ukrainian commanders were requesting permission from Kyiv to continue fighting against the Russians in Bakhmut.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 March 2023 |title=Ukraine's top generals want to keep defending Bakhmut, as Russian fighters demand more ammunition |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/03/06/world/russia-ukraine-news}}</ref> | |||
On 26 March, Wagner Group forces claimed to have fully captured the tactically significant Azom factory in Bakhmut.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pennington |first=Josh |date=26 March 2023 |title=Wagner in 'full control' of AZOM plant in Bakhmut, reports Russian state media |work=] |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/26/europe/wagner-in-control-of-bakhmut-azom-plant-intl-hnk/index.html}}</ref> Appearing before the ] on 29 March, General ], ], reported that, "for about the last 20, 21 days, the Russia have not made any progress whatsoever in and around Bakhmut." Milley described the severe casualties being inflicted upon the Russian forces there as a "slaughter-fest."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Britzky |first=Haley |date=29 March 2023 |title=Battle for Bakhmut has turned into a "slaughter-fest for the Russians," top US general says |work=] |url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-03-29-23/h_cfb6c51a8d57fdb537947bd3ea45c062 |access-date=11 April 2023}}, and , CNN, 30 March 2023 (accessed 11 April 2023).</ref> | |||
Ukraine lies on the ], which only has access through the Turkish-held ] and ] straits. On 28 February, Turkey invoked the 1936 ] and sealed off the straits to Russian warships not registered as having Black Sea home bases and not returning to their ports of origin. This prevented the passage of four Russian naval vessels through the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-implement-international-pact-access-shipping-straits-due-ukraine-war-2022-02-27/ |title=Turkey to implement pact limiting Russian warships to Black Sea |work=Reuters |date=28 February 2022 |access-date=17 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Tavsan |first=Sinan |date=2 March 2022 |title=Turkey rejects Russia's request for navy ships to pass Bosporus |newspaper=] |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Ukraine-war/Turkey-rejects-Russia-s-request-for-navy-ships-to-pass-Bosporus |access-date=17 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Russia cancelled Black Sea passage bid of four warships: Turkey |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/2/russia-cancelled-black-sea-passage-bid-warships-turkey |publisher=] |date=2 March 2022 |access-date=29 March 2022}}</ref> On 24 February, the ] announced that an ] by Russian Navy ships had begun.<ref>{{cite tweet|title=Ukrainian soldier deployed on Snake Island live streamed the moment a Russian warship opened fire on the Island. All 13 soldiers lost their lives. |url=https://twitter.com/PokiRae_/status/1497003710349824007?t=u6cn75KuUNW12U0KAtw4Rg&s=19 |number=1497003710349824007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225100712/https://twitter.com/PokiRae_/status/1497003710349824007?t=u6cn75KuUNW12U0KAtw4Rg&s=19 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |user=PokiRae_}}{{Primary source inline|date=March 2022}}</ref> The guided missile cruiser {{ship|Russian cruiser|Moskva||2}} and patrol boat {{ship|Russian patrol boat|Vasily Bykov||2}} bombarded the island with their deck guns.<ref>{{cite news |date=24 February 2022 |title=Russian Navy Captures Ukraine's Outpost on Snake Island |work=The Maritime Executive |url=https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/russian-navy-captures-ukraine-s-outpost-on-snake-island |url-status=live |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225100645/https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/russian-navy-captures-ukraine-s-outpost-on-snake-island |archive-date=25 February 2022}}</ref> When the Russian warship identified itself and instructed the Ukrainian soldiers stationed on the island to surrender, their response was "]"<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lister |first1=Tim |last2=Pennington |first2=Josh |date=24 February 2022 |title=February 24, 2022 Russia-Ukraine news |publisher=CNN |at=Entry: Audio emerges appearing to be of Ukrainian fighters defending island from Russian warship |url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-24-22-intl/h_2e17e59214679efefede60d5fb481432 |access-date=25 February 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225020216/https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-24-22-intl/h_2e17e59214679efefede60d5fb481432 |archive-date=25 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |script-title=uk:"Русский корабль, иди на х.й!": захисники Зміїного відповіли ворогові |trans-title='Russian ship, go on f.y!': Defenders of the Serpent responded to the enemy |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2022/02/25/7325592/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225021042/https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2022/02/25/7325592/ |archive-date=25 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=] |language=uk}}</ref> After the bombardment, a detachment of Russian soldiers landed and took control of ].<ref>{{cite web |date=25 February 2022 |title=Ukraine soldiers told Russian officer 'go fuck yourself' before they died on island |first=Elias |last=Visontay |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/25/ukraine-soldiers-told-russians-to-go-fuck-yourself-before-black-sea-island-death |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225102114/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/25/ukraine-soldiers-told-russians-to-go-fuck-yourself-before-black-sea-island-death |archive-date=25 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
By the beginning of May, the ISW assessed that Ukraine controlled only {{Convert|1.89|km2}} of the city, less than five percent.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hird |first1=Karolina |last2=Mappes |first2=Grace |last3=Wolkov |first3=Nicole |last4=Philipson |first4=Layne |last5=Kagan |first5=Frederick W. |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, May 3, 2023 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-may-3-2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504005557/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-may-3-2023 |archive-date=4 May 2023 |access-date=4 May 2023 |website=]}}</ref> On 18 May 2023, ''The New York Times'' reported that Ukrainian forces had launched a local counteroffensive, taking back swathes of territory to the north and south of Bakhmut over the course of a few days.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Santora |first1=Marc |last2=Hicks |first2=Tyler |date=17 May 2023 |title=Gains Near Bakhmut Raise Ukraine's Hopes of a Turning Tide |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/17/world/europe/ukraine-russia-bakhmut-counteroffensive.html |access-date=18 May 2023 |issn=0362-4331}} | |||
Russia stated on 26 February that US drones were supplying intelligence to the Ukrainian navy to help target Russian warships in the Black Sea, which the US denied.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Nathan |last1=Hodge |first2=Vasco |last2=Cotovio |first3=Oren |last3=Lieberman |url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-26-22/h_b669a7b9f3668b9579d3cb72c52647ac |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-26-22/h_b669a7b9f3668b9579d3cb72c52647ac |archive-date=27 February 2022 |date=26 February 2022 |title=Pentagon denies Russia's claim that it's "highly likely" US used surveillance drones to help Ukrainian navy |publisher=CNN}}</ref> By 3 March, the Ukrainian frigate {{ship|Ukrainian frigate|Hetman Sahaidachny||2}}, the flagship of the Ukrainian navy, was ] in Mykolaiv to prevent its capture by Russian forces.<ref>{{cite news |script-title=uk:Фрегат України "Гетьман Сагайдачний" виведений з ладу |language=uk |trans-title=The frigate of Ukraine "Hetman Sagaidachny" is out of order |url=https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/fregat-ukrayiny-getman-sagajdachnyj-vyvedenyj-z-ladu/ |date=4 March 2022 |access-date=28 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Hetman Sahaidachny frigate, being under repair, flooded not to get to enemy – Reznikov |url=https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/806837.html |access-date=4 March 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Michael |title=Ukraine scuttles its flagship frigate as Russians close in |newspaper=] |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ukraine-scuttles-its-flagship-frigate-as-the-russians-close-in-wtd07bbqp |access-date=4 March 2022 |date=4 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Michael |title=Ukraine scuttles its flagship frigate as the Russians close in |work=] |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ukraine-scuttles-its-flagship-frigate-as-the-russians-close-in-wtd07bbqp |access-date=4 March 2022}}</ref> On 14 March, the Russian source RT reported that the Russian Armed Forces had captured about a dozen Ukrainian ships in Berdiansk, including the {{sclass2|Polnocny|landing ship|1}} {{ship|Ukrainian ship|Yuri Olefirenko||2}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/focus-analysis/11502-analysis-russian-armed-forces-capture-dozen-ukrainian-ships-in-berdyansk.html |title=Analysis: Russian Armed Forces capture dozen Ukrainian ships in Berdyansk |date=14 March 2022 |access-date=18 March 2022 |website=Navy Recognition}}</ref> On 24 March, Ukrainian officials said that a Russian ] docked in Berdiansk – initially reported to be the ''Orsk'' and then its sister ship, the ''Saratov'' – was destroyed by a Ukrainian rocket attack.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-it-has-destroyed-large-russian-landing-ship-2022-03-24/ |title=Ukraine says it has destroyed a large Russian landing ship |first1=Pavel |last1=Polityuk |first2=Timothy |last2=Heritage |editor-first=Andrew |editor-last=Heavens |work=Reuters |date=24 March 2022 |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref><ref name="Guardian220325" /><ref name="CNN-Berdyansk" /> | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Olearchyk |first=Roman |date=10 May 2023 |title=Ukraine claims successful counterattack close to Bakhmut |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/4523e976-ef68-413e-bd2a-f258b040b96f |access-date=18 May 2023}}</ref> On 20 May 2023, the Wagner Group claimed full control over Bakhmut, and a victory in the battle was officially declared by Russia the next day,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/kremlin%E2%80%99s-pyrrhic-victory-bakhmut-retrospective-battle-bakhmut|date=24 May 2023|work=Institute for the Study of War|title=The Kremlin's Pyrrhic Victory in Bakhmut: A Retrospective on the Battle for Bakhmut|first=Kateryna|last=Stepanenko}}</ref> following which Wagner forces retreated from the city in place of regular Russian units.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bailey |first1=Riley |last2=Mappes |first2=Grace |last3=Hird |first3=Karolina |last4=Kagan |first4=Frederick W. |name-list-style=and |date=3 June 2023 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, June 3, 2023 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-june-3-2023 |work=Institute for the Study of War}}</ref> | |||
=== 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensives (8 June 2023 – 1 December 2023) === | |||
On 13 April, the Russian cruiser {{ship|Russian cruiser|Moskva||2}}, the flagship of the ], was, according to Ukrainian sources and a US senior official,<ref>{{cite news |date=16 April 2022 |title=Russia-Ukraine war latest: Ukraine PM to head to Washington; Russian warship sunk by Ukraine missile strike, say US officials – live |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/apr/16/russia-ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-pm-to-head-to-washington-russian-warship-sunk-by-ukraine-missile-strike-say-us-officials-live |access-date=16 April 2022 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> hit by two Ukrainian ], setting the ship on fire. The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed the warship had suffered serious damage due to a munition explosion caused by a fire, and that its entire crew had been evacuated.<ref>{{cite web |title=Russia confirms severe damage to Black Sea Fleet Flagship Moskva, Crew Abandoned Ship |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/russia-confirms-severe-damage-to-black-sea-fleet-flagship-moskva-crew-abandoned-ship |date=14 April 2022 |access-date=14 April 2022 |website=Free Press Journal }}</ref> ] spokesman John Kirby reported on 14 April that satellite images showed that the Russian warship had suffered a sizeable explosion onboard but was heading to the east for expected repairs and refitting in ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Forgey |first=Quint |title=Pentagon confirms explosion aboard Russian warship |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/04/14/pentagon-explosion-russian-warship-00025243 |access-date=14 April 2022 |website=]}}</ref> Later on the same day, the Russian Ministry of Defense stated that ] while under tow in rough weather.<ref>{{cite news |title=Russian warship Moskva has sunk – state media |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61114843 |access-date=14 April 2022 |work=] |date=14 April 2022}}</ref> On 15 April, Reuters reported that Russia launched an apparent retaliatory missile strike against the missile factory ] in Kyiv where the Neptune missiles used in the ''Moskva'' attack were manufactured and designed.<ref>{{cite news|date=15 April 2022 |title=Ukraine says fighting rages in Mariupol, blasts rattle Kyiv |first1=Pavel |last1=Polityuk |first2=Elizabeth |last2=Piper |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/powerful-explosions-heard-kyiv-after-russian-warship-sinks-2022-04-15/}}</ref> | |||
{{For-multi|a chronological guide|Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (8 June 2023 – 31 August 2023)|and|Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (1 September – 30 November 2023)}} | |||
{{Further|2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive}} | |||
] on 10 June 2023 caused by the ] on 6 June 2023]] | |||
In June 2023, Ukrainian forces gradually launched a series of counteroffensives on multiple fronts, including Donetsk Oblast, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and others.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 June 2023 |title=Ukrainian military begins counteroffensive to oust Russian occupiers |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/06/08/ukraine-counteroffensive-russia-war-zaporizhzhia/ |access-date=9 June 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} | |||
* {{Cite web |date=8 June 2023 |title=Ukraine begins counteroffensive against Russia, officials say |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/live-updates/russia-ukraine-war/?id=99926452 |access-date=9 June 2023 |website=abc}} | |||
* {{Cite web |date=8 June 2023 |title=Ukraine launches counteroffensive against Russia |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/ukraine-launches-counteroffensive-russia-zaporizhzhia-rcna88332 |access-date=9 June 2023 |website=nbc}}</ref> On 8 June 2023, counteroffensive efforts focused near settlements such as ], ], and Bakhmut.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 June 2023 |title=Ukraine army attacks Russian forces in southern Zaporizhzhia region |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65851760 |access-date=9 June 2023 |publisher=BBC News}} | |||
* {{Cite web |date=8 June 2023 |title=Intense fighting reported as Ukrainian forces go on attack south of Zaporizhzhia |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/08/tense-fighting-reported-as-ukrainian-forces-go-on-attack-south-of-zaporizhzhia |access-date=9 June 2023 |website=The Guardian}} | |||
* {{Cite web |date=8 June 2023 |title=Ukraine counteroffensive: Kyiv claims gains in Bakhmut |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-claims-gains-bakhmut-amid-reports-counteroffensive-russia-hanna-maliar/ |access-date=9 June 2023 | |||
|website=Politico}}</ref> However, counteroffensive operations faced stiff resistance from Russia,<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 June 2023 |title=Ukraine counteroffensive ramps up, but meets stiff Russian resistance |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-russia-war-counteroffensive-ramps-up-but-meets-stiff-russian-resistance/ |access-date=9 June 2023 |work=]}}</ref> and the American think tank ] described the Russian defensive effort as having "an uncharacteristic degree of coherency."<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 June 2023 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, June 8, 2023 |url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-june-8-2023 |access-date=9 June 2023 |website=ISW}}</ref> By 12 June, Ukraine reported its fastest advance in seven months, claiming to have liberated several villages and advanced a total of 6.5 km. Russian military bloggers also reported that Ukraine had taken ], ] and ], and were continuing to push southward.<ref name="Balmforth 2023">{{cite web |last=Balmforth |first=Tom |title=Ukraine claims new gains in early phase of counteroffensive |publisher=] |date=12 June 2023 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-reports-small-gains-early-stages-counteroffensive-2023-06-12/ |access-date=13 June 2023}}</ref> Ukraine continued to liberate settlements over the next few months, raising the Ukrainian flag over the settlement of ] in late August.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-will-speed-up-advance-southern-front-commander-2023-08-26/ |first=Vladyslav |last=Smilianets |title=Ukraine will speed up advance on southern front, commander says |access-date=27 August 2023 |date=26 August 2023}}</ref> | |||
] belonging to the ] decorated with flowers during the ] in the summer of 2023]] | |||
On 24 June, the Wagner Group ] against the Russian government, capturing several cities in western Russia largely unopposed before marching towards Moscow.<ref name=revolt>{{Cite news |date=25 June 2023 |title=Russian mercenaries' short-lived revolt could have long-term consequences for Putin |publisher=] |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-wagner-prigozhin-belarus-deal-6782455ddc4234816bfb2d7d388d8a9a |access-date=25 June 2023}}</ref> This came as the culmination of ] between Wagner and the Russian Ministry of Defence.<ref>{{Cite web |title='There's nobody on earth who can stop them' What Wagner Group veterans have to say about Yevgeny Prigozhin's armed rebellion |url=https://meduza.io/en/feature/2023/06/25/there-s-nobody-on-earth-who-can-stop-them |access-date=25 June 2023 |website=]}}</ref> After about 24 hours, the Wagner Group backed down<ref>{{Cite news |last=Maynes | |||
|first=Charles |date=24 June 2023 |title=Wagner Group chief says his mercenaries will halt their march on Moscow |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/06/24/1184166949/wagner-group-moscow-halting-march-russia |work=]}}</ref> and agreed to a peace deal in which Wagner leader ] would go into exile in Belarus, and his forces would be free from prosecution.<ref name=revolt/> On 27 June, the UK's Ministry of Defence reported that Ukraine were "highly likely" to have reclaimed territory in the eastern Donbas region occupied by Russia since 2014 among its advances. Pro-Russian bloggers also reported that Ukrainian forces had made gains in the southern Kherson Oblast, establishing a foothold on the left bank of the Dnipro river.<ref name="The Visual Journalism Team 2022 m926">{{cite news |title=Ukraine in maps: Tracking the war with Russia |work=] |date=1 July 2023 | |||
|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60506682 |access-date=4 July 2023}}</ref> | |||
In August, ''The Guardian'' reported that Ukraine had become the most mined country in the world, with Russia laying millions of mines attempting to thwart Ukraine's counteroffensive. The vast minefields forced Ukraine to extensively de-mine areas to allow advances. Ukrainian officials reported shortages of men and equipment as Ukrainian soldiers unearthed five mines for every square metre in certain places.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 August 2023 |title=Ukraine desperate for help clearing mines, says defence minister |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/13/ukraine-desperate-for-help-clearing-mines-says-defence-minister |access-date=12 September 2023 |website=The Guardian}} | |||
=== Potential Russian use of low-yield nuclear weapons === | |||
* {{Cite web |date=7 September 2023 |title=In Ukraine with the minesweepers: 'At times, it took me four days to clear 150 meters, there was no other option' |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/europe/article/2023/09/07/in-ukraine-with-the-minesweepers-it-took-me-four-days-at-times-to-clear-150-meters-there-was-no-other-option_6127932_143.html |access-date=12 September 2023 |website=Le Monde}}</ref> | |||
] due to the danger of Russian shelling]] | |||
On 14 April, ''The New York Times'' reported that ] of the CIA indicated in a public announcement that the threat of the use of ] was within the weapons capacity of Russia invading Ukraine stating: "The director of the C.I.A. said on Thursday that 'potential desperation' to extract the semblance of a victory in Ukraine could tempt President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia to order the use of a tactical or low-yield nuclear weapon."<ref>"C.I.A. Director Airs Concern That Putin Might Turn to Nuclear Weapons". The New York Times. By David E. Sanger and Julian E. Barnes. April 14, 2022. </ref> The use of low-yield tactical nuclear capacity was originally discussed in the decade following the end of WWII by ] who described it as a tactical weapon separable from the use of other atomic weapons in warfare.<ref>Henry Kissinger. 1957. ] New York: Published for the ] by ]. ] by ] (pp. vii-x).</ref> On 22 April, it was reported that Russia was continuing to test its ] long-range intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) to upgrade its nuclear arsenal in Autumn of 2022 with Putin stating that other nations should be more wary of Russia's nuclear arsenal.<ref>'Russia to deploy new intercontinental nuclear missiles by autumn'. Al Jazeera. 23 Apr 2022. </ref> On 24 April, in apparent response to Biden sending ] to Kyiv for military support meetings with Zelenskyy on 23 April, Russian Foreign Minister ] stated that further support of Ukraine could cause tensions which could potentially lead to a WW3 scenario involving Russia's full arsenal of weapons.<ref>"Russia's Lavrov Warns of 'Real' Danger of World War III". The Moscow Times. 25 April 2022. </ref> The next day after Lavrov's comments, CNBC reported that Secretary ] referred to Russia's nuclear war rhetoric as being "dangerous and unhelpful".<ref>APR 26 2022. "Pentagon chief calls Russia nuclear rhetoric 'dangerous'; U.S. to send diplomats back to Ukraine". By Holly Ellyatt, Natasha Turak, and Amanda Macias. Live Updates. CNBC. </ref> | |||
Following Russia pulling out of the ], the conflict on the Black Sea escalated with Ukraine targeting Russian ships. On 4 August, Ukrainian security service sources reported that the ] had been hit and damaged by an unmanned ]. Video footage released by Ukraine's security services appeared to show the drone striking the ship, with another video showing the ship seemingly listing to one side.<ref name="Waterhouse 2023 p642">{{cite news |last=Waterhouse |first=James |title=Russian ship hit in Novorossiysk, Black Sea drone attack, Ukraine sources say |work=] |date=4 August 2023 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66402046 |access-date=13 September 2023}} | |||
* {{Cite news |date=4 August 2023 |title=Russian navy vessel damaged in drone attack – Ukrainian source |work=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-navy-vessel-damaged-drone-attack-ukrainian-source-2023-08-04/ |access-date=23 September 2023}} | |||
</ref> On 12 September, both Ukrainian and Russian sources reported that Russian naval targets in Sevastopol had been struck by unconfirmed weaponry, damaging two military vessels, one of them reportedly a submarine.<ref name="Balmforth 2023 n398">{{cite news |last=Balmforth |first=Tom |title=Ukraine hits Russian naval targets in major Crimea attack | |||
|work=] |date=13 September 2023 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-launches-missile-attack-sevastopol-crimea-russian-installed-governor-2023-09-13/ |access-date=13 September 2023}}</ref> Ukraine also reported that ] on the Black Sea held by Russia since 2015 had been retaken.<ref name="Santora 2023 n398">{{cite news |last=Santora |first=Marc |title=Ukraine Strikes the Headquarters of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in Crimea |work=] |date=12 September 2023 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/12/world/europe/sevastopol-explosion-black-sea-ukraine.html |access-date=13 September 2023}}</ref> | |||
] on 17 September 2023]] | |||
In response to Russia's apparent disregard of safety precautions during the invasion of Ukraine's nuclear power plant at Zaporizhzhia and its disabled former ], on 26 April Zelenskyy voiced concern that Russian irresponsibility in firing their missiles in the vicinity of Ukraine's active nuclear power plant should lead to international discussion directed toward limiting and controlling Russia as a nation no longer being qualified for the responsible management of its nuclear resources and nuclear weapons stating: "I believe that after all that the Russian military has done in the Chernobyl zone and at the Zaporizhzhia power plant, no one in the world can feel safe knowing how many nuclear facilities, nuclear weapons and related technologies the Russian state has... If Russia has forgotten what Chernobyl is, it means that global control over Russia's nuclear facilities, and nuclear technology is needed."<ref>April 27, 2022. "Zelenskyy demands 'global control' over Russia's nuclear capabilities after 'completely irresponsible actions'". By Tyler O'Neil.</ref> In apparent response to Germany deploying armed tanks to Ukraine, Putin announced in Russian's main legislative assembly that Russia would respond to any combative military provocation from outside of Ukraine with prompt peremptory action possible only with Russian's unique arsenal of nuclear weapons.<ref>"Germany's Ukraine Tank Plan at Risk Over Bullet Shortage". By Arne Delfs. April 27, 2022. Bloomberg News. </ref><ref>"Nuke-ready Putin vows 'lightning-fast' retaliation against other nations in Ukraine war". By Evan Simko-Bednarski and Lee Brown. NY Post. April 27, 2022. </ref> Press secretary ] speaking for the Pentagon, after announcing the successful delivery of a large deployment of ] cannons as now being on Ukrainian soil, responded to Putin's assertion of nuclear potency as being against the process of the peaceful resolution of the current conflict in the Ukraine.<ref>"Pentagon press secretary John Kirby holds a news briefing". PBS News Hour. Apr 27, 2022. </ref> | |||
In September 2023, ] estimated that Russia had deployed over 420,000 troops in Ukraine.<ref> | |||
* {{cite web |url=https://interfax.com.ua/news/political/934000.html |title=Russia concentrated over 420,000 troops in Ukraine – Main Intelligence Directorate MoD |date=9 September 2023 |language=UK |publisher=]}} | |||
* {{Cite news |date=10 September 2023 |title=Military intelligence: More than 420,000 Russian soldiers deployed across occupied territories |url=https://kyivindependent.com/military-intelligence-more-than-420-000-russian-soldiers-deployed-across-occupied-territories/ |access-date=23 September 2023 |work=The Kyiv Independent}}</ref> | |||
On 21 September, Russia began missile strikes across Ukraine, damaging the country's energy facilities.<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 September 2023 |title=As Russia hits Ukraine's energy facilities with a deadly missile attack, fear mounts over nuclear plants |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-ukraine-war-zelenskyy-says-putin-weaponizing-energy-nuclear-plants/ |access-date=25 September 2023 |work=]}}</ref> On 22 September, the US announced it would send long-range ] missiles to Ukraine,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ukraine to receive US long-range ATACMS missiles, US media report |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/23/ukraine-to-get-us-long-range-atacms-missiles-us-media-report |access-date=23 September 2023 |work=]}} | |||
=== Popular resistance === | |||
* {{Cite news |last1=DeYoung |first1=Karen |last2=Hudson |first2=John |date=22 September 2023 |title=U.S. will send Ukraine long-range missiles, after delay |newspaper=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/09/22/atacms-ukraine-cluster-munitions/ |access-date=23 September 2023 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> despite the reservations of some government officials.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Kube |first1=Courtney |last2=Tsirkin |first2=Julie |last3=Alba |first3=Monica |last4=Gutierrez |first4=Gabe |date=22 September 2023 |title=Biden tells Zelenskyy U.S. sending Ukraine ATACMS |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/russia-ukraine-war-atacms-biden-zelenskyy-long-range-missile-rcna116876 |access-date=23 September 2023 |work=]}}</ref> The same day, the ] launched a ] on the ] headquarters in Sevastopol, Crimea, killing several senior military officials.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stern |first=David L. |date=22 September 2023 |title=Ukraine hits headquarters of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol |newspaper=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/09/22/ukraine-missiles-fleet-headquarters-sevastopol/ |access-date=25 September 2023 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kilner |first=James |date=23 September 2023 |title=Russian commanders killed in Storm Shadow missile strike |work=] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/09/23/storm-shadow-black-sea-fleet-crimea-russia-romanchuk-tseko/ |access-date=25 September 2023 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> | |||
In mid-to-late October 2023, Ukrainian marines—partly guided by defecting Russian troops—crossed the ] (the strategic barrier between eastern and western Ukraine), downstream of the destroyed ], to attack the Russian-held territory on the east side of the river. Despite heavy losses due to intense Russian shelling and aerial bombardment, disorganisation, and dwindling resources, Ukrainian brigades invading the Russian-held side of the river continued to inflict heavy casualties on Russian forces well into late December.<ref name="inside_2023_12_25_abcnews"> 25 December 2023, ] on ], retrieved 26 December 2023</ref><ref name="suicide_2023_12_16_nytimes"> 16 December 2023, ''],'' retrieved 26 December 2023</ref> | |||
{{See also|2022 protests in Russian-occupied Ukraine}} | |||
On 1 December 2023, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Ukrainian counter-offensive was not successful, citing slower than expected results.<ref name="failedTelegraph"/> Zelenskyy also stated that it will be easier for Ukraine to regain the Crimean peninsula than the Donbas region in the east of the country, because the Donbas is heavily militarised and there are frequent pro-Russian sentiments.<ref>{{cite news |title=Zelenskyy on liberation: Crimea is waiting, but it will be mentally harder with Donbas |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/11/30/7431027/ |work=Ukrainska Pravda}}</ref> In December 2023, multiple international media outlets described the Ukrainian counteroffensive as having failed to regain any significant amount of territory or meet any of its strategic objectives.<ref name="failedTelegraph">{{Cite news |last=Page |first=Lewis |date=12 November 2023 |title=Ukraine's counteroffensive has failed — here's why |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/11/12/ukraine-counteroffensive-failed-russia-putin-war-plan/ |access-date=12 December 2023 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="failedNYT">{{Cite news |last1=Cooper |first1=Helene |last2=Schmitt |first2=Eric |date=11 December 2023 |title=U.S. and Ukraine Seek New Strategy for War's Next Phase |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/11/us/politics/us-ukraine-war-strategy.html |access-date=12 December 2023 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="failedWPT1">{{Cite news |last1=Jaffe |first1=Greg |last2=Ryan |first2=Missy |date=4 December 2023 |title=Ukraine's counteroffensive stalls amid Russian defenses |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/12/04/ukraine-counteroffensive-stalled-russia-war-defenses/ |access-date=12 December 2023 |newspaper=]}}</ref> | |||
===Battle of Avdiivka=== | |||
] during ] in January 2024]] | |||
{{main|Battle of Avdiivka (2023–2024)}} | |||
In October 2023, it was reported that there was a growth of mutinies among Russian troops due to the large number of losses in Russian offensives around ] with a lack of artillery, food, water and poor command also being reported.<ref name="Cole 2023 r879">{{cite news |last=Cole |first=Brendan |title=Mutiny is brewing in the Russian army |work=] |date=26 October 2023 |url=https://www.newsweek.com/russia-ukraine-avdiivka-astra-army-1838107 |access-date=27 October 2023}}</ref> By November, British intelligence said that recent weeks had "likely seen some of the highest Russian casualty rates of the war so far."<ref name="France 24 2023 a290">{{cite web | title=Russia ramping up attacks in eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka | website=France 24 | date=29 November 2023 | url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231129-russia-ramping-up-attacks-in-donetsk-region | access-date=12 December 2023}}</ref> | |||
On 17 February 2024, ], a longtime stronghold for Ukraine that had been described as a "gateway" to nearby ].<ref name="Avdiivka_BBCW">{{Cite news |last=Lukiv |first=Jaroslav |date=17 February 2024 |title=Avdiivka: Ukraine troops leaving embattled eastern town |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68323366 |access-date=17 February 2024 |website=BBC News |archive-date=17 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217011141/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68323366 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Avdiivka_TGW">{{Cite news |last=Walker |first=Shaun |date=17 February 2024 |title=Ukrainian forces withdraw from Avdiivka to avoid encirclement, army chief says |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/16/ukrainian-forces-give-up-some-positions-in-avdiivka-as-russian-assault-continues |access-date=17 February 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=17 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217014538/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/16/ukrainian-forces-give-up-some-positions-in-avdiivka-as-russian-assault-continues |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=17Feb24NYT>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/17/world/europe/ukraine-avdiivka-withdraw-despair.html|work=New York Times|date=17 February 2024|title=Avdiivka, Longtime Stronghold for Ukraine, Falls to Russians|access-date=17 February 2024|archive-date=17 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217142646/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/17/world/europe/ukraine-avdiivka-withdraw-despair.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ABC News stated that Russia could use the development to boost morale with the war largely at a stalemate close to its second anniversary.<ref name=17Feb24ABC>{{cite news|work=ABC News|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/russia-tightens-noose-ukraines-city-avdiivka-outnumbered-defenders-107286427|title=Ukraine withdrawing from Avdiivka, where outnumbered defenders held out for 4 months|date=17 February 2024|access-date=17 February 2024|archive-date=17 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217203056/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/russia-tightens-noose-ukraines-city-avdiivka-outnumbered-defenders-107286427|url-status=live}}</ref> Described by ''Forbes'' journalist David Axe as a pyrrhic Russian victory, the Russian 2nd and 41st Combined Arms Armies ended up with 16,000 men killed, tens of thousands wounded and around 700 vehicles lost before seizing the ruins of Avdiivka.<ref name="Axe 2024 u665">{{cite web | last=Axe | first=David | title=Russian Regiments Collide With Ukraine's Rebuilt Defensive Line—And Lose 80 Vehicles In One Day | website=Forbes | date=8 March 2024 | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/03/08/the-russians-usually-lose-20-armored-vehicles-a-day-around-march-1-they-lost-more-than-80/?sh=7a8a40b63f66 | access-date=13 April 2024}}</ref> | |||
Ukraine's shortage of ammunition caused by political deadlock in the US Congress and a lack of production capacity in Europe contributed to the Ukrainian withdrawal from Avdiivka, and was "being felt across the front" according to '']''. The shortage resulted in Ukraine having to ration its units to fire only 2,000 rounds per day, compared to an estimated 10,000 rounds fired daily by Russia.<ref name="Watling 2024 x516">{{cite magazine | last=Watling | first=Jack | title=The Peril of Ukraine's Ammo Shortage | magazine=Time | date=19 February 2024 | url=https://time.com/6694885/ukraine-russia-ammunition/ | access-date=19 April 2024}}</ref> | |||
=== Russian offensives and Ukrainian incursion (April 2023 – present) === | |||
{{See also|Eastern Ukraine campaign#Russian spring and summer campaign (April 2024–present)}} | |||
{{For-multi|a chronological guide|Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (1 December 2023 – 31 March 2024)|and|Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (1 April 2024 – 31 July 2024)|and|Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (1 August 2024 – present)}} | |||
====Russian spring and summer offensives==== | |||
{{main|Battle of Ocheretyne|2024 Kharkiv offensive}} | |||
] during the ], June 2024]] | |||
On 10 May 2024, Russia began a ] in ]. Russia managed to capture a dozen villages, and Ukraine had evacuated more than 11,000 people from the region since the start of the offensive by 25 May. Ukraine said on 17 May that its forces had slowed the Russian advance, and by 25 May Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian forces had secured "combat control" of areas where Russian troops entered the northeastern Kharkiv Oblast. Russian officials meanwhile said that they were "advancing in every direction" and that the goal was to create a "buffer zone" for embattled border regions.<ref name="c973">{{cite web |last1=Kullab |first1=Samya |last2=Morton |first2=Elise |name-list-style=and |date=25 May 2024 |title=Zelenskyy says Ukraine has taken back control in areas of Kharkiv region, aerial attacks continue |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kharkiv-offensive-f05456d648a341970ce446c35fa69173 |access-date=7 June 2024 |website=AP News}}</ref><ref name="k589">{{cite web |last1=Mayer |first1=Daryna |last2=Talmazan |first2=Yuliya |name-list-style=and |date=17 May 2024 |title=Ukraine halts Russia's advance and unleashes a wave of drones on Crimea |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/ukraine-stabilized-kharkiv-russia-offensive-crimea-drone-attack-power-rcna152717 |access-date=7 June 2024 |website=NBC News}}</ref> The White House said on 7 June that the offensive had stalled and was unlikely to advance further.<ref name="k069">{{cite web | last=Dress | first=Brad | title=US says Russia's advance on Kharkiv is 'all but over' | website=The Hill | date=7 June 2024 | url=https://thehill.com/policy/defense/4710848-white-house-russia-advance-ukraine-kharkiv-region-stalled/ | access-date=12 June 2024}}</ref> | |||
Following the Russian success in the battle of Avdiivka, their forces advanced northwest of it to form a salient, and by mid-April 2024 reached the settlement of ], ] it in late April<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/04/24/russia-advances-5-miles-after-error-by-ukraine-forces/|title=Russian troops advance five miles after Ukrainians left front line unmanned|work=The Telegraph|date=24 April 2024|first=Joe|last=Barnes}}</ref><ref name="ISW 2024-05-04">{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, May 4, 2024 |last1=Harward |first1=Christina |last2=Evans |first2=Angelica |last3=Stepanenko |first3=Kateryna |last4=Kagan |first4=Frederick W. |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=4 May 2024 |access-date=5 May 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-may-4-2024}}</ref> and further expanding the salient in the succeeding months.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/14/world/europe/ukraine-russia-war-battlefield.html|work=The New York Times|date=14 May 2024|title=How One Crack in the Line Opened a Path for the Russians|first=Marc|last=Santora}}</ref> Russian forces also launched an ] towards the city of ] in early April,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/04/07/frontline-report-ukrainian-troops-in-chasiv-yar-face-extensive-bombing-and-numerous-attacks/|title=Frontline report: Ukrainian troops in Chasiv Yar face extensive bombing and numerous attacks|work=Euromaidan Press|date=7 April 2024}}</ref> a strategically important settlement west of Bakhmut, and by early July had captured its easternmost district.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/4/ukraine-army-retreats-from-part-of-strategic-chasiv-yar-as-russia-advances|title=Ukraine army retreats from part of strategic Chasiv Yar as Russia advances|date=4 July 2024|work=Al Jazeera}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-says-it-took-control-district-chasiv-yar-ukraine-2024-07-03/|title=Russia claims control of part of Chasiv Yar, Ukraine reports heavy fighting|date=4 July 2024|work=Reuters}}</ref> Another ] in the direction of the city of ] was launched on 18 June,<ref name="ISW 2024-07-18">{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, July 18, 2024 |last1=Stepanenko |first1=Kateryna |last2=Evans |first2=Angelica |last3=Hird |first3=Karolina |last4=Harward |first4=Christina |last5=Barros |first5=George |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=18 July 2024 |access-date=19 July 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-18-2024}}</ref> with the goal of capturing the city,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/35449|date=7 July 2024|title=Russians Advance on Toretsk, Ukrainian Troops Battle on Town's Approaches|work=Kyiv Post|first=Julia|last=Struck}}</ref> and according to Ukrainian military observer and spokesperson Nazar Voloshyn, flanking Chasiv Yar from the south.<ref name="ISW 2024-06-21">{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, June 21, 2024 |last1=Evans |first1=Angelica |last2=Wolkov |first2=Nicole |last3=Harward |first3=Christina |last4=Hird |first4=Karolina |last5=Barros |first5=George |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=21 June 2024 |access-date=13 July 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-june-21-2024}}</ref> Russian forces advanced to expand the salient northwest of Avdiivka in July, and on 19 July, made a breakthrough allowing them to ] the operationally significant city of ].<ref>{{cite web|work=]|date=26 July 2024|title=The fall of Prohres : A new Russian breakthrough threatens Ukraine's supply lines at the most vulnerable part of the front|url=https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/07/26/the-fall-of-prohres}}</ref><ref name="ISW 2024-07-19">{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, July 19, 2024 |last1=Bailey |first1=Riley |last2=Evans |first2=Angelica |last3=Wolkov |first3=Nicole |last4=Harward |first4=Christina |last5=Barros |first5=George |last6=Gasparyan |first6=Davit |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=19 July 2024 |access-date=19 July 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-19-2024}}</ref> | |||
====Ukrainian offensive into Russia==== | |||
{{main|2024 Kursk offensive}} | |||
] in August 2024]] | |||
On 6 August 2024, Ukraine launched their first direct offensive into Russian territory, the largest of any pro-Ukrainian incursion since the invasion's inception, into the bordering ].<ref>{{cite web|work=]|date=7 August 2024|first=Constant|last=Méheut|title=Ukraine Launches Rare Cross-Border Ground Assault Into Russia|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/07/world/europe/ukraine-russia-cross-border-assault.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808025204/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/07/world/europe/ukraine-russia-cross-border-assault.html|archive-date=8 August 2024}}</ref> The main axis of the initial advance centred in the direction of the town of ], located {{convert|10|km}} from the border,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-brings-war-back-to-russian-soil-with-unprecedented-attack-on-kursk-oblast/|work=]|first=Francis|last=Farrell|date=8 August 2024|title=Ukraine's unprecedented attack on Kursk Oblast brings war back to Russian soil}}</ref> which was reported by President Zelenskyy to have been captured on 15 August.<ref>{{cite web|work=]|date=15 August 2024|first=Constant|last=Méheut|title=Ukraine Captures Russian Town, Zelensky Says|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/15/world/europe/russia-ukraine-airfields-kursk.html}}</ref> Ukraine, taking advantage of the lack of experienced units and defenses along the border with Kursk Oblast, was able to quickly seize territory in the opening days of the incursion.<ref>{{cite web|work=]|date=16 August 2024|url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kursk-incursion-putin-1178b99b32b476816db3a48ffa06b11a|title=Ukraine's swift push into the Kursk region shocked Russia and exposed its vulnerabilities}}</ref> The incursion caused Russia to divert thousands of troops from occupied Ukrainian territory to counter the threat,<ref name="k052">{{cite web | last1=Lister | first1=Tim | last2=Brennan | first2=Eve | last3=Goodwin | first3=Allegra | title=How Ukraine turned the war on its head with surprise attack on southern Russia | website=CNN | date=17 August 2024 | url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/08/17/europe/ukraine-kursk-russia-attack-explainer-intl/index.html | access-date=18 August 2024}}</ref><ref name="wapo831">{{cite news|newspaper=]|title=Ukraine's gamble in Russia has yet to slow Moscow's eastern assault | |||
|date=31 August 2024|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/08/31/ukraine-russia-kursk-pokrovsk-sysrky/?itid=lk_inline_manual_20|first1=Siobhán|last1=O'Grady|first2=Tetiana|last2=Burianova|first3=Serhiy|last3=Morgunov}}</ref> though not from Donetsk Oblast.<ref name="wapo831"/> | |||
====Fall of Vuhledar, Russian Donbas advances==== | |||
{{main|2024 Velyka Novosilka offensive|Battle of Kurakhove|Battle of Toretsk|Battle of Pokrovsk|Battle of Chasiv Yar}} | |||
Russian troops continued advancing in eastern Ukraine, notably at a faster pace than prior to the Kursk offensive,<ref name=Miller>{{cite web|title=Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces backlash over Russia's breach of eastern defences|website=FT|date=30 August 2024|last1=Miller|first1=Christopher|url=https://www.ft.com/content/e63ce931-d3a1-4b4a-8540-e578d87873e5|access-date=31 August 2024|archive-date=31 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831121654/https://www.ft.com/content/e63ce931-d3a1-4b4a-8540-e578d87873e5|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> including towards the strategically important city of ], where their number of forces had instead been increased.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=]|date=22 August 2024|first1=Isabelle|last1=Khurshudyan|first2=Anastacia|last3=Morgunov|last2=Galouchka|first3=Serhiy|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/08/22/ukraine-kursk-pokrovsk-russia-views/|title=Ukrainians cheer push into Russia but fear it comes at the cost of the east}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=]|url=https://www.economist.com/europe/2024/08/22/the-kremlin-is-close-to-crushing-pokrovsk-a-vital-ukrainian-town|title=The Kremlin is close to crushing Pokrovsk, a vital Ukrainian town|date=22 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=]|date=22 August 2024|title=Moscow sees one of Ukraine's largest drone attacks as fighting rages in Kursk and eastern Ukraine|url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-829eac0d80851258f03d8d9cbaf71eea|quote=The gains in Kursk come as Ukraine continues to lose ground in the eastern industrial region of Donbas.}}</ref> | |||
In late August 2024, Russian forces seized the city of ], southeast of Pokrovsk, bringing them within 8 kilometres of the city,<ref name=Miller/> while ] ]<ref name="ISW 2024-09-10">{{cite web|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 10, 2024 |last1=Hird |first1=Karolina |last2=Evans |first2=Angelica |last3=Wolkov |first3=Nicole |last4=Mappes |first4=Grace |last5=Zehrung|first5=Haley|work=Institute for the Study of War |date=10 September 2024 |access-date=10 September 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-10-2024|quote=Geolocated footage posted on September 9 indicates that Russian forces seized Krasnohorivka The Russian MoD also claimed that Russian forces seized Krasnohorivka, consistent with the available geolocated evidence.}}</ref> and ],<ref name="NYT918"/> near Pokrovsk and west of Donetsk city, in early September.<ref name="NYT918">{{Cite web |last=Méheut |first=Constant |date=18 September 2024 |title=Russia Seizes Eastern Town as Ukraine Says It Hit a Big Ammunition Depot |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/18/world/europe/ukraine-russia-strikes.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240918100048/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/18/world/europe/ukraine-russia-strikes.html |archive-date=18 September 2024 |access-date=18 September 2024 |website=]}}</ref> In late September, a Russian assault on the long-held city of ] ],<ref>{{cite web|work=]|title=Russian forces storming east Ukrainian town of Vuhledar, bloggers and media say|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-forces-storming-ukrainian-town-vuhledar-bloggers-media-say-2024-09-24/|date=24 September 2024}}</ref> leading to its fall on 1 October.<ref name="vuhledar101">{{cite web |last=Kilner |first=James |date=1 October 2024 |title=Russia secures biggest victory since February as it captures Ukrainian stronghold|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/10/01/russias-biggest-victory-since-february-ukrainian-stronghold/ |work=]}}</ref> Ukraine's ] had defended the city for over two years, and said that the Russians had suffered "numerous losses" as they stormed the elevated city. Following the Russian capture, the city with a pre-war population of about 14,000 was described as a "sprawling ruin".<ref name="j026">{{cite web | last=Harding | first=Luke | title=Ukraine says its forces have withdrawn from defensive bastion of Vuhledar | website=The Guardian | date=2 October 2024 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/02/ukraine-forces-withdrawn-vuhledar-donetsk | access-date=9 October 2024}}</ref> | |||
On 30 October, Ukrainian Major General ] was reported to have said "our front has crumbled" due to a dwindling ammunition supply, problems with military recruitment, and poor leadership. He said ] was too heavily focused on seeking more Western support. Briefings from Western officials had also become more pessimistic about Ukraine's military situation.<ref name=telegraph-20241030>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/10/30/ukraine-crumbling-russia-zelensky-victory-plan-kyiv/ |title=Ukraine's front line is 'crumbling' against Russian advances, says general |last1=Kilner |first1=James |last2=Hardaker |first2=Daniel |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |url-access=subscription |date=30 October 2024 |access-date=7 November 2024}}</ref><ref name=nyt-20241101>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/01/us/politics/russia-ukraine-war.html |title=As Russia Advances, U.S. Fears Ukraine Has Entered a Grim Phase |last1=Barnes |first1=Julian E. |last2=Schmitt |first2=Eric |last3=Cooper |first3=Helene |last4=Barker |first4=Kim |newspaper=New York Times |url-access=subscription |date=1 November 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241104173615/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/01/us/politics/russia-ukraine-war.html |archive-date=4 November 2024}}</ref> | |||
== Battlespaces == | |||
{{further|Northern Ukraine campaign|Eastern Ukraine campaign|Southern Ukraine campaign}} | |||
=== Command === | |||
{{further|Order of battle for the Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
], ], ], ] and commanders of ] on 15 May 2024]] | |||
] in December 2022]] | |||
The supreme commanders-in-chief are the heads of state of the respective governments: President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. Putin has reportedly meddled in operational decisions, bypassing senior commanders and giving orders directly to brigade commanders.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sabbagh |first=Dan |date=16 May 2022 |title=Putin involved in war 'at level of colonel or brigadier', say western sources |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/16/putin-involved-russia-ukraine-war-western-sources |access-date=10 October 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> | |||
US general ] said that Ukraine's top military commander in the war, ], General ], "has emerged as the military mind his country needed. His leadership enabled the Ukrainian armed forces to adapt quickly with battlefield initiative against the Russians."<ref name="Shuster 2022">{{Cite magazine |last=Shuster |first=Simon |date=26 September 2022 |title=Inside the Ukrainian Counterstrike That Turned the Tide of the War |url=https://time.com/6216213/ukraine-military-valeriy-zaluzhny/ |magazine=] |access-date=10 September 2023}}</ref> Russia began the invasion with no overall commander. The commanders of the four military districts were each responsible for their own offensives.<ref name="CRSR21323"/> | |||
After initial setbacks, the commander of the Russian Southern Military District, ], was placed in overall command on 8 April 2022,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/11/europe/ukraine-donbas-battle-russia-cmd-intl/index.html |title=Russia has appointed a new general for Ukraine. Can Moscow reboot its war in time for Putin to claim a victory? |first=Nathan |last=Hodge |date=11 April 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> while still responsible for his own campaign. Russian forces benefited from the centralisation of command under Dvornikov,<ref> | |||
{{Cite news |date=10 September 2023 |title=The Russians may be learning from the mistakes of the Ukraine war. But are they adapting fast enough? |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-31/russia-ukraine-war-learning-from-mistakes-adapting-enough/101110070 |work=] |access-date=10 October 2023}}</ref> but continued failures to meet expectations in Moscow led to multiple changes in overall command:<ref name="CRSR21323">{{cite web |url=https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47068 |title=Russia's War in Ukraine: Military and Intelligence Aspects |date=13 February 2023 |publisher=Congressional Research Service |access-date=10 October 2023}}</ref> | |||
* commander of the Eastern Military District ] (Eastern Military District, 26{{nbsp}} – 8 May{{nbsp}}October 2022) | |||
* commander of the southern grouping of forces ] (early October 2022 – 11{{nbsp}}January 2023) | |||
* commander-in-chief of the Russian Armed Forces ] (from 11{{nbsp}}January 2023) | |||
Russia has suffered a remarkably large number of casualties in the ranks of its officers, including 12 ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Deliso |first=Meredith |date=8 May 2022 |title=Why Russia has suffered the loss of an 'extraordinary' number of generals |work=ABC News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/russia-suffered-loss-extraordinary-number-generals/story?id=84545931 |access-date=26 June 2023}}</ref> | |||
=== Missile attacks and aerial warfare === | |||
{{main|Aerial warfare in the Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
{{see also|List of aircraft losses during the Russo-Ukrainian War}} | |||
]]] | |||
Aerial warfare began the first day of the invasion. Dozens of missile attacks were recorded across both eastern and western Ukraine,<ref name="CriticalThreats"/><ref name="ISW 4MAR"/> reaching as far west as Lviv.<ref name="Rostov-Gazeta-2022-02-25"/> | |||
By September 2022, the Ukrainian air force had shot down about 55 Russian warplanes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Insinna |first=Valerie |date=19 September 2022 |title=It took 'couple of months' to put US anti-radiation missiles on Ukrainian fighters, USAF reveals |url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2022/09/it-took-couple-of-months-to-put-us-anti-radiation-missiles-on-ukrainian-fighters-usaf-reveals/ |access-date=26 December 2022 |website=Breaking Defense}}</ref> In mid-October, Russian forces launched ], intended to knock out energy facilities.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Meilhan |first1=Pierre |last2=Roth |first2=Richard |date=22 October 2022 |title=Ukrainian military says 18 Russian cruise missiles destroyed amid attacks on energy infrastructure |publisher=] |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/22/europe/russia-ukraine-war-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=26 December 2022}}</ref> By late November, hundreds of civilians had been killed or wounded in the attacks,<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 November 2022 |title=UN: Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy system have killed 77 civilians since Oct. 10 |work=The ] |url=https://kyivindependent.com/news-feed/un-says-russian-attacks-on-ukraines-energy-system-have-killed-77-civilians-since-oct-10 |access-date=26 December 2022}}</ref> and ]s had left millions without power.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ukraine battles to restore power as millions face blackouts |publisher=] |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/24/ukraine-battles-to-restore-power-after-russia-damages-grid |access-date=26 December 2022}}</ref> | |||
In December 2022, drones launched from Ukraine allegedly carried out several attacks on ] and ] air bases in ], killing 10 and heavily damaging two ] aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Three dead in explosions at Russian airbases |url=https://english.nv.ua/nation/three-dead-in-explosions-at-russian-air-bases-ukraine-war-news-50288864.html |access-date=11 February 2023 |website=english.nv.ua}} | |||
* {{Cite web |date=26 December 2022 |title=Three killed in second attack on Engels base deep inside Russia |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/26/ukraine-war-explosions-reported-at-engels-airbase-deep-inside-russia.html |access-date=11 February 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
==== Crimea attacks<span class="anchor" id="Crimean Bridge explosion"></span> ==== | |||
{{main|Crimea attacks (2022–present)}} | |||
On 31 July 2022, Russian Navy Day commemorations were cancelled after a drone attack reportedly wounded several people at the Russian ] headquarters in Sevastopol.<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 July 2022 |title=Russian Navy Day Celebrations Canceled In Crimea's Sevastopol After Reported Drone Attack |work=] |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/crimea-navy-day-canceled-sevastapol-attack/31967407.html |access-date=23 August 2022}}</ref> On 9 August 2022, ] were reported at ] in western Crimea. Satellite imagery showed at least eight aircraft damaged or destroyed. Initial speculation attributed the explosions to long-range missiles, sabotage by special forces or an accident;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cheetham |first=Joshua |date=11 August 2022 |title=Ukraine war: Crimea airbase badly damaged, satellite images show |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62500560 |access-date=6 September 2022}}</ref> Ukrainian general ] claimed responsibility on 7 September.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sands |first=Leo |date=7 September 2022 |title=Saky airfield: Ukraine claims Crimea blasts responsibility after denial |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62821044 |access-date=12 September 2022 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
The base is near ], a destination popular with tourists. Traffic backed up at the Crimean Bridge after the explosions with queues of civilians trying to leave the area.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Galeotti |first=Mark |title=Ukraine's Crimean strike marks a new stage of the war |work=] |url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/f-the-war |access-date=19 August 2022}}</ref> A week later Russia blamed "sabotage" for explosions and a fire at an arms depot near ] in northeastern Crimea that also damaged a railway line and power station. Russian regional head ] said that 2,000 people were evacuated from the area.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kirby |first=Paul |date=16 August 2022 |title=Ukraine war: Russia blames sabotage for new Crimea blasts |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62560041 |access-date=19 August 2022}}</ref> On 18 August, explosions were reported at ] north of Sevastopol.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Graham-Harrison |first=Emma |date=19 August 2022 |title=Fires and explosions reported at military targets in Russia and Crimea |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/18/fires-and-explosions-reported-at-military-targets-in-russia-and-crimea |access-date=19 August 2022}}</ref> On the morning of 8 October 2022 the ], linking occupied Crimea to Russia, ].<ref name="nyttruck">{{Cite news |last1=Kramer |first1=Andrew E. |last2=Schwirtz |first2=Michael |date=11 October 2022 |orig-date=8 October 2022 |title=Explosion on 12-Mile Crimea Bridge Kills 3 |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/10/08/world/russia-ukraine-war-news |url-status=live |access-date=8 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008061227/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/10/08/world/russia-ukraine-war-news |archive-date=8 October 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |oclc=1645522 |eissn=1553-8095}}</ref> On 17 July 2023, there was ] on the bridge.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/16/europe/russia-crimea-bridge-intl-hnk/index.html |title=Emergency incident reported on bridge linking Crimea with Russia |date=16 July 2023 |last1=Pennington |first1=Josh |last2=Stambaugh |first2=Alex |publisher=] |access-date=16 July 2023 |archive-date=17 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717033602/https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/16/europe/russia-crimea-bridge-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==== Russian attacks against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure ==== | |||
{{Main|Russian strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure (2022–present)|Attacks on civilians in the Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
] in Kyiv after Russian missile strikes on 10 October 2022]] | |||
Since fall of 2022, Russia has carried out waves of strikes on Ukrainian electrical and water systems.<ref name="intermittent">{{Cite news |date=16 December 2022 |title=Russia launches another major missile attack on Ukraine |work=] News |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-5d3e5ee5e93b6402d5214b3cf094fa1c |access-date=17 December 2022}}</ref> On 6 October the Ukrainian military reported that 86 ] kamikaze drones had been launched by Russian forces in total, and between 30 September and 6 October Ukrainian forces had destroyed 24 out of 46 launched in that period.<ref name=nw1>{{Cite web |last=Impelli |first=Matthew |date=6 October 2022 |title=Half of Russia's Iranian-made drones obliterated in one week: Ukraine |url=https://www.newsweek.com/half-russias-iranian-made-drones-obliterated-one-week-ukraine-1749700 |access-date=17 December 2022 |website=Newsweek |language=en |archive-date=17 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217210405/https://www.newsweek.com/half-russias-iranian-made-drones-obliterated-one-week-ukraine-1749700 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 8 October, it was announced that ] ] would be commanding all Russian forces in Ukraine on the strength of his novel air assault technique.<ref name="alar1">{{cite news |title=Russia names new commander of its forces engaged in Ukraine |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2022/10/08/Russia-names-new-commander-of-its-forces-engaged-in-Ukraine |agency=Alarabiya |date=8 October 2022 |access-date=8 October 2022 |archive-date=30 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030140959/https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2022/10/08/Russia-names-new-commander-of-its-forces-engaged-in-Ukraine |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
On 16 October 2022, '']'' reported that Iran was planning to supply Russia with both drones and missiles.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Warrick |first1=Joby |last2=Nakashima |first2=Ellen |last3=Harris |first3=Shane |date=16 October 2022 |title=Iran plans to send missiles, drones to Russia for Ukraine war, officials say |newspaper=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/10/16/iran-russia-missiles-ukraine/}}</ref> On 18 October the US State Department accused Iran of violating ] by selling ] and ] drones to Russia,<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 October 2022 |title=Ukraine war: US says Iranian drones breach sanctions |publisher=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63294698.amp}}</ref> agreeing with similar assessments by France and the United Kingdom. Iran denied sending any arms to Russia for the Ukraine war.<ref name="CNN: Iran denies supplying Russia with weapons for use in Ukraine">{{Cite news |last1=Kennedy |first1=Niamh |last2=Mahmoodi |first2=Negar |last3=Kottasová |first3=Ivana |last4=Raine |first4=Andrew |date=16 October 2022 |title=Iran denies supplying Russia with weapons for use in Ukraine |publisher=] |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/15/europe/iran-denies-supplying-russia-weapons-ukraine-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=18 October 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230912064217/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/10/15/europe/iran-denies-supplying-russia-weapons-ukraine-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=12 September 2023}}</ref> On 22 October France, Britain and Germany formally called for a UN investigation.<ref name="f24-20221022">{{Cite news |date=22 October 2022 |title=European countries urge UN probe of Iran drones in Ukraine |publisher=] |agency=] |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20221022-european-countries-urge-un-probe-of-iran-drones-in-ukraine |access-date=5 November 2022}}</ref> On 1 November, CNN reported that Iran was preparing to send ballistic missiles and other weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Atwood |first=Kylie |date=1 November 2022 |title=Iran is preparing to send additional weapons including ballistic missiles to Russia to use in Ukraine, western officials say |publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/01/politics/iran-missiles-russia/index.html |access-date=29 November 2022}}</ref> | |||
On 15 November 2022, Russia fired 85 missiles at the ], causing major ]s in Kyiv and neighboring regions.<ref name=alj1>{{cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/15/barrage-of-russian-missiles-causes-blackouts-across-ukraine |title=Barrage of Russian missiles causes blackouts across Ukraine: Ukraine's energy minister says the wave of attacks was the biggest bombardment of power facilities in war so far |date=17 November 2022 |publisher=AlJazeera}}</ref> | |||
On 21 November, CNN quoted an intelligence assessment that Iran had begun to help Russia produce Iran-designed drones in Russia.<ref name=cnn1>{{Cite news |last=Atwood |first=Kylie |date=21 November 2022 |title=Russia to build attack drones for Ukraine war with the help of Iran, intelligence assessment says |publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/21/politics/russia-iran-drones-intel-assessment/index.html |access-date=29 November 2022}}</ref> A 29 December ''New York Times'' report stated that the US was working to "choke off Iran's ability to manufacture the drones, make it harder for the Russians to launch the unmanned "kamikaze" aircraft and—if all else fails—to provide the Ukrainians with the defenses necessary to shoot them out of the sky."<ref name=nyt1>{{cite news |url=https://static01.nyt.com/images/2022/12/29/nytfrontpage/scan.pdf |title=US tries to stop Iran from giving drones to Russia |work=] |first=David |last=Sanger |date=29 December 2022 |page=1}}</ref> | |||
On 31 December, Putin in his New Year address called the war against Ukraine a "sacred duty to our ancestors and descendants" as missiles and drones rained down on Kyiv.<ref name=bbc1>{{cite web |publisher=BBC News | |||
|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64138731|title=Ukraine war: New year in Putin's Russia – nothing is normal | |||
|date=1 January 2023 |first=Steve |last=Rosenberg}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last1=Kramer |first1=Andrew E. |last2=Troianovski |first2=Anton |date=1 January 2023 |title=Deadly Year in Ukraine Ends With a Big Assault |pages= | |||
|work=] |url=https://nytimes.pressreader.com/the-new-york-times/20230101}}</ref> | |||
On 10 March 2023, ''The New York Times'' reported that Russia had used new hypersonic missiles in a massive missile attack on Ukraine. Such missiles are more effective in evading conventional Ukrainian anti-missile defences that had previously proved useful against Russia's conventional, non-hypersonic missile systems.<ref name=nyt2>{{cite news |work=The New York Times |date=10 March 2023 |title=Russia Fires Hypersonic Missiles in Largest Air Assault in Weeks |first=Andrew E. |last=Kramer}}</ref> | |||
The strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure were part of Russia's 'Strategic Operation for the Destruction of Critically Important Targets' (SODCIT) military doctrine, said the UK Defense Ministry, intended to demoralize the population and forcing the Ukrainian leadership to capitulate.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=The Kyiv Independent news |date=1 December 2022 |title=UK Defense Ministry: Russia's strategy of attacking Ukraine's critical infrastructure becoming less effective |url=https://kyivindependent.com/news-feed/uk-defense-ministry-russias-strategy-of-attacking-ukraines-critical-infrastructure-becoming-less-effective |website=The Kyiv Independent}}</ref> According to the ] (RUSI), "Russian strikes had cumulatively destroyed 9 ] (GW) of Ukraine's domestic power generation by mid-June 2024. Peak consumption during the winter of 2023 was 18 GW, which means that half of Ukraine's production capacity has been destroyed."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cranny-Evans |first1=Sam |title=Bracing for the Hardest Winter: Protecting Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure |url=https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/bracing-hardest-winter-protecting-ukraines-energy-infrastructure |work=] |date=24 June 2024}}</ref> | |||
On 8 July 2024, Russia used a ] missile<ref name="bc8">{{cite news |url=https://www.bellingcat.com/news/2024/07/09/russian-missile-identified-in-kyiv-childrens-hospital-attack/ |title=Russian Missile Identified in Kyiv Children's Hospital Attack |date=9 July 2024 }}</ref> to kill at least two people and injure at least 16 people at the ] in Kyiv.<ref name="ap8">{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-bombing-hospital-cancer-0ac47b944af2ed20d840563727836f53 |title=Russian missile attack on Ukraine's largest hospital complicates treatment of kids with cancer |date=11 July 2024 }}</ref><ref name="cnn8">{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/08/europe/ukraine-russian-strike-childrens-hospital-intl/index.html |title=Ukrainian children's hospital attacked as Russian strikes on cities kill at least 43 |date=8 July 2024 }}</ref><ref name="bbc8">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cl4y1pjk2dzo|title=Children's hospital hit as Russian strikes kill dozens in Ukraine|website=www.bbc.com}}</ref> Also hit the same night were facilities in ] and ].<ref name="cbc8">{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-war-kyiv-childrens-hospital-1.7256892 | title =Russian airstrikes kill at least 41 in Ukraine, damage Kyiv children's hospital }}</ref> At least 20 civilians were killed in Kyiv that night.<ref name="peu8">{{cite news |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/russians-attack-the-largest-childrens-hospital-in-kyiv-with-a-ballistic-missile/ |title=Russia bombs children's hospital as missiles kill dozens across Ukraine |date=8 July 2024 }}</ref> | |||
=== Naval blockade and engagements === | |||
{{Main|Naval warfare in the Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
{{See also|List of ship losses during the Russo-Ukrainian War}} | |||
]'']] | |||
]'' was sunk on 14 April 2022, reportedly after being hit by two Ukrainian ] ]s.]] | |||
Ukraine lies on the ], which has ocean access only through the Turkish-held ] and ] straits. On 28 February, Turkey invoked the 1936 ] and sealed off the straits to Russian warships that were not registered to Black Sea home bases and returning to their ports of origin. It specifically denied passage through the ] to four Russian naval vessels.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 March 2022 |title=Russia cancelled Black Sea passage bid of four warships: Turkey |publisher=] |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/2/russia-cancelled-black-sea-passage-bid-warships-turkey |access-date=29 March 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Tavsan |first=Sinan |date=2 March 2022 |title=Turkey rejects Russia's request for navy ships to pass Bosporus |work=] |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Ukraine-war/Turkey-rejects-Russia-s-request-for-navy-ships-to-pass-Bosporus |access-date=17 March 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite web |date=28 February 2022 |title=Turkey to implement pact limiting Russian warships to Black Sea |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-implement-international-pact-access-shipping-straits-due-ukraine-war-2022-02-27/ |access-date=17 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref> On 24 February, the ] announced that Russian Navy ships had begun an ].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Boruah |first1=Manash Pratim |last2=Karle |first2=Prathamesh |last3=Tringham |first3=Kate |date=25 February 2022 |title=Russian attacks on Ukraine's coast threaten loss of key naval bases as well as critical shipbuilding facilities |work=] |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/russian-attacks-on-ukraines-coast-threaten-loss-of-key-naval-bases-as-well-as-critical-shipbuilding-facilities}}</ref> The guided missile cruiser {{ship|Russian cruiser|Moskva||2}} and patrol boat {{ship|Russian patrol boat|Vasily Bykov||2}} bombarded the island with deck guns.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 February 2022 |title=Russian Navy Captures Ukraine's Outpost on Snake Island |work=The Maritime Executive |url=https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/russian-navy-captures-ukraine-s-outpost-on-snake-island |url-status=live |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225100645/https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/russian-navy-captures-ukraine-s-outpost-on-snake-island |archive-date=25 February 2022 | |||
}}</ref> The Russian warship identified itself and instructed the Ukrainians on the island to surrender. Their response was "]"<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Lister | |||
|first1=Tim |last2=Pennington |first2=Josh |date=24 February 2022 |title=February 24, 2022 Russia-Ukraine news | |||
|at=Entry: Audio emerges appearing to be of Ukrainian fighters defending island from Russian warship |publisher=] |url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-24-22-intl/h_2e17e59214679efefede60d5fb481432 | |||
|url-status=live |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225020216/https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-24-22-intl/h_2e17e59214679efefede60d5fb481432 |archive-date=25 February 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite web |title="Russkyy korablʹ, ydy na kh.y!": zakhysnyky Zmiyinoho vidpovily vorohovi |script-title=uk:"Русский корабль, иди на х.й!": захисники Зміїного відповіли ворогові |trans-title='Russian ship, go on f.y!': Defenders of the Serpent responded to the enemy |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2022/02/25/7325592/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225021042/https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2022/02/25/7325592/ |archive-date=25 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=] |language=uk}} | |||
</ref> After the bombardment, a detachment of Russian soldiers landed and took control of ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Visontay |first=Elias |date=25 February 2022 |title=Ukraine soldiers told Russian officer 'go fuck yourself' before they died on island |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/25/ukraine-soldiers-told-russians-to-go-fuck-yourself-before-black-sea-island-death |url-status=live |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225102114/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/25/ukraine-soldiers-told-russians-to-go-fuck-yourself-before-black-sea-island-death |archive-date=25 February 2022}}</ref> Russia said on 26 February that US drones had supplied intelligence to the Ukrainian navy to help it target Russian warships in the Black Sea. The US denied this.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Hodge |first1=Nathan |last2=Cotovio |first2=Vasco |last3=Lieberman |first3=Oren |date=26 February 2022 |title=Pentagon denies Russia's claim that it's "highly likely" US used surveillance drones to help Ukrainian navy |url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-26-22/h_b669a7b9f3668b9579d3cb72c52647ac |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-26-22/h_b669a7b9f3668b9579d3cb72c52647ac |archive-date=27 February 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
By 3 March, Ukrainian forces in Mykolaiv ] the frigate {{ship|Ukrainian frigate|Hetman Sahaidachny||2}}, the flagship of the Ukrainian navy, to prevent its capture by Russian forces.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Evans |first=Michael |title=Ukraine scuttles its flagship frigate as the Russians close in |work=] |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ukraine-scuttles-its-flagship-frigate-as-the-russians-close-in-wtd07bbqp | |||
|access-date=4 March 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite news |date=4 March 2022 |title=Frehat Ukrayiny "Hetʹman Sahaydachnyy" vyvedenyy z ladu |script-title=uk:Фрегат України "Гетьман Сагайдачний" виведений з ладу |language=uk |trans-title=The frigate of Ukraine "Hetman Sagaidachny" is out of order |publisher=] |url=https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/fregat-ukrayiny-getman-sagajdachnyj-vyvedenyj-z-ladu/ |access-date=28 March 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite news |title=Hetman Sahaidachny frigate, being under repair, flooded not to get to enemy – Reznikov |publisher=] |url=https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/806837.html |access-date=4 March 2022 | |||
}}</ref> On 14 March, the Russian source RT reported that the Russian Armed Forces had captured about a dozen Ukrainian ships in Berdiansk, including the {{sclass2|Polnocny|landing ship|1}} {{ship|Ukrainian ship|Yuri Olefirenko||2}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 March 2022 |title=Analysis: Russian Armed Forces capture dozen Ukrainian ships in Berdyansk |url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/focus-analysis/11502-analysis-russian-armed-forces-capture-dozen-ukrainian-ships-in-berdyansk.html |access-date=18 March 2022 |website=Navy Recognition}}</ref> On 24 March, Ukrainian officials said that a Russian ] docked in Berdiansk—initially reported to be the ''Orsk'' and then its sister ship, the ''Saratov''—was destroyed by a Ukrainian rocket attack.<ref name="CNN-Berdyansk"/><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Polityuk |first1=Pavel |last2=Heritage |first2=Timothy | |||
|date=24 March 2022 |title=Ukraine says it has destroyed a large Russian landing ship |work=] |editor-last=Heavens |editor-first=Andrew |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-it-has-destroyed-large-russian-landing-ship-2022-03-24/ |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref> In March 2022, the UN ] (IMO) sought to create a safe sea corridor for commercial vessels to leave Ukrainian ports.<ref name="reuters-20220312">{{Cite news |last=Saul |first=Jonathan |date=12 March 2022 |title=UN to work on safe corridor for ships stranded by Ukraine conflict |work=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/un-work-safe-corridor-ships-stranded-by-ukraine-conflict-2022-03-12/ |access-date=22 May 2022}}</ref> On 27 March, Russia established a sea corridor {{convert|80|mi|km}} long and {{convert|3|mi|km}} wide through its ], for the transit of merchant vessels from the edge of Ukrainian territorial waters southeast of Odesa.<ref name="westpoint-20220412">{{Cite web |last=Pedrozo |first=Raul |date=12 April 2022 |title=Ukraine Symposium – Maritime Exclusion Zones in Armed Conflicts |url=https://lieber.westpoint.edu/maritime-exclusion-zones-armed-conflicts/ |access-date=22 May 2022 |website=West Point |publisher=]}}</ref><ref name="imo-20220328">{{Cite web |date=28 March 2022 |title=Communication from the Government of the Russian Federation |url=https://wwwcdn.imo.org/localresources/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Documents/Black%20Sea%20and%20Sea%20of%20Azov%20-%20Member%20States%20and%20Associate%20Members%20Communications/Circular%20Letter%20No.4543%20-%20Communication%20From%20The%20Government%20Of%20The%20Russian%20Federation%20(Secretariat).pdf |access-date=8 June 2022 |website=Mission of the Russian Federation to the IMO |publisher=International Maritime Organization |id=Circular Letter No.4543}}</ref> Ukraine closed its ports at ] level 3, with sea mines laid in port approaches, pending the end of hostilities.<ref name="imo-safety">{{Cite web |title=Maritime Security and Safety in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov |url=https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/MaritimeSecurityandSafetyintheBlackSeaandSeaofAzov.aspx |access-date=22 May 2022 |website=International Maritime Organization}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=June 2024}} | |||
The Russian cruiser ''Moskva'', the flagship of the ], was, according to Ukrainian sources and a US senior official,<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 April 2022 |title=Russia-Ukraine war latest: Ukraine PM to head to Washington; Russian warship sunk by Ukraine missile strike, say US officials – live |work=] | |||
|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/apr/16/russia-ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-pm-to-head-to-washington-russian-warship-sunk-by-ukraine-missile-strike-say-us-officials-live |access-date=16 April 2022 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> hit on 13 April by two Ukrainian ], setting the ship afire. The Russian Defence Ministry said the warship had suffered serious damage from a munition explosion caused by a fire, and that its entire crew had been evacuated.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 April 2022 |title=Russia confirms severe damage to Black Sea Fleet Flagship Moskva, Crew Abandoned Ship |work=] |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/russia-confirms-severe-damage-to-black-sea-fleet-flagship-moskva-crew-abandoned-ship |access-date=14 April 2022}} | |||
</ref> Pentagon spokesman John Kirby reported on 14 April that satellite images showed that the Russian warship had suffered a sizeable explosion onboard but was heading to the east for expected repairs and refitting in ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Forgey |first=Quint |date=14 April 2022 |title=Pentagon confirms explosion aboard Russian warship |work=] |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/04/14/pentagon-explosion-russian-warship-00025243 |access-date=14 April 2022}}</ref> Later the same day, the Russian Ministry of Defence stated that the ] while under tow in rough weather.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 April 2022 |title=Russian warship Moskva has sunk – state media |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61114843 |access-date=14 April 2022}}</ref> On 15 April, Reuters reported that Russia launched an apparent retaliatory missile strike against the missile factory ] in Kyiv where the Neptune missiles used in the ''Moskva'' attack were manufactured and designed.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Polityuk |first1=Pavel |last2=Piper | |||
|first2=Elizabeth |date=15 April 2022 |title=Ukraine says fighting rages in Mariupol, blasts rattle Kyiv |work=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/powerful-explosions-heard-kyiv-after-russian-warship-sinks-2022-04-15/}}</ref> On 5 May, a US official confirmed that the US gave "a range of intelligence" (including real-time battlefield ] ])<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ohanes | |||
|first=Gasia |date=14 May 2022 |title=Did US intelligence-sharing with Ukraine cross a line? |publisher=] |url=https://www.dw.com/en/us-intel-russia-war/a-61794064}}</ref> to assist in the sinking of the ''Moskva''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 May 2022 |title=US intelligence helped Ukraine sink Russia's flagship cruiser Moskva | |||
|publisher=] |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-06/us-intelligence-leads-to-ukraine-sinking-russia-moskva-missile/101044452}}</ref> | |||
On 1 June, Russian Foreign Minister ] asserted that Ukraine's policy of mining its own harbours to impede Russian maritime aggression had contributed to the food export crisis, saying: "If Kyiv solves the problem of demining ports, the Russian Navy will ensure the unimpeded passage of ships with grain to the Mediterranean Sea."<ref name="auto1">{{Cite news |date=31 May 2022 |title=Lavrov said Russians would let through ships carrying grain if Ukraine demined ports |work=] |agency=] |url=https://news.yahoo.com/lavrov-said-russians-let-ships-103100228.html |access-date=1 June 2022}}</ref> On 30 June 2022, Russia announced that it had withdrawn its troops from the island in a "gesture of goodwill."<ref name="RBC 30 June"/> The withdrawal was later confirmed by Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Talmazan |first=Yuliya |date=30 June 2022 | |||
|title=All eyes are on the battle for the east. But the south might hold the key to Ukraine's fate. |publisher=] |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/russia-withdraws-snake-island-ukraine-counteroffensive-south-kherson-rcna35874}}</ref> | |||
On 26 December 2023, Ukraine's air force attacked the ] docked in ]. Ukraine said it was destroyed—unlikely to sail again. Russian authorities confirmed the attack, but not the loss, and said two attacking aircraft were destroyed. Independent analysts said the ship's loss could hamper future Russian attacks on Ukraine's coast.<ref name="strikes_2023_12_26_reuters">Osborn, Andrew and Max Hunder: , 26 December 2023, ]; ; also at ] as retrieved 26 December 2023</ref><ref name="attack_2023_12_26_foxnews">Dorgan, Michael: 26 December 2023, ], retrieved 26 December 2023</ref><ref name="strikes_2023_12_26_wsj_com">Lovett, Ian: , 26 December 2023, ''],'' retrieved 26 December 2023</ref> On 31 January 2024, Ukrainian sea drones struck the Russian ] Ivanovets in the Black Sea, causing the ship to sink.<ref name="The Telegraph 2024 e989">{{cite web | title=Watch: Ukraine sinks Russian warship in Black Sea drone strike | website=The Telegraph | date=1 February 2024 | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/02/01/ukraine-sinks-russian-warship-black-sea-drone-strike/ | access-date=1 February 2024}}</ref><ref name="Greenall 2024 j308">{{cite web | last=Greenall | first=Robert | title=Ukraine 'hits Russian missile boat Ivanovets in Black Sea' | website=BBC Home | date=1 February 2024 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68165523 | access-date=1 February 2024}}</ref> Two weeks later on 14 February, the same type of Ukrainian sea drones struck and sank the ].<ref name="Goryashko 2024 x892">{{cite web |last=Goryashko |first=Sergey |date=14 February 2024 |title=Ukraine sinks Russian ship off Crimean coast |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-sinks-russian-ship-off-crimean-coast/ |access-date=14 February 2024 |website=Politico}}</ref><ref name="Tom Balmforth 2024 k016">{{cite web | last=Tom Balmforth | first=Pavel Polityuk | title=Ukraine says it sank Russian large landing warship in Black Sea | website=Reuters | date=14 February 2024 | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukrainian-forces-destroy-large-russian-landing-ship-military-says-2024-02-14/ | access-date=14 February 2024}}</ref> | |||
=== Ukrainian resistance === | |||
{{Main|Ukrainian resistance during the Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
{{See also|2022 protests in Russian-occupied Ukraine|Fabian strategy}} | |||
], 26 February 2022]] | ], 26 February 2022]] | ||
Ukrainian civilians resisted the Russian invasion by volunteering for territorial defence units, making ]s, donating food, building barriers like ]s,<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Raghavan |first1=Sudarsan |last2=O'Grady |first2=Siobhán |last3=Shefte |first3=Whitney |last4=Khudov |first4=Kostiantyn | |||
Ukrainian civilians resisted the Russian invasion, volunteering for territorial defence units, making ]s, donating food, constructing barriers such as ],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Raghavan |first1=Sudarsan |last2=O'Grady |first2=Siobhán |last3=Shefte |first3=Whitney |last4=Khudov |first4=Kostiantyn |title=In a Kyiv under siege, neighbors dig trenches and raise barriers to brace for Russian assault |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/28/ukraine-russia-kyiv-defense/ |access-date=10 March 2022 |newspaper=] |date=28 February 2022}}</ref> and helping to transport refugees.<ref>{{cite web|first=Jen |last=Kirby |access-date=10 March 2022 |title=The other members of Ukraine's resistance |url=https://www.vox.com/22956752/ukraine-resistance-volunteers-russia-invasion |date=3 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref> Responding to a call from Ukraine's transportation agency, ], civilians dismantled or altered road signs, constructed makeshift barriers, and blocked roadways. Social media reports showed spontaneous street protests against Russian forces in occupied settlements, often evolving into verbal altercations and physical standoffs with Russian troops.<ref name="yes!">{{cite news |last=Hunter |first=Daniel |title=How Ukrainian Civilians Are Resisting Military Force |url=https://www.yesmagazine.org/democracy/2022/03/01/ukraine-civilian-resistance |access-date=8 March 2022 |work=] |date=1 March 2022}}</ref> By the beginning of April, Ukrainian civilians also began organising as guerrillas, mostly in the wooded north and east of the country. The Ukrainian military announced plans to launch a large-scale guerrilla campaign to complement its conventional defence against the Russian invasion.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/04/01/ukraine-russia-war-guerrilla-partisans-civilian-militia/ |title=Russians Likely to Encounter Growing Guerrilla Warfare in Ukraine |first=Alexander J. |last=Motyl |work=Foreign Policy |date=12 April 2022 |access-date=13 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
|date=28 February 2022 |title=In a Kyiv under siege, neighbors dig trenches and raise barriers to brace for Russian assault |newspaper=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/28/ukraine-russia-kyiv-defense/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=30 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301011750/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/28/ukraine-russia-kyiv-defense/ |archive-date=1 March 2022 |issn=0190-8286 |oclc=2269358}}</ref> and helping to transport refugees.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kirby |first=Jen |date=3 March 2022 |title=The other members of Ukraine's resistance |url=https://www.vox.com/22956752/ukraine-resistance-volunteers-russia-invasion |access-date=10 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref> Responding to a call from ], Ukraine's transportation agency, civilians dismantled or altered road signs,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doubek |first=James | |||
|date=1 March 2022 |title=Road signs direct expletives at the Russian military |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/03/01/1083644721/ukraine-russian-soldiers-road-signs-billboards |website=NPR}}</ref> constructed makeshift barriers, and blocked roadways.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bella |first=Timothy |date=26 February 2022 |title=Ukrainian agency, urging removal of road signs, posts fake photo with a colorful message for Russia | |||
|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/26/ukraine-russia-roads-signs-facebook/ |newspaper=]}}</ref> Social media reports showed spontaneous street protests against Russian forces in occupied settlements, often evolving into verbal altercations and physical standoffs with Russian troops.<ref name="yes!">{{Cite news |last=Hunter |first=Daniel |date=1 March 2022 |title=How Ukrainian Civilians Are Resisting Military Force |work=] |url=https://www.yesmagazine.org/democracy/2022/03/01/ukraine-civilian-resistance | |||
|access-date=8 March 2022}}</ref> By the beginning of April, Ukrainian civilians began to organise as guerrillas, mostly in the wooded north and east of the country. The Ukrainian military announced plans for a large-scale guerrilla campaign to complement its conventional defence.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Motyl |first=Alexander J. |date=12 April 2022 |title=Russians Likely to Encounter Growing Guerrilla Warfare in Ukraine |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/04/01/ukraine-russia-war-guerrilla-partisans-civilian-militia/ |magazine=] |access-date=13 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
People physically blocked Russian military vehicles, sometimes forcing them to retreat.<ref name="yes!"/><ref> | |||
In some instances, people physically blocked Russian military vehicles, sometimes forcing them to retreat.<ref name="yes!" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Ukrainian Civilians Take On Russian Invaders With Words And Deeds |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-civil-resistance-russian-aggression/31728966.html |access-date=8 March 2022 |publisher=] |date=28 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Schwirtz |first1=Michael |last2=Santora |first2=Marc |last3=Hill |first3=Evan |last4=Cardia |first4=Alexander |title=Ukrainian protesters take to the streets in occupied Kherson. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/05/world/europe/kherson-protests-ukraine.html |access-date=8 March 2022 |work=] |date=5 March 2022}}</ref> The Russian soldiers' response to unarmed civilian resistance varied from reluctance to engage the protesters<ref name="yes!" /> to firing into the air or directly into crowds.<ref>{{cite news |date=5 March 2022 |title=Ukrainian authorities accuse Russians of opening fire on civilian protest |work=] |url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-03-05-22/h_c9644300c3986a3e19e31dcb6188abdf |access-date=8 March 2022}}</ref> There have been mass detentions of Ukrainian protesters, and Ukrainian media reported forced disappearances, mock executions, hostage-taking, extrajudicial killing, and sexual violence perpetrated by the Russian military.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ordinary Ukrainians are resisting Vladimir Putin's occupying force in Kherson and elsewhere |url=https://www.economist.com/europe/ordinary-ukrainians-are-resisting-vladimir-putins-occupying-force-in-kherson-and-elsewhere/21808101 |newspaper=] |date=9 March 2022 |access-date=10 March 2022 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> To facilitate Ukrainian attacks, civilians reported Russian military positions via a ] ] and ], a Ukrainian government app previously used by citizens to upload official identity and medical documents. In response, Russian forces began destroying mobile phone network equipment, searching door-to-door for smartphones and computers, and in at least one case killing a civilian found with pictures of Russian tanks.<ref name="ft" /> | |||
{{Cite news |date=28 February 2022 |title=Ukrainian Civilians Take On Russian Invaders With Words And Deeds |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-civil-resistance-russian-aggression/31728966.html |access-date=8 March 2022 |publisher=]}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last1=Schwirtz |first1=Michael |last2=Santora |first2=Marc |last3=Hill |first3=Evan |last4=Cardia |first4=Alexander |date=5 March 2022 |title=Ukrainian protesters take to the streets in occupied Kherson. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/05/world/europe/kherson-protests-ukraine.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305160437/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/05/world/europe/kherson-protests-ukraine.html |archive-date=5 March 2022 |access-date=8 March 2022 |work=] |issn=1553-8095 |oclc=1645522}}</ref> The Russian soldiers' response to unarmed civilian resistance varied from reluctance to engage the protesters,<ref name="yes!"/> to firing into the air, to firing directly into crowds.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Murphy |first1=Paul P. |last2=Lister |first2=Tim |last3=Mezzofiore |first3=Gianluca |last4=Voitovych |first4=Olga |name-list-style=and |date=5 March 2022 |title=Ukrainian authorities accuse Russians of opening fire on civilian protest |url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-03-05-22/h_c9644300c3986a3e19e31dcb6188abdf |access-date=8 March 2022 |work=]}}</ref> There have been mass detentions of Ukrainian protesters, and Ukrainian media has reported forced disappearances, mock executions, hostage-taking, ]s, and sexual violence perpetrated by the Russian military.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 March 2022 |title=Ordinary Ukrainians are resisting Vladimir Putin's occupying force in Kherson and elsewhere |newspaper=] |url=https://www.economist.com/europe/ordinary-ukrainians-are-resisting-vladimir-putins-occupying-force-in-kherson-and-elsewhere/21808101 |url-access=subscription |access-date=10 March 2022}}</ref> To facilitate Ukrainian attacks, civilians reported Russian military positions via a ] ] and ], a Ukrainian government app previously used by citizens to upload official identity and medical documents. In response, Russian forces began destroying mobile phone network equipment, searching door-to-door for smartphones and computers, and in at least one case killed a civilian who had pictures of Russian tanks.<ref name="ft">{{Cite news |last=Judah |first=Tim |date=10 April 2022 |title=How Kyiv was saved by Ukrainian ingenuity as well as Russian blunders |work=] |url=https://www.ft.com/content/e87fdc60-0d5e-4d39-93c6-7cfd22f770e8 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> | |||
As of 21 May 2022, Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine had 700,000 service members on active duty fighting the Russian invasion.<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 May 2022 |title=Zelensky: 700,000 soldiers defending Ukraine now. |work=] |url=https://kyivindependent.com/uncategorized/zelensky-700000-soldiers-defending-ukraine-now/ |access-date=2 June 2022}}</ref> Ukraine withdrew soldiers and military equipment back to Ukraine over the course of 2022 that had been deployed to ] missions like ] in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cyuzuzo |first=Samba |date=18 September 2022 |title=Ukraine troops leave DR Congo peacekeeping mission Monusco |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-62945971 |access-date=26 September 2022}}</ref> | |||
==Foreign military support== | |||
=== Foreign military sales and aid === | |||
== Foreign involvement == | |||
{{See also|List of foreign aid to Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian War}} | |||
{{Main|Foreign involvement in the Russian invasion of Ukraine|}} | |||
[[File:Countries supplying military equipment to Ukraine during the 2022 Russian invasion.svg|thumb|upright=1.36|{{legend|#800000|Russia}} | |||
=== Support for Ukraine === | |||
[[File:Countries supplying military equipment to Ukraine during the 2022 Russian invasion.svg|thumb| | |||
{{legend|#000080|Countries sending lethal military equipment to Ukraine}} | |||
{{legend|#2a7fffff|Countries sending non-lethal military aid to Ukraine}} | |||
{{flatlist| | |||
{{legend|#800000|Russia}} | |||
{{legend|#ffff00|Ukraine}} | {{legend|#ffff00|Ukraine}} | ||
}}]] | |||
{{legend|#000080|Countries that have supplied Ukraine with military equipment during the 2022 invasion}} | |||
{{further|List of military aid to Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian War|International sanctions during the Russian invasion of Ukraine|International Legion (Ukraine)}} | |||
]] | |||
In response to the invasion, many countries have supplied military aid to Ukraine including weaponry, equipment, training, and logistical support. Western and other countries imposed limited sanctions on Russia in the prelude to the invasion and applied new sanctions when the invasion began, intending to cripple the Russian economy;<ref name="auto11"> | |||
[[File:Countries supplying aid to Ukraine during the 2022 Russian invasion.svg|thumb|upright=1.36| | |||
{{Cite web |last1=Melander |first1=Ingrid |last2=Gabriela |first2=Baczynska |date=24 February 2022 |title=EU targets Russian economy after 'deluded autocrat' Putin invades Ukraine |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-launch-new-sanctions-against-russia-over-barbaric-attack-ukraine-2022-02-24/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226002323/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-launch-new-sanctions-against-russia-over-barbaric-attack-ukraine-2022-02-24/ |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=26 February 2022 |website=]}} | |||
{{legend|#d50000|Russia}} | |||
* {{Cite web |date=25 February 2022 |title=Western Countries Agree To Add Putin, Lavrov To Sanctions List |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-sanctions-putin-lavrov/31723682.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226005425/https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-sanctions-putin-lavrov/31723682.html |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=26 February 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Funakoshi |first1=Minami |last2=Lawson |first2=Hugh |last3=Deka |first3=Kannaki |date=9 March 2022 |title=Tracking sanctions against Russia |url=https://graphics.reuters.com/UKRAINE-CRISIS/SANCTIONS/byvrjenzmve/ |access-date=28 May 2022 |work=]}}</ref> sanctions targeted individuals, banks, businesses, monetary exchanges, exports, and imports.<ref name="auto11"/> | |||
{{legend|#ffff61|Ukraine}} | |||
{{legend|#00afff|Countries sending any aid, including humanitarian aid, to Ukraine}}]] | |||
Since 2014, the UK, US, EU, and NATO have provided mostly non-lethal military aid to Ukraine.<ref name="RB">{{cite web |date=25 February 2022 |title=Military assistance to Ukraine |url=https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN07135/SN07135.pdf |access-date=4 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref> Lethal military support was limited, with the US beginning to sell weapons including ] anti-tank missiles starting in 2018,<ref name="RB" /> and Ukraine agreeing to purchase ] combat drones from Turkey in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |date=17 October 2020 |title=Turkey, Ukraine sign military cooperation agreements|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/leaders-turkey-ukraine-sign-military-agreements-73659082|access-date=12 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref> As Russia began building up equipment and troops on Ukraine's borders, in January 2022, the US started working with other ] to transfer their US-produced weapons to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brennan |first1=Margaret |last2=Watson |first2=Eleanor |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-nato-ukraine-weapons-defense-russia/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-nato-ukraine-weapons-defense-russia/ |archive-date=27 February 2022 |title=U.S. and NATO to surge lethal weaponry to Ukraine to help shore up defenses against Russia |publisher=] |date=20 January 2022}}</ref> The UK also began supplying ] and Javelin anti-tank weapons.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ripley |first=Tim |title=UK supplies anti-tank weapons to Ukraine |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/uk-supplies-anti-tank-weapons-to-ukraine |access-date=16 March 2022 |work=] |date=18 January 2022}}</ref> Following the invasion, NATO member states, including Germany, agreed to supply weapons, but NATO as an organisation did not.<ref name="Al-Jazeera-2022-02-28">{{cite news |date=25 February 2022 |title=NATO to deploy thousands of commandos to nations near Ukraine |publisher=] |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/25/nato-allies-to-provide-more-weapons-to-ukraine-stoltenberg-says |access-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/25/nato-allies-to-provide-more-weapons-to-ukraine-stoltenberg-says |archive-date=27 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-to-ship-anti-aircraft-missiles-to-ukraine-reports/a-60995325 |title=Germany to ship anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine — reports |date=3 March 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Defence Secretary statement to the House of Commons on Ukraine: 9 March 2022 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/defence-secretary-statement-to-the-house-of-commons-on-ukraine-9-march-2022 |access-date=12 March 2022 |website=GOV.UK}}</ref> NATO and its member states also refused to send troops into Ukraine, or to establish a no fly-zone, as this would risk a larger-scale war,<ref>{{cite news |title=NATO has no plans to send troops into Ukraine, Stoltenberg says |first=John |last=Chalmers |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/nato-has-no-plans-send-troops-into-ukraine-stoltenberg-says-2022-02-24/ |work=Reuters |date=24 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Dimsdale |first=Connie |title=How the response to Russia's invasion would be different if Ukraine was a Nato member |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/world/ukraine-why-no-one-helping-nato-russia-invasion-response-member-countries-1483199 |work=]|date=25 February 2022}}</ref> a decision which some experts have labelled as a policy of ].<ref>{{cite web|title=The west knows the cost of appeasement. We can't rule out any option for stopping Putin |first=Ian |last=Bond |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/feb/22/west-appeasement-putin-russia-ukraine |website=] |date=22 February 2022 |access-date=5 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=NATO rejects Ukraine no-fly zone, unhappy Zelenskiy says this means more bombing |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/nato-meets-ukraine-calls-no-fly-zone-hinder-russia-2022-03-04/ |work=Reuters |date=4 March 2022 |access-date=5 March 2022 |first1=Simon |last1=Lewis |first2=Ingrid |last2=Melander}}</ref> | |||
Military assistance has mostly been co-ordinated through the ], whose more than fifty countries include all 32 ] of ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=NATO's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_192648.htm |access-date=27 October 2022 |website=]}}</ref> From January 2022 to January 2024, $380 billion in aid to Ukraine was tracked by the ].<ref name="cnn-aid">{{cite news |date=20 March 2024 |title=Ukraine aid: Where the money is coming from, in 4 charts |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/05/world/ukraine-money-military-aid-intl-dg/index.html |work=CNN}}</ref> European countries have provided the most aid in total (military, financial and humanitarian), while the ] the most military assistance to Ukraine,<ref>{{cite news |date=21 September 2023 |title=$113 billion: Where the US investment in Ukraine aid has gone |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/21/politics/war-funding-ukraine-what-matters/index.html |work=CNN}}</ref> and has set aside $175 billion to help the country.<ref name="CFR">{{cite web |title=How Much U.S. Aid Is Going to Ukraine? |url=https://www.cfr.org/article/how-much-us-aid-going-ukraine |website=] |date=September 27, 2024}}</ref> Most of the US military aid has been old American weaponry and equipment from ], while most of the US funding earmarked for Ukraine stays in the US economy and supports US industries, subsidizing the manufacture of weapons and military equipment.<ref name="CFR"/><ref name="Lawfare">{{cite web |title=How America's Aid to Ukraine Actually Works |url=https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/how-america-s-aid-to-ukraine-actually-works |website=] |date=July 16, 2024}}</ref> The US was producing 14,000 155 mm shells monthly in early 2023 and planned to increase production to 90,000 shells per month by 2025.<ref name="davis">{{Cite news |last=Davis |first=Charles R. |date=24 January 2023 |title=Ukraine is burning through artillery shells. Now the US is increasing production by 500%. 90,000 155 mm howitzer shells per month |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/pentagon-increasing-production-of-155mm-artillery-shells-2023-1}}</ref> Sending troops to Ukraine was ruled out by the US and other countries in the early days of the invasion.<ref>{{Cite news |last=LeBlanc |first=Paul |date=28 February 2022 |title=Why the US isn't sending troops into Ukraine |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/27/politics/us-troops-ukraine-russia-what-matters/index.html |access-date=20 April 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> President ] of France later said in 2024 that sending troops was a possibility.<ref>{{cite web|work=]|date=26 February 2024|title=Macron Does Not Rule Out Sending Western Troops to Ukraine|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/26/world/europe/europe-ukraine-support-meeting.html|first1=Constant|last1=Méheut|first2=Aurelien|last2=Breeden}}</ref> | |||
On 26 February, US Secretary of State ] announced that he had authorised $350 million in lethal military assistance, including anti-armor and anti-aircraft systems.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Adrienne |last1=Vogt |first2=Lauren |last2=Said-Moorhouse |first3=Jeevan |last3=Ravindran |first4=Peter |last4=Wilkinson |first5=Jessie |last5=Yeung |first6=Brad |last6=Lendon |first7=Steve |last7=George |first8=Meg |last8=Wagner |date=26 February 2022 |title=Blinken authorizes $350 million more in US military assistance to Ukraine |url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-26-22/h_a84870443012615e6811285f23d9c6fb |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-26-22/h_a84870443012615e6811285f23d9c6fb |archive-date=27 February 2022 |access-date=26 February 2022 |publisher=CNN}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first1=Adrienne |last1=Vogt |first2=Lauren |last2=Said-Moorhouse |first3=Jeevan |last3=Ravindran |first4=Peter |last4=Wilkinson |first5=Jessie |last5=Yeung |first6=Brad |last6=Lendon |first7=Steve |last7=George |first8=Meg |last8=Wagner |date=26 February 2022 |title=$350 million in US military assistance will include "anti-armor and anti-aircraft systems," official says |url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-26-22/h_92d1e845587a41545188ed1394c640ff |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-26-22/h_92d1e845587a41545188ed1394c640ff |archive-date=27 February 2022 |access-date=26 February 2022 |publisher=CNN}}</ref> The next day the EU stated that it would purchase €450 million (US$502 million) in lethal assistance and an additional €50 million ($56 million) in non-lethal supplies to be supplied to Ukraine, with Poland acting as a distribution hub.<ref>{{cite news |title=EU shuts airspace to Russian airlines, will buy Ukraine arms |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-europe-olaf-scholz-nato-91c93ef0dc7e759d202c0eee9c070ea5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-europe-olaf-scholz-nato-91c93ef0dc7e759d202c0eee9c070ea5 |archive-date=1 March 2022 |website=] |agency=Associated Press |access-date=28 February 2022 |date=27 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=27 February 2022 |title=Ukraine war: EU to buy and deliver weapons to Kyiv, says Ursula von der Leyen |website=] |url=https://www.euronews.com/2022/02/27/eu-to-buy-and-deliver-weapons-to-ukraine-the-first-time-the-bloc-has-financed-military-sup |access-date=27 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=EU tightens Russian sanctions and buys weapons for Ukraine |first1=Philip |last1=Blenkinsop |first2=Sabine |last2=Siebold |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-close-airspace-russia-curb-media-target-belarus-2022-02-27/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-close-airspace-russia-curb-media-target-belarus-2022-02-27/ |archive-date=1 March 2022 |work=Reuters |date=27 February 2022}}</ref> During the first week of the invasion, NATO member states supplied more than 17,000 anti-tank weapons to Ukraine;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/12/us/politics/biden-ukraine-weapons.html |title=The White House approves $200 million in arms and equipment for Ukraine. |last=Schmitt |first=Eric |newspaper=The New York Times |date=12 March 2022 |access-date=23 March 2022}}</ref> by mid-March, the number was estimated to be more than 20,000.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/nato-begin-planning-more-troops-eastern-flank-after-russias-ukraine-invasion-2022-03-16/ |title=NATO vows more help for Ukraine, begins planning to adapt to 'new reality' |last1=Emmott |first1=Robin |last2=Melander |first2=Ingrid |work=Reuters |date=17 March 2022 |access-date=8 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
NATO members such as Germany reversed policies against providing offensive military aid to support Ukraine, and the European Union co-ordinated the supply of military aid for the first time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Military assistance to Ukraine since the Russian invasion |url=https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9477/ |website=]|date=12 May 2024 |last1=Mills |first1=Claire }}</ref> Estonia and Denmark have provided the most military aid as a share of GDP.<ref name="CFR"/> Bulgaria supplied Ukraine with over one third of the ammunition needed in the early phase of the invasion and a plurality of needed fuel.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Volkmann-Schluck |first=Philip |date=18 January 2023 |title=Bulgaria to the rescue: How the EU's poorest country secretly saved Ukraine |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/bulgaria-volodymyr-zelenskyy-kiril-petkov-poorest-country-eu-ukraine/ |access-date=18 January 2023 |work=]}}</ref> In September 2023, Poland said it would cease sending arms to Ukraine after a dispute between the two countries over grain.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Picheta |first=Rob |date=21 September 2023 |title=Poland says it will stop arming Ukraine. How did we get here – and what does it mean for the war |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/21/europe/poland-ukraine-weapons-grain-explainer-intl/index.html |access-date=21 September 2023 |work=]}} | |||
In three tranches agreed in February, March and April 2022, the European Union has committed to 1.5 billion ] intended to support the capabilities and resilience of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the protection of the Ukrainian civilian population, under the purview of the ] line.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/04/13/eu-support-to-ukraine-council-agrees-on-third-tranche-of-support-under-the-european-peace-facility-for-total-1-5-billion/|date=13 April 2022|title=EU support to Ukraine: Council agrees on third tranche of support under the European Peace Facility for total €1.5 billion}}</ref> EU foreign policy chief ] stated that the EU intended to supply Ukraine with fighter jets. Bulgaria, Poland, and Slovakia had ], and Slovakia also had ], aircraft which Ukraine already flew and which could be transferred without pilot training.<ref>{{cite web |last=Weber |first=Peter |title=EU nations intend to supply Ukraine with fighter jets, foreign policy chief says |url=https://news.yahoo.com/eu-nations-intend-supply-ukraine-053017275.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://news.yahoo.com/eu-nations-intend-supply-ukraine-053017275.html |archive-date=1 March 2022 |website=] |access-date=28 February 2022 |date=28 February 2022}}</ref> However, the planes' owners were reluctant to donate weapons critical for their own territorial defences, and feared that Russia could view it as an act of war if jets fly from their air bases to fight over Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web |title=US rejects 'high risk' transfer of Polish jets to Ukraine |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60657155?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=6229144b980bea49f4b7bc9b%26US%20rejects%20%27high%20risk%27%20transfer%20of%20Polish%20jets%20to%20Ukraine%262022-03-09T20%3A59%3A45.602Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:dd62f0a0-e6bc-4528-8fbf-198ddab9cd89&pinned_post_asset_id=6229144b980bea49f4b7bc9b&pinned_post_type=share |publisher=BBC |access-date=9 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Brennan |first=David |title=EU's Ukraine Fighter Jet Promise Falling Apart as Russia Advances |date=1 March 2022 |url=https://www.newsweek.com/eu-ukraine-fighter-jet-promise-falling-apart-russia-advances-slovakia-poland-bulgaria-1683588 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://www.newsweek.com/eu-ukraine-fighter-jet-promise-falling-apart-russia-advances-slovakia-poland-bulgaria-1683588 |archive-date=1 March 2022 |work=] |access-date=1 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
* {{Cite news |date=20 September 2023 |title=Grain spat drags Ukraine's ties with ally Poland to lowest point since start of Russian invasion |url=https://apnews.com/article/poland-ukraine-grain-russia-war-f14ca84b946b42821688d0d175cfa9e3 |access-date=21 September 2023 |work=]}}</ref> Although ] in the conflict, reports indicate that artillery shells produced by Indian manufacturers were sold to European countries and then diverted to Ukraine. Indian officials have not intervened despite objections from Russia.<ref name="reuters-2024-09-19">{{cite news |last=Brunnstrom |first=David |title=Ammunition from India enters Ukraine, raising Russian ire |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/ammunition-india-enters-ukraine-raising-russian-ire-2024-09-19/ |access-date=30 September 2024 |work=Reuters |date=19 September 2024}}</ref> | |||
The Russian government has threatened retaliation against countries supplying military aid to Ukraine, and said it meant NATO was waging a "proxy war" against Russia.<ref>{{cite news |title=Russia accuses Nato of 'proxy war' in Ukraine as US hosts crucial defence summit |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/26/russia-accuses-nato-of-proxy-war-in-ukraine-as-us-hosts-crucial-defence-summit |work=] |date=26 April 2022}}</ref> However, Russia's government has not followed through on its threats, despite most of its "]" being crossed.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dickinson |first1=Peter |title=Putin is becoming entangled in his own discredited red lines |url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/putin-is-becoming-entangled-in-his-own-discredited-red-lines/ |work=] |date=17 September 2014}}</ref> President Putin said that if military aid stopped, Ukraine would not survive for long.<ref>{{cite news |title=Putin says Ukraine would last 'a week' if Western military support stops |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/6/putin-says-ukraine-would-last-a-week-if-western-military-support-stops |work=] |date=6 October 2023 |access-date=21 February 2024 |archive-date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216024122/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/6/putin-says-ukraine-would-last-a-week-if-western-military-support-stops |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
As of 11 April, Ukraine was provided with approximately 25,000 anti-air and 60,000 anti-tank weapon systems by the US and its allies.<ref>{{cite news |last=Park |first=Chan-kyong |title=Zelensky cites Korean war in appeal to Seoul to send anti-aircraft weapons |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3173820/ukraine-war-seoul-rejects-kievs-request-anti-aircraft-weapons |work=] |date=11 April 2022 |access-date=15 April 2022}}</ref> The following day, it was reported that Russia had been provided anti-tank missiles and RPGs by Iran, supplied through undercover networks via Iraq.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/apr/12/first-thing-russia-using-weapons-smuggled-by-iran-in-ukraine |title=First Thing: Russia using weapons 'smuggled by Iran' in Ukraine |date=12 April 2022 |access-date=15 April 2022 |first=Nicola |last=Slawson |work=]}}</ref> | |||
=== Support for Russia === | |||
On 26 April, the US convened a conference where representatives of more than 40 countries met at the ] to discuss the military support for Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|title=US rallies global allies to help Ukraine repel Russia|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-war-russia-united-states-defense-consultative-group/|date=26 April 2022|access-date=27 April 2022|website=Politico}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
On 28 April 2022 US materiel (] 155 mm howitzers, ] Firefinder ] radars (Ukraine having previously received TPQ-36s), ] (Sentinel radars), and ] radars) is in the pipeline of ongoing logistical support for Ukraine's anti-artillery capability, in the Battle of the Donbas.<ref name= seniorDoDOfficial >Senior Defense Official </ref><ref name=ZYaohCWtyyA >Sky News Retired Air Vice Marshal Sean Bell 2:25/4:08 use 155mm howitzers, coupled with ] radar (i.e. ]) against Russian artillery</ref> | |||
==== North Korea ==== | |||
According to the US, ] has supplied Russia with ballistic missiles and launchers although US authorities did not mention the specific models. Based on debris left by missiles on 30 December 2023 attacks against Ukrainian targets show parts common to KN-23, KN-24 and KN-25 missiles.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Axe |first1=David |title=Russia Got 7,500-Pound Rockets From North Korea—And Promptly Blew Up A Pair Of Ukrainian Supply Bases |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/01/05/russia-got-7500-pound-rockets-from-north-korea-and-promptly-blew-up-a-pair-of-ukrainian-supply-bases/?sh=208781e9363f |access-date=8 January 2024 |work=Forbes}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Did Russia Fire North Korean Missiles At Ukraine? |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-north-korea-war-missiles-kn-23/32765450.html |access-date=8 January 2024 |work=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty}}</ref> In October 2024, Ukraine and ] claimed that North Korean engineers had been deployed to the battlefield to help with the launch of these missiles, and had suffered some casualties.<ref name="The Guardian: North Korean Troops Deployed" /><ref name="k284">{{cite web |last=Jochecová |first=Ketrin |date=8 October 2024 |title=North Korean soldiers are likely dying for Putin in Ukraine, Seoul says |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/north-korean-soldiers-are-likely-fighting-in-ukraine-seouls-defense-minister-says/ |access-date=10 October 2024 |website=Politico}}</ref><ref name="a180">{{cite web |last=Lee |first=Youkyung |date=9 October 2024 |title=North Korea Seen Likely to Send Troops to Ukraine to Aid Russia |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-09/north-korea-seen-likely-to-send-troops-to-ukraine-to-aid-russia |access-date=10 October 2024 |website=Bloomberg}}</ref> | |||
Later the same month, a White House spokesperson said that the United States was "concerned" about reports that North Korean soldiers were fighting for Russia in Ukraine.<ref name="u147">{{cite web |date=15 October 2024 |title=US concerned by reports of North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-concerned-by-reports-north-korean-soldiers-fighting-russia-2024-10-15/ |access-date=16 October 2024 |website=Reuters}}</ref><ref name="n959">{{cite web |date=16 October 2024 |title=North Korean soldiers are training to fight for Russia, Ukraine says |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/us-concerned-reports-north-korean-soldiers-fighting-for-russia-ukraine-rcna175640 |access-date=16 October 2024 |website=NBC News}}</ref><ref name="h428">{{cite web |last=McCurry |first=Justin |date=16 October 2024 |title=North Korean troops for Russia's war in Ukraine: what we know so far |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/16/north-korean-troops-for-russias-war-in-ukraine-what-we-know-so-far |access-date=16 October 2024 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> A day later, Zelensky announced that Ukrainian intelligence believed there were 10,000 North Korean troops preparing to join Russian forces on the front line.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cecil |first=Nicholas |date=17 October 2024 |title=Putin military doubling 'kamikaze' drone attacks on Ukraine to 1,500 last month, say western officials |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/vladimir-putin-ukraine-drone-attacks-russia-double-b1188508.html |newspaper=Evening Standard}}</ref> However, the North Korean government rejected these claims and stated that none of their soldiers were fighting for Russia.<ref>{{cite news |date=22 October 2024 |title=North Korea UN representative denies Pyongyang sent troops to Russia |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/north-korea-united-nations-represenative-denies-pyongyangg-troops-russia-4693886 |access-date=2 November 2024 |work=CNA}}"North Korea has not sent troops to Russia to help Moscow fight Ukraine, one of its United Nations representatives said on Monday (Oct 22), dismissing Seoul's claims as "groundless rumour"."</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=23 October 2024 |title=North Korea UN representative denies Pyongyang sent troops to Russia |url=https://www.trtworld.com/asia/north-korea-un-representative-denies-pyongyang-sent-troops-to-russia-18223088 |access-date=2 November 2024 |work=TRT World}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Denisova |first=Kateryna |date=22 October 2024 |title=North Korea denies sending troops to join Russia's war in Ukraine, dismisses 'groundless rumors' |url=https://kyivindependent.com/north-korea-denies-alleged-troops-sending-to-fight-russian-war-as-groundless-rumors/ |access-date=2 November 2024 |work=The Kyiv Independent}}</ref> | |||
The US later said it had seen evidence that North Korea had sent 3,000 soldiers to Russia for possible deployment to Ukraine, determining that the soldiers had been transported from North Korea by ship in early-to-mid October and were undergoing training at three military bases in eastern Russia. The US added that the alleged North Korean deployment could be further evidence that the Russian military was having problems with manpower.<ref name="y335">{{cite web |last=Phil Stewart |first=Hyonhee Shin |date=23 October 2024 |title=US says evidence shows North Korea has troops in Russia, possibly for Ukraine war |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/north-korea-has-sent-3000-troops-russia-ukraine-war-south-korean-lawmakers-say-2024-10-23/ |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=Reuters}}</ref> On 28 October, NATO chief ] confirmed earlier Ukrainian intelligence that North Korean troops had been deployed to ] to support Russia against the ], and the Pentagon reported an increased number of 10,000 North Korean soldiers sent to train in Russia and fight in the war.<ref>{{cite web |date=29 October 2024 |title=Russia to deploy 10,000 North Korean troops against Ukraine within 'weeks', Pentagon says |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/29/russia-north-korean-troops-ukraine-war |access-date=29 October 2024 |website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref name="i587">{{cite web |last=Phil Stewart |first=Andrew Gray |date=28 October 2024 |title=No new limits on Ukraine's use of US arms if North Korea joins fight, Pentagon says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/nato-chief-says-he-can-confirm-north-korean-troops-are-russias-kursk-2024-10-28/ |access-date=28 October 2024 |website=Reuters}}</ref><ref name="k484">{{cite web |date=28 October 2024 |title=NATO, Pentagon confirm deployment of North Korean troops to Russia |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/28/nato-pentagon-confirm-deployment-of-north-korean-troops-to-russia |access-date=28 October 2024 |website=Al Jazeera}}</ref> | |||
On 7 November, the Ukrainian defence minister reported that North Korean troops had been engaged in battle.<ref>{{cite web |date=7 November 2024 |title=North Korean Soldiers Fighting in Kursk |url=https://fu.kyivpost.com/post/41862 |access-date=7 December 2024 |publisher=Kyiv Post}}</ref> On 13 November, both the US State Department and South Korea confirmed that North Korean troops had begun engaging in combat against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region.<ref name="r219">{{cite web |date=13 November 2024 |title=US confirms North Korean troops joining Russia in combat against Ukraine |url=https://www.rfa.org/english/korea/2024/11/13/north-korea-us-kursk-confirm/ |access-date=14 November 2024 |website=Radio Free Asia}}</ref><ref name="b215">{{cite web |date=13 November 2024 |title=South Korea says North Korean soldiers are fighting Ukraine forces |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/south-korea-says-north-korean-soldiers-are-fighting-ukraine-forces-2024-11-13/ |access-date=14 November 2024 |website=Reuters}}</ref><ref name="u951">{{cite web |date=16 November 2024 |title=Language barriers and inexperience may hamper North Korean troops on Russia's battlefield |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/language-barriers-inexperience-may-hamper-north-korean-troops-russias-rcna177756 |access-date=16 November 2024 |website=NBC News}}</ref> However, the Pentagon could not confirm the claims.<ref>{{cite web |last=Vergun |first=David |date=18 November 2024 |title=North Korean Troops Enter Kursk Where Ukrainians Are Fighting |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3968230/north-korean-troops-enter-kursk-where-ukrainians-are-fighting/ |access-date=3 December 2024 |website=U.S. Department of Defence}}</ref> On 24 November, the Ukrainian chief of general staff confirmed that North Korean troops have been engaged in battle.<ref>{{cite web |date=24 November 2024 |title=DPRK soldiers already participated in battles against Ukrainian Armed Forces in Kursk region |url=https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/dprk-soldiers-already-participated-in-battles-1732480243.html |access-date=7 December 2024 |website=RBC-Ukraine}}</ref> On 2 December the Pentagon stated that it has no evidence of North Korean troops engaged in combat, but noted that North Korean soldiers had been integrated into Russian units.<ref>{{cite web |date=3 December 2024 |title=Pentagon addresses DPRK troops' role in Russia's offensive |url=https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/pentagon-addresses-dprk-troops-role-in-russia-1733186791.html |access-date=3 December 2024 |website=RBC-Ukraine}}</ref> A representative of the Ukrainian intelligence directorate confirmed that North Korean troops have been integrated into Russian units held in reserve but said that North Korean troops are unlikely to be engaged in combat on the front line and are still engaged in training; however, the presence of North Korean troops in Kursk is seen as enabling Russia in its fighting against Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web |date=3 December 2024 |title=2,000 North Korean Troops Led by 3 Generals Join Russians Against Ukraine – Intel |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/43184 |access-date=5 December 2024 |publisher=Kyiv Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Bradley |first=Charlie |date=6 December 2024 |title=North Korean soldiers so 'poorly trained' Russia can't send them to fight Putin's war |url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1985593/north-korea-soldiers-russia-putin-ukraine |access-date=7 December 2024 |website=Express}}</ref> On 16 December, the US confirmed that North Korean troops had been killed and injured in combat in Russia's Kursk oblast.<ref>{{Cite news |title=North Korean troops killed in combat against Ukraine for first time, Pentagon says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/north-korean-troops-killed-combat-against-ukraine-first-time-pentagon-says-2024-12-16/ |work=Reuters}}</ref> By 18 December, the number of killed and wounded North Korean soldiers had reportedly reached "a couple hundred",<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-17 |title=A couple hundred North Korean troops killed, wounded in battles with Ukrainian forces |url=https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-ukraine-casualties-kursk-russia-a1207ba61ded5061f721ffa0f0650851 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> while South Korea reported 100 North Koreans dead and 1000 injured.<ref>{{Cite web |title=At least 100 North Koreans dead in Ukraine war, says South Korea |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2ezx258xzo |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> Zelenskyy also showcased footage which he said showed Russian troops burning the faces of killed North Korean soldiers in an attempt to conceal their prescence on the battlefield.<ref name="i614">{{cite web | title=Russians 'burning faces' of dead North Koreans to keep them secret: Zelenskyy | website=Radio Free Asia | date=17 December 2024 | url=https://www.rfa.org/english/korea/2024/12/17/north-korean-soldier-video-russia-12172024/ | access-date=18 December 2024}}</ref><ref name="q291">{{cite web | title=Ukraine reports North Korean losses on Russia's Kursk front | website=Reuters | date=16 December 2024 | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-reports-north-korean-losses-russias-kursk-front-2024-12-16/ | access-date=18 December 2024}}</ref><ref name="e513">{{cite web | last=Cooney | first=Christy | title=North Korean troops killed fighting Ukraine, says US | website=BBC Home | date=17 December 2024 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxz0ygl7gko | access-date=18 December 2024}}</ref> | |||
==== Belarus ==== | |||
Belarus has allowed Russia to use its territory to stage part of the invasion, and to launch Russian missiles into Ukraine.<ref name="AP Belarus">{{Cite news |date=31 January 2023 |title=Lukashenko: Belarus willing to offer more help to Russia |work=] |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-politics-belarus-government-alexander-lukashenko-1124dbad889ccc6d269069e501a31fa6 |access-date=26 April 2023}}</ref> Belarus airspace was used by Russia, including for ] missions, until 2023, when a Russian ] surveillance plane was ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 July 2024 |title=Почему российские "шахеды" залетают в Беларусь и чем это опасно для Украины |url=https://www.bbc.com/russian/articles/crg51dr8lmqo |access-date=23 July 2024 |website=BBC News Русская служба |language=ru}}</ref> Because of its active involvement, Belarus is considered a ]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lozka |first=Katsiaryna |url=http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HGZF2NV7XH9AVKAZSP0VSVX3 |title=Between the hammer and the anvil : Belarus, its people, and Russia's war against Ukraine |date=2023 |isbn=978-83-67678-29-2 |volume=6|publisher=Instytut Europy Środkowej |hdl=1854/LU-01HGZF2NV7XH9AVKAZSP0VSVX3 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Putin's Strategic Failure |url=https://www.iiss.org/sv/online-analysis/survival-online/2022/04/putins-strategic-failure/ |access-date=28 June 2024 |website=IISS}}</ref> (but not a ]<ref>{{Cite book |author=The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ueznEAAAQBAJ&dq=%22Belarus+remains+a+co-belligerent+but+not+a+co-combatant%22&pg=RA3-PT42 |title=Armed Conflict Survey 2023 |date=6 December 2023 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-040-01544-5 |quote=... Belarus remains a co-belligerent but not a co-combatant, providing extensive assistance to Russia – including the use of its territory to base Russian forces and launch attacks – without directly intervening with its own military assets ...}}</ref>) in this invasion, as contrasted to non-belligerent states, which have "a wide range of tools available to non-belligerent actors without reaching the threshold of warfighting".<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Humphreys |first1=Richard |last2=Paegļkalna |first2=Lauma |title=Combat Without Warfighting: Non-Belligerent Actors and the Russian Invasion of Ukraine |ssrn=4048994 |url=https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4048994}}</ref> | |||
==== Others ==== | |||
In June 2023, US military intelligence suggested Iran was providing both ] and production materials to develop a ] to Russia.<ref> | |||
{{Cite web |date=9 June 2023 |title=White House says Iran is helping Russia build a drone factory east of Moscow for the war in Ukraine |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2023/06/09/white-house-says-iran-is-helping-russia-build-a-drone-factory-east-of-moscow-for-the-war-in-ukraine-2/ |access-date=10 June 2023 |website=Sun Sentinel}}</ref> In February 2024, a ] report indicated that Iran sent ballistic missiles to the Russian military.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 February 2024 |title=Exclusive: Iran sends Russia hundreds of ballistic missiles |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/iran-sends-russia-hundreds-ballistic-missiles-sources-say-2024-02-21/ |access-date=23 February 2024 |website=Reuters}}</ref> According to the US and Ukraine, ] have been stationed in Crimea to assist Russia in launching drone attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Madhani |first1=Aamer |last2=Miller |first2=Zeke |date=21 October 2022 |title=US: Iranian troops in Crimea backing Russian drone strikes |url=https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-8b085070758120c31d421f68a65e4b14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503164518/https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-8b085070758120c31d421f68a65e4b14 |archive-date=3 May 2023 |access-date=22 November 2024 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Hird |first1=Karolina |last2=Mappes |first2=Grace |last3=Bailey |first3=Riley |last4=Howard |first4=Angela |last5=Kagan |first5=Frederick W. |date=25 November 2022 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, November 25 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-november-25 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214005539/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-november-25 |archive-date=14 December 2023 |access-date=22 November 2024 |publisher=] |language=en}}</ref> The ] assessed that these are likely ] (IRGC) or IRGC-affiliated personnel.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Hird |first1=Karolina |last2=Bailey |first2=Riley |last3=Mappes |first3=Grace |last4=Barros |first4=George |last5=Kagan |first5=Frederick W. |date=12 October 2022 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, October 12 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114103621/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-12 |archive-date=14 January 2024 |access-date=22 November 2024 |publisher=] |language=en}}</ref> Iran has denied sending arms to Russia for use against Ukraine.<ref name="CNN: Iran denies supplying Russia with weapons for use in Ukraine" /> | |||
'']'' reported in March 2023 that Chinese state-owned weapons manufacturer ] shipped assault rifles, drone parts, and body armor to Russia between June and December 2022, with some shipments via third countries including ] and the ].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Banco |first1=Eric |last2=Aarup |first2=Sarah Anne |date=16 March 2023 |title='Hunting rifles' — really? China ships assault weapons and body armor to Russia |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/16/chinese-rifles-body-armor-russia-ukraine-00087398 |work=]}}</ref> According to the United States, Chinese ammunition has been used on battlefields in Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 March 2023 |title=Use of Chinese ammunition in Ukraine confirmed by U.S.: sources |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/48412a76107a-urgent-use-of-chinese-ammunition-in-ukraine-confirmed-by-us-sources.html |website=]}}</ref> In May 2023, the European Union identified that Chinese and UAE firms were supplying weapon components to Russia.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rettman |first=Andrew |date=9 May 2023 |title=The EU fears that Chinese and UAE firms could be supplying weapons components to Russia, new sanctions indicate |url=https://euobserver.com/world/157011 |work=EUOBSERVER}}</ref> In April 2024, China was reported to have supplied Russia with ], machine tools for tanks, and propellants for missiles.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Nardelli |first1=Alberto |last2=Jacobs |first2=Jennifer |date=6 April 2024 |title=China Is Providing Geospatial Intelligence to Russia, US Warns |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-06/china-is-providing-geospatial-intelligence-to-russia-us-warns |access-date=6 April 2024 |work=]}}</ref> In September 2024, Reuters reported documents indicating Russia had established a weapons programme in China to develop and produce long-range attack drones, with assistance from local specialists, for use in the invasion of Ukraine.<ref name="k324">{{cite web | title=Exclusive: Russia has secret war drones project in China, intel sources say | website=Reuters | date=25 September 2024 | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-has-secret-war-drones-project-china-intel-sources-say-2024-09-25/ | access-date=16 November 2024}}</ref> | |||
Russia imports sensitive electronics, machinery, auto parts, and defense equipment from India.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Walsh |first1=Nick Paton |last2=Davey-Attlee |first2=Florence |name-list-style=and |date=19 February 2024 |title=The Kremlin has never been richer – thanks to a US strategic partner |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/19/europe/russia-oil-india-shadow-fleet-cmd-intl/index.html |access-date=15 September 2024 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> Trade like oil sales has surged since 2022, boosting revenue for Russian state-owned companies. To bypass sanctions and manage its currency surplus, Russia pays in rupees, supporting both civilian and military needs.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Russian firms buy $4 billion worth of India-made arms, pay in Indian rupee |url=https://www.firstpost.com/world/russian-firms-spend-4-billion-dollar-from-rupee-vostro-accounts-to-buy-india-arms-rupee-13769478.html |access-date=16 September 2024 |work=FP News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=4 September 2024 |title=Russia built covert trade channel with India, leaks reveal |url=https://www.ft.com/content/101afcd6-8e6f-4b5f-89b0-98f48cd5d119 |first1=John |last1=Reed |first2=Max |last2=Seddon |first3=Chris |last3=Cook |first4=John Paul |last4=Rathbone |website=FT News}}</ref> | |||
== Casualties == | |||
{{further|Casualties of the Russo-Ukrainian War#Russian invasion of Ukraine (2022–present)|List of deaths during the Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
] | |||
] marked armored vehicle]] | |||
], also about 50 people were hospitalized]] | |||
] | |||
Russian and Ukrainian sources have both been said to inflate the casualty numbers for opposing forces and downplay their own losses for the sake of morale.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://theconversation.com/ukraine-war-casualty-counts-from-either-side-can-be-potent-weapons-and-shouldnt-always-be-believed-198894 |title=Ukraine war: casualty counts from either side can be potent weapons and shouldn't always be believed |publisher=] |date=1 February 2023 |first=Lily |last=Hamourtziadou}}</ref> Leaked US documents say that "under-reporting of casualties within the system highlights the military's 'continuing reluctance' to convey bad news up the chain of command."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65260672 |first=Paul |last=Kirby |title=Ukraine war: Pentagon leaks reveal Russian infighting over death toll |work=] |date=13 April 2023}}</ref> Russian news outlets have largely stopped reporting the Russian death toll.<ref name="fortune">{{Cite magazine |last=Meyer |first=David |date=14 March 2022 |title=Why is it so hard to get accurate death tolls in the Russia-Ukraine war? |url=https://fortune.com/2022/03/14/ukraine-russia-death-tolls-misinformation-find-your-own/ |magazine=] |access-date=21 March 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Roth |first=Andrew |date=22 March 2022 |title=How many Russian soldiers have died in the war in Ukraine? |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/22/how-many-russian-soldiers-died-ukraine-losses |access-date=22 March 2022}}</ref> Russia and Ukraine have admitted suffering "significant"<ref name="tragedy">{{Cite news |date=8 April 2022 |title=Russia admits 'significant losses of troops' in Ukraine | |||
|work=] |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/8/we-have-significant-losses-and-its-a-huge-tragedy-kremlin |access-date=17 September 2023}}</ref> and "considerable" losses, respectively.<ref name="untilwarends">{{Cite news |date=29 March 2022 |title=Ukraine not to reveal own military death toll until war ends |work=] |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3443116-ukraine-not-to-reveal-own-military-death-toll-until-war-ends.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66581217 | |||
|title='Dying by the dozens every day' – Ukraine losses climb |date=29 August 2023 | |||
|publisher=] |access-date=17 September 2023 | |||
}}</ref> | |||
The numbers of civilian and military deaths have been as always ] precisely.<ref> | |||
=== Foreign military involvement === | |||
{{Cite news |last1=Khurshudyan |first1=Isabelle |last2=Witte |first2=Griff |date=26 February 2022 |title=Civilians are dying in Ukraine. But exactly how many remains a mystery. |newspaper=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/26/ukraine-deaths-casualties/ |access-date=19 September 2023}} | |||
{{See also|International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine}} | |||
* {{Cite news |date=17 March 2022 |title=As Russian Troop Deaths Climb, Morale Becomes an Issue, Officials Say |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/16/us/politics/russia-troop-deaths.html |url-status=live |access-date=16 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316225152/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/16/us/politics/russia-troop-deaths.html |archive-date=16 March 2022 |quote="The conservative side of the estimate, at more than 7,000 Russian troop deaths, is greater than the number of American troops killed over 20 years in Iraq and Afghanistan combined."}}</ref> ] (AFP) reported that neither it nor independent conflict monitors were able to verify Russian and Ukrainian claims of enemy losses and suspected that they were inflated.<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 April 2022 | |||
], president of Georgia's ] ], announced on 26 March that troops from South Ossetia had been sent to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web |date=26 March 2022 |title=Georgian breakaway region says it sent troops to Ukraine to 'help protect Russia' |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/georgian-breakaway-region-says-it-sent-troops-to-ukraine-to-help-protect-russia/ |access-date=26 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=26 March 2022 |title=Georgia's Breakaway Region Sends Troops to Ukraine |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/03/26/georgias-breakaway-region-sends-troops-to-ukraine-a77094 |access-date=26 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref> Later, it was clarified that Bibilov was referring to Ossetians with Russian citizenship or who serve in the Russian military at the fourth military base of the 58th Russian Army, deployed in South Ossetia.<ref>{{cite web |date=26 March 2022 |title=Военных из Южной Осетии отправили в зону спецоперации на Украине |url=https://www.rbc.ru/politics/26/03/2022/623f1f549a7947473e3e0058 |access-date=29 March 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=28 March 2022 |title=More S. Ossetian Servicemen Sent to Ukraine |url=https://civil.ge/archives/481866 |access-date=30 March 2022 |work=Civil.ge}}</ref> Redeployment of troops from the base started on 16 March.<ref>{{cite web |date=16 March 2022 |script-title=ru:Военные из Южной Осетии отправились в Украину, "чтобы добить нацистов" |trans-title=The military from South Ossetia went to Ukraine "to finish off the Nazis" |url=https://jam-news.net/russia-ukraine-conflict-south-ossetian-soldiers-go-to-war-to-finish-off-nazis/ |access-date=29 March 2022 |work=JAM News |language=ru}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=16 March 2022 |title=Reports: Russia's Tskhinvali Base Units Sent to Ukraine |url=https://civil.ge/archives/479663 |access-date=30 March 2022 |work=]}}</ref> | |||
|title=Ukraine conflict death toll: what we know |publisher=] republished in ] | |||
|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220413-ukraine-conflict-death-toll-what-we-know | |||
|access-date=20 April 2022}}</ref> On 12 October 2022, the independent Russian media project ], citing sources close to the Kremlin, reported that more than 90,000 Russian soldiers had been killed, seriously wounded, or gone missing in Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 October 2022 |title=Russia's 'irrecoverable losses' in Ukraine: more than 90,000 troops dead, disabled, or AWOL |work=] |url=https://meduza.io/en/news/2022/10/12/russia-s-irrecoverable-losses-in-ukraine-more-than-90-000-troops-dead-disabled-or-awol}}</ref> | |||
While combat deaths can be inferred from a variety of sources, including ] of military action, measuring civilian deaths can be more difficult. On 16 June 2022, the ] told CNN that he believed that tens of thousands of Ukrainians had died, adding that he hoped the total death toll was below 100,000.<ref> | |||
Although NATO and the EU have taken a strict policy of 'no boots on the ground' in support against the Russian invasion of Ukraine,<ref>{{cite news |title=Why the US isn't sending troops into Ukraine |first=Paul |last=LeBlanc |publisher=] |date=28 February 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/27/politics/us-troops-ukraine-russia-what-matters/index.html}}</ref> Ukraine has actively sought volunteers from other countries. On 1 March, Ukraine temporarily lifted visa requirements for foreign volunteers who wished to join the fight against Russian forces. The move came after Zelenskyy created the ] and called on volunteers to "join the defense of Ukraine, Europe and the world".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/03/01/ukraine-visa-volunteer-fighters-russia/ |title=Ukraine is asking foreigners to help fight Russia. Some are heeding the call, despite enormous risks. |first1=Annabelle |last1=Timsit |first2=Adam |last2=Taylor |first3=Amy |last3=Cheng |newspaper=] |date=1 March 2022 |access-date=12 March 2022}}</ref> Ukraine's foreign minister ] stated that as of 6 March, approximately 20,000 foreign nationals from 52 countries have volunteered to fight.<ref name="Abend-2022-03-07">{{cite magazine |last=Abend |first=Lisa |date=7 March 2022 |title=Meet the Foreign Fighters Risking Their Lives in Ukraine |magazine=] |url=https://time.com/6155670/foreign-fighters-ukraine-europe/ |access-date=9 March 2022}}</ref> Most of these volunteers joined the newly created International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine.<ref name="Abend-2022-03-07" /> | |||
{{Cite news |last1=Regan |first1=Helen |last2=Kottasová |first2=Ivana |last3=Haq |first3=Sana Noor |last4=Khalil | |||
|first4=Hafsa |last5=Vogt |first5=Adrienne |last6=Sangal |first6=Aditi |date=16 June 2022 |title=Tens of thousands have been killed since the invasion, says Ukrainian defense minister |work=] |url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-06-16-22/h_255010f04309b11df83acfffc6a47042 | |||
|access-date=15 September 2022}}</ref> By the end of June 2024, about 20,000 Ukrainians had lost limbs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bennetts |first=Marc |date=25 June 2024 |title=Facing annihilation, the Ukrainian towns praying for Western reinforcements |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/facing-annihilation-the-ukrainian-towns-praying-for-western-reinforcements-5xtvpxwtv |access-date=25 June 2024 |website=]}}</ref> In the destroyed city of Mariupol alone, Ukrainian officials believe that at least 25,000 have been killed,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yuhas |first=Alan |date=24 August 2022 |title=Thousands of Civilian Deaths and 6.6 Million Refugees: Calculating the Costs of War |work=] | |||
|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/24/world/europe/russia-ukraine-war-toll.html |access-date=20 September 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shandra |first=Alya |date=30 August 2022 |title=87,000 killed civilians documented in occupied Mariupol – volunteer |work=] |url=https://euromaidanpress.com/2022/08/30/87000-killed-civilians-documented-in-occupied-mariupol-volunteer/ |access-date=20 September 2022}}</ref> and bodies were still being discovered in September 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 September 2022 |title=Mariupol: invaders don't bother to clear residential buildings of newly discovered bodies | |||
|work=] |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3564256-mariupol-invaders-dont-bother-to-clear-residential-buildings-of-newly-discovered-bodies.html |access-date=19 September 2023}}</ref> The mayor said over {{formatnum:10000}} and possibly as many as {{formatnum:20000}} civilians died in the siege of Mariupol and that Russian forces had brought mobile cremation equipment with them when they entered the city.<ref>{{cite news |publisher=] |title=Over 10,000 civilians killed in Mariupol siege, mayor says |date=11 April 2022 |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/over-10000-civilians-killed-in-mariupol-siege-mayor-says |access-date=17 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=14 February 2023 |title='Terrible toll': Russia's invasion of Ukraine by the numbers |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/02/14/world/russia-invasion-of-ukraine-numbers/ |access-date=26 September 2023 |work=] |quote=Kyiv said at least 20,000 Ukrainian civilians had been killed. In total, some 30,000 to 40,000 civilians have lost their lives nationwide in the conflict, Western sources say.}}</ref> Researcher Dan Ciuriak from ] in August 2022 estimates the number of killed Mariupol civilians at 25,000,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=At What Cost? The Economic and Human Costs of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine |url=https://www.cdhowe.org/public-policy-research/what-cost-economic-and-human-costs-russias-invasion-ukraine-0 |access-date=7 October 2023 |website=C.D. Howe Institute}}</ref> and an investigation by ] from the end of 2022 gives a number of up to 75,000 killed civilians in Mariupol area alone.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Cost of War to Ukraine |url=https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/cost-war-ukraine |access-date=8 October 2023 |website=The Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=23 December 2022 |title=Russia scrubs Mariupol's Ukraine identity, builds on death |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-erasing-mariupol-499dceae43ed77f2ebfe750ea99b9ad9 |access-date=1 October 2023 |work=]}}</ref> ] says that "a key gap in casualty counts is the lack of information from Russian-occupied places like the port city of ], where tens of thousands of civilians are believed to have died".<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 June 2023 |title=10,368: The incomplete count of Ukraine's civilian dead |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230606-10-368-the-incomplete-count-of-ukraine-s-civilian-dead |access-date=29 September 2023 |publisher=] republished in ]}}</ref> According to a recent study by Human Rights Watch and two other organizations, there were at least 8,034 excess deaths in Mariupol between March 2022 and February 2023.<ref>Human Rights Watch/SITU/Truth Hounds, , p. 147: "Based on an assessment of satellite imagery and photo and video analysis, we estimate that at least 10,284 people were buried in four of the city's cemeteries and in Manhush cemetery between March 2022 and February 2023. We also estimate that around 2,250 people would have died of causes unrelated to war in Mariupol during that period, meaning the city saw at least an estimated 8,034 deaths above a peacetime rate. We are not able to determine how many of those buried in the city were civilians or military personnel, or how many were killed as a result of unlawful attacks."</ref> The ] (OHCHR) reports similar issues and believed that the true civilian casualty numbers were significantly higher than it has been able to confirm.<ref name="OHCHR sep">{{Cite web |date=25 September 2023 |title=Ukraine: Ukraine: civilian casualty update 24 September 2023 |url=https://www.ohchr.org/en/news/2023/09/ukraine-civilian-casualty-update-24-september-2023|publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
In the Russian military during the invasion, Russia's ethnic minorities have been suffering disproportionately high casualties. In October 2022, the Russian regions with the highest death tolls were ], ] and ], all minority regions. In February 2024, six out of ten Russian regions with the highest mortality rates in Ukraine were located in Siberia and the far east, and ethnic minorities continuing outsized casualty rates prompted analysts to warn that the situation will lead to long-term destructive impacts on these communities.<ref name="n606">{{cite web | last1=Schifrin | first1=Nick | last2=Cutler | first2=Sarah | last3=Fellow | first3=Columbia Journalism | title=Russia's ethnic minorities disproportionately die in the war in Ukraine | website=PBS NewsHour | date=11 December 2023 | url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/russias-ethnic-minorities-disproportionately-conscripted-to-fight-the-war-in-ukraine | access-date=17 May 2024}}</ref><ref name="g456">{{cite web | last=Latypova | first=Leyla | title=2 Years Into Ukraine War, Russia's Ethnic Minorities Disproportionately Killed in Battle | website=The Moscow Times | date=17 May 2024 | url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/02/24/2-years-into-ukraine-war-russias-ethnic-minorities-disproportionately-killed-in-battle-a84170 | access-date=17 May 2024}}</ref><ref name="g132">{{cite web | last=Petkova | first=Mariya | title='Putin is using ethnic minorities to fight in Ukraine': Activist | website=Al Jazeera | date=25 October 2022 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2022/10/25/russia-putin-is-using-ethnic-minorities-to-fight-in-ukraine | access-date=17 May 2024}}</ref><ref name="c079">{{cite web | last=Bessonov | first=Ania | title=Russian ethnic minorities bearing brunt of Russia's war mobilization in Ukraine | website=CBC | date=4 October 2022 | url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/russia-mobilization-ethnic-minorities-buryat-1.6605501 | access-date=17 May 2024}}</ref><ref name="j309">{{cite web | title=Young, poor and from minorities: the Russian troops killed in Ukraine | website=France 24 | date=17 May 2022 | url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220517-young-poor-and-from-minorities-the-russian-troops-killed-in-ukraine | access-date=17 May 2024}}</ref> According to Western officials, about 1,200 Russian soldiers were killed or wounded in Ukraine every day in May and June 2024,<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukraine calls them meat assaults: Russia's brutal plan to take ground |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c80xjne8ryxo |work=BBC News |date=4 July 2024}}</ref> which climbed to 1,500 killed or wounded daily by November 2024, when 45,690 casualties were estimated that month.<ref>{{cite news| title=Russia is suffering record casualties as the West steps up support for Ukraine, and it may struggle to replace them| author=Tom Porter |work=]| date=6 December 2024| url=https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-will-struggle-to-replace-its-casualties-in-ukraine-isw-2024-12}}</ref> '']'' estimated that on the bloodiest day in November 2024 the ratio of killed Russian men (1,950) exceeded the average daily male birth rate in Russia (1,836).<ref>{{cite news| work=Newsweek| title=Russia's Loss of Men in Ukraine Surpasses Daily Birth Rate| date=12 November 2024| url=https://www.newsweek.com/russia-casualties-death-rate-birth-rate-ukraine-1984557}}</ref> Latvia-based news outlet '']'' estimated that up to 140,000 Russian soldiers had died in the war by the end of June 2024.<ref>{{cite Q|Q127245770|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On 3 March, ] spokesman ] warned that ] to protection under the ], and captured foreign fighters would not be considered prisoners of war, but prosecuted as criminals.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lemon |first=Jason |url=https://www.newsweek.com/russia-vows-prosecution-foreign-fighters-after-16k-join-ukraine-1684671 |title=Russia Vows Prosecution of Foreign Fighters After 16K Join Ukraine |work=] |date=3 March 2022 |access-date=4 March 2022}}</ref> On 11 March, Moscow announced that 16,000 volunteers from the Middle East were ready to join other pro-Russian foreign fighters alongside the Donbas separatists.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ukraine war: Putin seeks foreign volunteers to fight in Ukraine |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60705486 |work=] |date=11 March 2022 |access-date=13 March 2022}}</ref> A video uploaded online showed armed ] paramilitaries calling to arms to fight in Ukraine with Russian troops.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ball |first=Tom |title=African fighters prepare to join Russian troops |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/african-fighters-prepare-to-join-russian-troops-in-ukraine-jmhqlxrtv |website=] |date=11 March 2022 |access-date=14 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
The Russian invasion became the deadliest European war in the last 80 years,<ref>{{cite news| work=The New York Times| title=Enduring Mayhem: Images From Year 3 of the War in Ukraine| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/24/world/europe/images-ukraine-war-third-year.html| date=24 April 2024}}</ref> surpassing the death toll of the ].{{sfn|Wallensteen|2023|p=348}} Ukrainian average ] was 8.7/1000 people in 2020,<ref>{{cite web| title=Annual death rate from all causes, 1980 to 2021 — Ukraine| url=https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/age-standardized-deaths-from-all-causes?tab=chart&country=~UKR| work=]| access-date=13 October 2024}}</ref> and jumped to 18.6/1000 in 2024, whereas Russia's mortality rate that same year was 14/1000, ranking them as #1 and #9, respectively, on the list of countries with the highest mortality rates.<ref>{{cite web| title=Country Comparisons — Death rate| url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/death-rate/country-comparison/| work=]| archive-url=https://archive.today/20240913084439/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/death-rate/country-comparison/| access-date=13 October 2024 |archive-date=13 September 2024}}</ref> In August 2024, '']'' estimated 172,000 people had died in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news| title=The Numbers Show: Gaza War Is One of the Bloodiest in the 21st Century| author=Nir Hasson| date=14 August 2024| work=Haaretz| url=https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/palestinians/2024-08-14/ty-article-magazine/.premium/the-death-toll-in-gaza-is-bad-even-compared-to-the-wars-in-ukraine-iraq-and-myanmar/00000191-50c6-d6a2-a7dd-d1decf340000| archive-url=https://archive.today/20240814234839/https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/palestinians/2024-08-14/ty-article-magazine/.premium/the-death-toll-in-gaza-is-bad-even-compared-to-the-wars-in-ukraine-iraq-and-myanmar/00000191-50c6-d6a2-a7dd-d1decf340000| archive-date=14 August 2024}}</ref> In September 2024, the '']'' reported that there were now one million Ukrainians and Russians who were killed or wounded.<ref name="WSJ-Casualties">{{cite journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/world/one-million-are-now-dead-or-injured-in-the-russia-ukraine-war-b09d04e5 |first=Bojan |last=Pancevski |journal=] |date=17 September 2024 |title=One Million Are Now Dead or Injured in the Russia-Ukraine War |access-date=17 September 2024}}</ref> The Journal took note of how the number of casualties impacts the two countries' shrinking prewar populations.<ref name="WSJ-Casualties" /> | |||
Over 66,200 Ukrainian men have returned to Ukraine from abroad to fight.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/over-66200-ukrainian-men-have-returned-abroad-fight-says-defence-minister-2022-03-05/ |title=Over 66,200 Ukrainian men have returned from abroad to fight, says defence minister |first=Alessandra |last=Prentice |date=5 March 2022 |access-date=6 March 2022 |work=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307211131/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/over-66200-ukrainian-men-have-returned-abroad-fight-says-defence-minister-2022-03-05/ |archive-date=7 March 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
== Casualties and humanitarian impact == | |||
=== Casualties === | |||
{{see|Casualties of the Russo-Ukrainian War}}{{See also|List of Russian generals killed during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine|List of journalists killed during the Russo-Ukrainian War}} | |||
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" | {|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" | ||
|+Confirmed casualties | |||
|- | |- | ||
!scope="col"| |
! scope="col" | | ||
!scope="col"| |
! scope="col" |Numbers | ||
!scope="col"|Time period | ! scope="col" |Time period | ||
!scope="col"|Source | ! scope="col" |Source | ||
|- | |- | ||
! |
! scope="row" |'''Ukrainian civilians''' | ||
|'''12,340''' killed, '''27,836''' wounded | |||
|'''9,487–24,487+''' killed (est.){{efn|] for a detailed breakdown of civilian deaths by oblast, according to Ukrainian authorities}}<br />'''3,818''' killed, '''4,000+''' wounded (conf.) | |||
|24 February |
|24 February 2022 – 10 December 2024 | ||
|United Nations (])<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 December 2024 |title=Ukraine: protection if civilians in armed conflict. December 2024 update |url=https://ukraine.un.org/sites/default/files/2024-12/Ukraine%20-%20protection%20of%20civilians%20in%20armed%20conflict%20(November%20%202024)_ENG.pdf |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
|Ukrainian government<ref>{{Cite web |title=Some 3,818 Ukrainian civilians die due to Russian aggression, over 4,000 people injured - PGO |url=https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/826914.html |website=Interfax-Ukraine}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
!scope="row"|'''Ukrainian forces''' (]) | |||
|'''2,899+''' killed, '''3,235+''' wounded | |||
|'''501''' killed, '''1,697''' wounded | |||
|24 February – 28 April 2022 | |||
|24 February 2022 – 12 May 2022 | |||
|United Nations<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 April 2022 |title=Ukraine: civilian casualty update 29 April 2022 |url=https://www.ohchr.org/en/news/2022/04/ukraine-civilian-casualty-update-29-april-2022 |access-date=29 April 2022 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
|]<ref>, Natasha Turak | |||
and Holly Ellyatt, CNBC November 2022</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
! |
!scope="row"|'''Ukrainian forces''' (]) | ||
|''' |
|'''43,000''' killed | ||
|24 February – |
|24 February 2022 – 8 December 2024 | ||
|]<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukrainian war dead reaches 43,000, Zelensky says in rare update |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yv75nydy3o |date=8 December 2024 |agency=] |access-date=8 December 2024}}</ref> | |||
|Ukrainian government<ref>{{cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/04/15/politics/tapper-zelensky-interview-cnntv/index.html |title=Exclusive: Zelensky says world should be prepared for possibility Putin could use nuclear weapons |first=Jeremy |last=Herb |publisher=] |date=15 April 2022 |access-date=15 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
!scope="row"|'''Ukrainian forces''' | |||
|'''2,000–4,000''' killed | |||
|'''59,955''' killed (incl. non-combat,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Важкі цифри: як сприймати нові дані про військові втрати – DW – 27.02.2024 |url=https://www.dw.com/uk/vazki-cifri-ak-sprijnali-ukrainci-novi-dani-pro-vijskovi-vtrati/a-68381601 |access-date=25 May 2024 |website=dw.com |language=uk}}</ref><br>confirmed by names) | |||
|24 February – 9 March 2022 | |||
|24 February 2022 – 6 November 2024 | |||
|US estimate<ref>{{cite news |title=Up to 6,000 Russians may have been killed in Ukraine so far, U.S. official estimates |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-russia-death-toll-invasion/ |access-date=9 March 2022 |publisher=] |date=9 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
|UALosses project<ref name="UALosses">{{Cite web|url=https://ualosses.org/soldiers/|title=UA Losses|website=ualosses.org}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row" |'''Russian forces'''<br>(] excluded) | |||
|'''23,367''' killed | |||
|'''84,761''' killed (conf. by names) | |||
|24 February – 16 April 2022 | |||
|24 February 2022 – 20 December 2024 | |||
|Russian government<ref>{{cite news |url=https://tass.com/defense/1438729 |title=Russian Defense Ministry to publish data on military deaths from Ukrainian documents |agency=] |date=16 April 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
|] and ]<ref name="BBCMediazona">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/russian/articles/c93g42d2ky9o |title=Лидерство Башкортостана: что известно о потерях России в Украине к середине декабря |date=2024-12-13 |publisher=BBC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220193713/https://www.bbc.com/russian/articles/c93g42d2ky9o |archive-date=2024-12-20 |url-status=live}}<br>{{Cite news |title=Russian casualties in Ukraine. Mediazona count, updated |work=] |url=https://en.zona.media/article/2022/05/11/casualties_eng |date=8 November 2024 |access-date=23 December 2024}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
! |
! scope="row" |'''Russian forces'''<br>(]) | ||
|''' |
|'''21,000–23,500''' killed | ||
|24 February – |
|24 February 2022 – 30 September 2024 | ||
|]<ref name="BBCMediazona"/> | |||
|Russian government<ref>{{cite news |date=25 March 2022 |title=Russian army says 1,351 soldiers killed in Ukraine |publisher=] |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2022/03/25/Russian-army-says-1-351-soldiers-killed-in-Ukraine |access-date=25 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
|} | |||
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" | |||
|+Estimated and claimed casualties | |||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="col" | | |||
|'''1,744''' killed{{efn|name=Russianestimate|Besides servicemen of the ], figure includes more than 70 ] members and one ] member.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zona.media/article/2022/04/25/bodycount|title=Кто гибнет на войне с Украиной. Исследование «Медиазоны»|website=Медиазона}}</ref>}} | |||
! scope="col" |Numbers | |||
|24 February – 22 April 2022 | |||
! scope="col" |Time period | |||
|] news website<ref>{{cite news |date=26 April 2022 |title=Russia Loses Over 300 Officers in Ukraine War – Report |work=] |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/04/26/bodycountrussia-loses-over-300-officers-in-ukraine-war-report-a77491 |access-date=26 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
! scope="col" |Source | |||
|- | |- | ||
! rowspan="3"| Ukrainian civilians | |||
|'''1,899''' killed{{efn|name=Russianestimate2|Besides servicemen of the ], figure includes ] members.<ref></ref>}} | |||
|'''12,000''' killed (confirmed),{{efn|] for a detailed breakdown of civilian deaths by oblast, according to Ukrainian authorities.}} '''28,000''' captive | |||
|24 February – 29 April 2022 | |||
|24 February 2022 – 17 June 2024 | |||
|]<ref></ref> | |||
|Ukrainian government<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/lishe-vstanovlennya-spravedlivogo-miru-ta-prityagnennya-agre-91613|title=Only the Establishment of a Just Peace and Holding the Aggressor to Account will Stop Russia's War Crimes in Ukraine – a Separate Discussion on the Humanitarian Dimension of the War Was Held at the Peace Summit|date=17 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Post |first=Kyiv |date=8 December 2023 |title=28,000 Ukrainian Civilians in Russian Captivity, Human Rights Commissioner Says |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/25207 |access-date=25 February 2024 |website=Kyiv Post}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
|'''1,911''' killed, '''6,834''' wounded<br />(in DPR/LPR areas) | |||
!scope="row"|''']''' | |||
|17 February 2022 – 12 August 2024 | |||
|'''1,523''' killed, '''6,167''' wounded | |||
|DPR{{efn|The DPR said 1,697 civilians were killed and 6,278 wounded between 1 January 2022 and 11 August 2024,<ref> | |||
|26 February – 28 April 2022 | |||
* {{cite web |date=2022-12-30|title=Обзор социально-гуманитарной ситуации, сложившейся на территории Донецкой Народной Республики вследствие военных действий в период с 24 по 30 декабря 2022 г. |trans-title=Overview of the socio-humanitarian situation that developed on the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic as a result of military actions in the period from December 24 to December 30, 2022 |language=ru |publisher=Human rights Ombudsman in the Donetsk People's Republic |url=https://ombudsman-dnr.ru/obzor-soczialno-gumanitarnoj-situaczii-slozhivshejsya-na-territorii-doneczkoj-narodnoj-respubliki-vsledstvie-voennyh-dejstvij-v-period-s-24-po-30-dekabrya-2022-g/}} | |||
|Donetsk PR{{efn|The DPR stated 1,536 of its servicemen were killed and 6,217 wounded between 1 January and 28 April 2022,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://eng.ombudsman-dnr.ru/the-overview-of-the-current-social-and-humanitarian-situation-in-the-territory-of-the-donetsk-peoples-republic-as-a-result-of-hostilities-in-the-period-from-23-to-29-april-2022/ |title=The overview of the current social and humanitarian situation in the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic as a result of hostilities in the period from 23 to 29 April 2022 |work=Human Rights Ombudsman in the Donetsk People's Republic |date=28 April 2022 |access-date=28 April 2022}}</ref> of which 13 died and 50 were wounded between 1 January and 25 February 2022,<ref name="ombudsman1">{{cite web |url=https://eng.ombudsman-dnr.ru/the-overview-of-the-current-social-and-humanitarian-situation-in-the-territory-of-the-donetsk-peoples-republic-as-a-result-of-hostilities-in-the-period-from-19-and-25-february-2022/ |title=The overview of the current social and humanitarian situation in the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic as a result of hostilities in the period from 19 and 25 February 2022 |work=Human Rights Ombudsman in the Donetsk People's Republic |date=12 February 2022 |access-date=21 March 2022}}</ref> leaving a total of 1,523 killed and 6,167 wounded in the period of the Russian invasion.}} | |||
* {{cite web |date=2024-01-09|title=Обзор социально-гуманитарной ситуации, сложившейся на территории Донецкой Народной Республики вследствие военных действий в период с 25 по 31 декабря 2023 г. |trans-title=Overview of the socio-humanitarian situation that developed on the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic as a result of military actions in the period from December 25 to December 31, 2023 |language=ru |publisher=Human rights Ombudsman in the Donetsk People's Republic |url=https://ombudsman-dnr.ru/obzor-soczialno-gumanitarnoj-situaczii-slozhivshejsya-na-territorii-doneczkoj-narodnoj-respubliki-vsledstvie-voennyh-dejstvij-v-period-s-25-po-31-dekabrya-2023-g/}} | |||
* {{cite web |date=2024-08-12|title=Обзор социально-гуманитарной ситуации, сложившейся на территории Донецкой Народной Республики вследствие военных действий в период с 05 по 11 августа 2024 г. |trans-title=Overview of the socio-humanitarian situation that developed on the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic as a result of military actions in the period from August 5 to August 11, 2024 |language=ru |publisher=Human rights Ombudsman in the Donetsk People's Republic |url=https://ombudsman-dnr.ru/obzor-soczialno-gumanitarnoj-situaczii-slozhivshejsya-na-territorii-doneczkoj-narodnoj-respubliki-vsledstvie-voennyh-dejstvij-v-period-s-05-po-11-avgusta-2024/}} | |||
</ref> of which 8 died and 23 were wounded between 1 January and 25 February 2022,<ref name="ombudsman1">{{Cite web |date=12 February 2022 |title=The overview of the current social and humanitarian situation in the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic as a result of hostilities in the period from 19 and 25 February 2022 |url=https://eng.ombudsman-dnr.ru/the-overview-of-the-current-social-and-humanitarian-situation-in-the-territory-of-the-donetsk-peoples-republic-as-a-result-of-hostilities-in-the-period-from-19-and-25-february-2022/ |access-date=21 March 2022 |website=Human Rights Ombudsman in the Donetsk People's Republic}}</ref> leaving a total of 1,689 killed and 6,255 wounded in the period of the Russian invasion.}} and LPR<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 February 2023 |title=192 LPR residents killed in Kiev artillery attacks since February 2022 – JCCC |url=https://lug-info.com/en/news/192-lpr-residents-killed-in-kiev-artillery-attacks-since-february-2022-jccc |website=lug-info.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 April 2023 |title=Ten civilians killed, 47 wounded in Kiev artillery strikes at LPR in March – ombudsperson |url=https://lug-info.com/en/news/ten-civilians-killed-47-wounded-in-kiev-artillery-strikes-at-lpr-in-march-ombudsperson |website=lug-info.com}}<br /><br /></ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
|'''13,287''' killed, '''19,464''' injured | |||
!scope="row"|''']''' | |||
|24 February 2022 – 23 February 2023 | |||
|'''500–600''' killed | |||
|Benjamin J. Radford et al.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Radford |first1=Benjamin J. |last2=Dai |first2=Yaoyao |last3=Stoehr |first3=Niklas |last4=Schein |first4=Aaron |last5=Fernandez |first5=Mya |last6=Sajid |first6=Hanif |date=22 August 2023 |title=Estimating conflict losses and reporting biases |journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences |volume=120 |issue=34 |pages=e2307372120 |doi=10.1073/pnas.2307372120 |pmc=10450422 |pmid=37579154 |bibcode=2023PNAS..12007372R }}</ref> | |||
|24 February – 5 April 2022 | |||
|Russian government{{efn|Russia stated 1,500 DPR and LPR servicemen were killed 24 Feb.–5 April 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last=Новости |first=Р. И. А. |script-title=ru:Буча и концентрированное зло: последний аргумент против русских |url=https://ria.ru/20220405/rusofobiya-1781778401.html |website=РИА Новости |language=ru |date=5 April 2022}}</ref> Taking into account that officially confirmed DPR losses were 979 killed 26 Feb.–7 April 2022,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://eng.ombudsman-dnr.ru/the-overview-of-the-current-social-and-humanitarian-situation-in-the-territory-of-the-donetsk-peoples-republic-as-a-result-of-hostilities-in-the-period-from-02-to-08-april-2022/ |title=Overview of the social and humanitarian situation that has developed on the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic as a result of military operations in the period from 2 to 8 April 2022 |work=Human Rights Ombudsman in the Donetsk People's Republic |date=8 April 2022 |access-date=8 April 2022}}</ref><ref name="ombudsman1"/> it can be estimated 500–600 LPR servicemen died 24 Feb.–5 April 2022.}} | |||
|- | |- | ||
! rowspan="2"| Ukrainian forces | |||
! rowspan="3" scope="row" |'''Russian and allied forces'''<br />(], ], ],<br />], ]) | |||
|''' |
| '''80,000''' killed, '''400,000''' wounded | ||
|24 February – |
|24 February 2022 – before September 2024 | ||
|] citing confidential Ukrainian estimate<ref name="WSJ-Casualties" /> | |||
|US estimate<ref>{{cite news |title=What next for Russia? |url=https://www.economist.com/briefing/2022/04/02/what-next-for-russia |newspaper=] |date=2 April 2022 |access-date=6 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
|''' |
|'''57,500+''' killed, '''250,000+''' wounded | ||
|24 February – |
|24 February 2022 – 10 October 2024 | ||
|United States estimate<ref name="USestimate">{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/10/us/politics/russia-casualties-ukraine-war.html |title= September Was Deadly Month for Russian Troops in Ukraine, U.S. Says |work=The New York Times |date=10 October 2024 |access-date=10 October 2024}}</ref> | |||
|UK estimate<ref>{{cite web |title=Defence Secretary statement to the House of Commons on Ukraine: 25 April 2022 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/defence-secretary-statement-to-the-house-of-commons-on-ukraine-25-april-2022 |website=GOV.UK}}<br>{{cite news |title=Britain estimates 15,000 Russian troops killed since Ukraine invasion began |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/britain-estimates-15000-russian-troops-killed-since-ukraine-invasion-began/ |archive-date=25 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
! rowspan="4"| Russian forces | |||
|'''23,500''' losses{{efn|The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine uses the terms "combat losses" and "liquidated".<ref name="RussianLosses"/><ref>{{cite web |title=The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02 to 26.04 |url=https://www.mil.gov.ua/en/news/2022/04/26/the-total-combat-losses-of-the-enemy-from-24-02-to-26-04/ |newspaper=Ministry of Defence of Ukraine }}</ref> According to the BBC, these figures include wounded soldiers,<ref name="BBC R.C1"/><ref name="BBC R.C2"/> while others interpret the figures to be referring to only those killed.<ref> | |||
|'''115,000''' killed, '''500,000''' wounded | |||
{{cite news |last1=Mehta |first1=Amar |title=Ukraine war: Putin accuses West of plot to destroy Russia - and says secret service foiled attempt to kill journalist |url=https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-war-russia-foils-terrorist-plot-to-kill-tv-journalist-vladimir-putin-claims-12598771 |work=Sky News}}</ref><ref> | |||
|24 February 2022 – 10 October 2024 | |||
{{cite news |last1=Зубкова |first1=Даша |title=Russian Troops Personnel Losses On April 24 Up 100 To 21,900 Killed, Equipment By 11 Tanks And 2 Aircraft |url=https://ukranews.com/en/news/852409-russian-troops-personnel-losses-on-april-24-up-100-to-21-900-killed-equipment-by-11-tanks-and-2 |agency=Ukrainian News Agency |date=25 April 2022}}</ref>}} | |||
|US estimate<ref name="USestimate"/> | |||
|24 February – 1 May 2022 | |||
|- | |||
|Ukrainian government<ref name="RussianLosses">{{cite news |agency=] |date=1 May 2022 |title=З початку повномасштабного вторгнення в Україну російська армія втратила близько 23,5 тис. військовослужбовців - Генштаб ЗСУ |url=https://interfax.com.ua/news/general/828666.html |access-date=1 May 2022}}</ref> | |||
|'''404,700–564,000''' killed and wounded | |||
|24 February 2022 – 18 October 2024 | |||
|BBC News Russian<ref name="BBCMediazona"/> | |||
|- | |||
|'''776,090+''' killed and wounded | |||
|24 February 2022 – 23 December 2024 | |||
|Ukrainian ] estimate<ref>{{cite web |date=23 December 2024 |title=War in Ukraine. Total Combat Losses of the Russian Forces for Day 1034 |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/ |access-date=23 December 2024 |work=pravda.com.ua |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|'''700,000''' killed and wounded | |||
|24 February 2022 – 10 November 2024 | |||
|UK ] estimate<ref>{{Cite web |title=Russia suffers worst month for casualties, says UK defence chief |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp3nv7j1xkxo |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> | |||
|} | |} | ||
== Prisoners of war == | |||
With respect to Russian military losses, Ukrainian estimates tended to be high, while Russian estimates of their own losses were much lower. Combat deaths can be inferred from a variety of sources, including ] and video image of military actions.<ref name="MoraleIssue">{{cite news |title=As Russian Troop Deaths Climb, Morale Becomes an Issue, Officials Say |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/16/us/politics/russia-troop-deaths.html |date=17 March 2022 |access-date=16 March 2022 |archive-date=16 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316225152/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/16/us/politics/russia-troop-deaths.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The West has generally accepted Ukrainian figures, but these may have been inflated to emphasise the toll on the Russian military for the sake of morale, while Russia was downplaying its losses, with Russian news outlets largely stopping reporting of the Russian death toll.<ref name="fortune">{{cite web |url=https://fortune.com/2022/03/14/ukraine-russia-death-tolls-misinformation-find-your-own/ |title=Why is it so hard to get accurate death tolls in the Russia-Ukraine war? |first=David |last=Meyer |work=] |date=14 March 2022 |access-date=21 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/22/how-many-russian-soldiers-died-ukraine-losses |title=How many Russian soldiers have died in the war in Ukraine? |first=Andrew |last=Roth |work=] |date=22 March 2022 |access-date=22 March 2022}}</ref><ref name="tragedy">{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/8/we-have-significant-losses-and-its-a-huge-tragedy-kremlin |title=Russia admits 'significant losses of troops' in Ukraine |date=8 April 2022 |access-date=8 April 2022}}</ref> Ukraine was also quieter about its own military fatalities.<ref name="fortune"/><ref name="untilwarends">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3443116-ukraine-not-to-reveal-own-military-death-toll-until-war-ends.html|title=Ukraine not to reveal own military death toll until war ends|website=www.ukrinform.net}}</ref> Russia and Ukraine admitted to suffering "significant" and "considerable" losses, respectively.<ref name="tragedy"/><ref name="untilwarends"/> According to ], Ukrainian claims of Russian fatalities were including the injured as well.<ref name="BBC R.C1">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60802572?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=623891cd1fea84616a6cc523%26BBC%20investigation%20reveals%20confirmed%20Russian%20military%20deaths%262022-03-21T16%3A03%3A19.559Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:82515e34-7a58-4c1f-8ad1-905dee307ca2&pinned_post_asset_id=623891cd1fea84616a6cc523&pinned_post_type=share |title=BBC investigation reveals confirmed Russian military deaths |first1=Olga |last1=Ivshina |first2=Olga |last2=Prosvirova |work=] |date=21 March 2022 |access-date=21 March 2022 |quote=Ukrainian military sources say that so far as many as 15,000 have been killed, though this figure may include injured as well as dead.}}</ref><ref name="BBC R.C2">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/russian/live/news-61145316?ns_mchannel=social&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:3b8c4837-fda0-4eb1-b155-77299d8ade3f&pinned_post_asset_id=626507b8b1e16c43aefe7312&pinned_post_type=share |title=ВСУ: Российские потери составляют почти 22 тысячи человек |work=] |date=24 April 2022 |access-date=24 April 2022}}</ref> ], as well as independent conflict monitors, reported that they had not been able to verify Russian and Ukrainian claims of enemy losses, but suspected they were inflated.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220413-ukraine-conflict-death-toll-what-we-know |title=Ukraine conflict death toll: what we know |publisher=] |date=13 April 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
{{See also|Casualties of the Russo-Ukrainian War#Prisoners of war| Treatment of prisoners of war in the Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
Official and estimated numbers of ] (POW) have varied.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Crawford |first=Neta C. |date=4 April 2022 |title=Reliable death tolls from the Ukraine war are hard to come by – the result of undercounts and manipulation |url=https://theconversation.com/reliable-death-tolls-from-the-ukraine-war-are-hard-to-come-by-the-result-of-undercounts-and-manipulation-179905 |magazine=] |access-date=15 September 2022}}</ref> On 24 February, ], Ukraine's ambassador to the US, said that a platoon of the ] from ] had surrendered, saying they were unaware that they had been brought to Ukraine and ordered to kill Ukrainians.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Choi |first=Joseph |date=24 February 2022 |title=Ukrainian ambassador says Russian platoon surrendered to Ukrainian forces |work=] |url=https://thehill.com/policy/international/595728-ukrainian-ambassador-says-russian-platoon-surrendered-to-ukrainian |access-date=29 March 2022}}</ref> Russia claimed to have captured 572 Ukrainian soldiers as of 2 March 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 March 2022 |title=Moscow: Nearly 500 of its troops have been killed in Ukraine |url=https://whdh.com/news/moscow-nearly-500-of-its-troops-have-been-killed-in-ukraine/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302202227/https://whdh.com/news/moscow-nearly-500-of-its-troops-have-been-killed-in-ukraine/ |archive-date=2 March 2022 |access-date=3 March 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> while Ukraine said it held 562 Russian soldiers as of 20 March.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/03/19/7332794/ |title=562 Russian soldiers held in the custody of Ukraine – says Vereschuk, but expects for more |publisher=] |first1=Roman |last1=Petrenko |first2=Roman |last2=Kravets |date=19 March 2022}}</ref> It also released one soldier for five of its own and exchanged another nine for the detained mayor of Melitopol.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 March 2022 |title=Ukraine, Russia Exchange Prisoners For First Time Since Invasion, Ukrainian Military Officer Says |publisher=] |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-prisoner-swap-russia/31730584.html |access-date=20 March 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Ljunggren |first=David |date=17 March 2022 |title=Ukraine swapped nine Russian soldiers to free detained mayor |work=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-forces-have-released-mayor-city-melitopol-kyiv-2022-03-16/ |access-date=25 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
On 24 March 2022, 10 Russian and 10 Ukrainian soldiers, as well as 11 Russians and 19 Ukrainian civilian sailors, were exchanged.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 March 2022 |title=Ukraine announces first proper POWs exchange with Russia |agency=] |url=https://interfax.com/newsroom/top-stories/77337/ |access-date=24 March 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite news |date=24 March 2022 |title=Today's key developments |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60856533 |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref> On 1 April, 86 Ukrainian servicemen were exchanged<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 April 2022 |title=Some 86 Ukrainian servicemen released under exchange with Russia – President's Office dpty head |url=https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/820176.html |access-date=6 April 2022 |website=]}}</ref> for an unknown number of Russian troops.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 April 2022 |title=Ukraine and Russia exchange captured troops |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60949706 |access-date=15 September 2022}}</ref> '']'' on 9 June 2022 cited an intelligence estimate of more than 5,600 Ukrainian soldiers captured, while the Russian servicemen held prisoner fell from 900 in April to 550 after several prisoner exchanges. | |||
A 25 August 2022 report by the Humanitarian Research Lab of the ] identified some 21 ] for Ukrainian "civilians, POWs, and other personnel" in the vicinity of Donetsk oblast. Imaging of one camp, ], found two sites featuring disturbed earth consistent with "potential graves."<ref name="Yale School of Medicine">{{Cite news |date=25 August 2022 |title=Yale researchers identify 21 sites in Donetsk oblast, Ukraine used for civilian interrogation, processing, and detention |work=] |url=https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/yale-researchers-identify-21-sites-in-donetsk-oblast-ukraine-used-for-civilian-interrogation-processing-and-detention/ |access-date=27 August 2022}}</ref> Kaveh Khoshnood, a professor at the Yale School of Public Health, said: "Incommunicado detention of civilians is more than a violation of international humanitarian law—it represents a threat to the public health of those currently in the custody of Russia and its proxies." Conditions described by freed prisoners include exposure, insufficient access to sanitation, food and water, cramped conditions, electrical shocks and physical assault.<ref name="Yale School of Medicine"/> | |||
In late 2022, as Russian casualties exceeded 50,000, the Russian army introduced ]. The U.K. defence ministry stated that these are units that threaten to shoot their own retreating soldiers in order to compel offensives. In March 2023, Russian soldiers filmed a video addressed to President Putin where they stated that after suffering casualties, they attempted to return to their headquarters but their superiors denied them evacuation. They stated that barrier troops were placed behind them threatening to "destroy them".<ref name="Sauer 2023 a785">{{cite web | last=Sauer | first=Pjotr | title=Russian soldiers say commanders used 'barrier troops' to stop them retreating | website=the Guardian | date=27 March 2023 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/27/russian-soldiers-commanders-used-barrier-troops-stop-retreating | access-date=25 January 2024}}</ref> In particular, ] units have been reported to be "kept in line" by barrier troops.<ref name="Axe 2024 h250">{{cite web | last=Axe | first=David | title='They're Just Choosing Where To Die.' When Russia's Poorly-Trained Stormtroopers Retreat, Russian Barrier Troops Gun Them Down. | website=Forbes | date=18 January 2024 | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/01/18/theyre-just-choosing-where-to-die-when-russias-poorly-trained-stormtroopers-retreat-russian-barrier-troops-gun-them-down/?sh=1b63e48d75a0 | access-date=25 January 2024}}</ref> | |||
In March 2023, UN human rights commissioner ] reported that more than 90% of the Ukrainian POWs interviewed by his office, which could only include those who were released from Russia, said in Russia "they were tortured or ill-treated, notably in penitentiary facilities, including through so-called – it is an awful phrase – 'welcoming beatings' on their arrival, as well as frequent acts of torture throughout detention."<ref>{{Cite web |title=On Ukraine, High Commissioner Türk details severe violations and calls for a just peace |url=https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements/2023/03/ukraine-high-commissioner-turk-details-severe-violations-and-calls-just-peace |access-date=4 April 2023 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
In April 2023, several videos started circulating on different websites purportedly showing Russian soldiers beheading Ukrainian soldiers.<ref name="AP NEWS 2023">{{Cite web |date=12 April 2023 |title=Ukraine's outrage grows over video seeming to show beheading |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-beheading-video-54d6dca30e5e326f6287a60602a8e5cb |access-date=17 April 2023 |publisher=AP News}} | |||
* {{Cite news |date=12 April 2023 |title=Zelenskyy slams 'beasts' in gruesome beheading video; Kremlin calls footage 'terrible' |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/12/russia-ukraine-live-updates.html |access-date=26 September 2023 |work=]}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last1=Belam |first1=Martin |last2=Chao-Fong |first2=Léonie |date=12 April 2023 |title=Russia-Ukraine war at a glance: what we know on day 413 of the invasion |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/12/russia-ukraine-war-at-a-glance-what-we-know-on-day-413-of-the-invasion |access-date=26 September 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Zelenskyy compared Russian soldiers to "beasts" after the footage was circulated.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 April 2023 |title=Zelensky slams 'beasts' who purportedly beheaded Ukrainian soldiers after video emerges |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/11/europe/beheading-videos-ukraine-intl-hnk-ml/index.html |access-date=26 September 2023 |work=]}} | |||
* {{Cite news |title=Ukraine says Russia 'worse than ISIS' after beheading video |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/4/12/ukraine-says-russia-worse-than-isis-after-beheading-video |access-date=26 September 2023 |work=]}}</ref> Russian officials opened an investigation of the footage shortly thereafter.<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 April 2023 |title=Russia opens probe into alleged beheading of Ukrainian soldier |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-739122 |access-date= |work=]}}</ref> | |||
== War crimes and attacks on civilians == | |||
{{main|War crimes in the Russian invasion of Ukraine|Attacks on civilians in the Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
]. Ukrainian investigators identified more than 600 suspected ], some notably involving Russian defence minister ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Evidence of Russian crimes mounts as war in Ukraine drags on |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-crimes-government-international-criminal-court-a6edd7e6ed0de527b42a1790dccc33ea |work=] |date=30 December 2022}}</ref>]] | |||
During the invasion, the Russian military and authorities have been responsible for deliberate ]<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 April 2022 |title=Chernihiv: Are these Russia's weapons of war? |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61036880 |access-date=3 May 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last1=Gall |first1=Carlotta |last2=Kramer |first2=Andrew E. |date=3 April 2022 |title=In a Kyiv Suburb,'They Shot Everyone They Saw' |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/03/world/europe/ukraine-russia-war-civilian-deaths.html |access-date=3 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412065516/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/03/world/europe/ukraine-russia-war-civilian-deaths.html |archive-date=12 April 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> (including ] and ]), massacres of civilians, abduction and torture of civilians, ],<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/23/world/europe/russia-ukraine-war-crimes-united-nations.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924015357/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/23/world/europe/russia-ukraine-war-crimes-united-nations.html | archive-date=24 September 2022 | title=U.N. Experts find that war crimes have been committed in Ukraine | newspaper=The New York Times | date=23 September 2022 | last1=Cumming-Bruce | first1=Nick }} | |||
* {{Cite web |last=Macias |first=Amanda |title=UN report details horrifying Ukrainian accounts of rape, torture and executions by Russian troops |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/28/russia-ukraine-war-un-report-details-accounts-of-rape-torture-and-executions.html |access-date=29 January 2023 |website=CNBC |date=28 October 2022}}</ref> forced deportation of civilians, and torture and murder of Ukrainian prisoners of war. They have also carried out many ]s in densely populated areas, including ].<ref>{{Cite journal |year=2022 |title=Update on the human rights situation in Ukraine |url=https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/2022-03/HRMMU_Update_2022-03-26_EN.pdf |journal=Ukraine |volume=2 |issue=1 |via=] |access-date=19 January 2023 |archive-date=1 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401192931/https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/2022-03/HRMMU_Update_2022-03-26_EN.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 May 2022 |title=Ukraine destruction: how the Guardian documented Russia's use of illegal weapons |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/24/ukraine-destruction-how-the-guardian-documented-russia-use-of-weapons |access-date=19 January 2023 |website=] |issn=1756-3224 |oclc=60623878 |archive-date=29 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829060748/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/24/ukraine-destruction-how-the-guardian-documented-russia-use-of-weapons |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |year=2022 |title=CLUSTER MUNITION MONITOR 2022 |url=http://www.the-monitor.org/media/3348257/Cluster-Munition-Monitor-2022-Web_HR.pdf |publisher=Cluster Munition Coalition |isbn=978-2-9701476-1-9 |via=The Monitor |access-date=19 January 2023 |archive-date=27 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827072718/http://www.the-monitor.org/media/3348257/Cluster-Munition-Monitor-2022-Web_HR.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> According to ], the chief of the Ukrainian intelligence, Russia before the start of the invasion of Ukraine had created 'execution lists' of Ukrainian teachers, journalists, scientists, writers, priests, politicians and was preparing for a ] of Ukrainians, also the plans included locations of ]s and mobile ]s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Russia was Preparing for a New Genocide of Ukrainians Long Before the Full-Scale Invasion, - Kyrylo Budanov |url=https://gur.gov.ua/en/content/do-novoho-henotsydu-ukraintsiv-rosiia-hotuvalas-zadovho-do-povnomasshtabnoho-vtorhnennia-kyrylo-budanov |website=Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine}}</ref> | |||
According to the ] (OHCHR), by December 2023, about 78% of confirmed civilian casualties had been killed in Ukrainian-controlled territory, while 21% had been killed in Russian-occupied territory.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ukraine.un.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/Ukraine%20-%20protection%20of%20civilians%20in%20armed%20conflict%20%28December%202023%29_ENG_0.pdf |title=Ukraine: protection of civilians in armed conflict. December 2023 update |publisher=] |website=ukraine.un.org}} Total civilians killed: 10,191; Killed in Ukrainian government-controlled territories: 7,967; Killed in Russian-occupied territories: 2,224.</ref> | |||
The UN Human Rights Office reports that Russia is committing severe ], including ], ]s, torture, crackdown on ] and ], enforced ], indoctrination of children, and suppression of Ukrainian language and culture.<ref name="UN report March 24">{{cite news|title=UN report details 'climate of fear' in Russian occupied areas of Ukraine| work=UN News| url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147776|date=20 March 2024}}</ref> Ukrainians have been ] and becoming Russian citizens. Those who refuse are denied healthcare and other rights,<ref name="UN report March 24"/> and can be imprisoned as a "foreign citizen". Ukrainian men who take Russian citizenship are drafted to fight against the Ukrainian army.<ref>{{cite news |title=Takeaways into AP investigation into Russian system to force its passports on occupied Ukraine |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-occupation-passports-citizenship-fa49f7f348f6283ab06db0512fd23eda |work=] |date=15 March 2024}}</ref> | |||
Russian forces have reportedly used banned ] at least 465 times during the war, usually as ] grenades.<ref name="Hambling 2023 z855">{{cite web | last=Hambling | first=David | title=What We Know About Russian Chemical Weapon Attacks | website=Forbes | date=29 December 2023 | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2023/12/29/what-we-know-about-russian-chemical-weapon-attacks/ | access-date=23 March 2024}}</ref> The use of tear gas is banned by international ] and considered a chemical weapon if applied by military forces during warfare.<ref name="Field 2024 s609">{{cite web | last=Field | first=Matt | title=Russia appears to be using chemical weapons in Ukraine. And admitting it. | website=Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists | date=15 March 2024 | url=https://thebulletin.org/2024/03/russia-appears-to-be-using-chemical-weapons-in-ukraine-and-admitting-it/ | access-date=23 March 2024}}</ref> In April 2024, a '']'' investigation concluded that "Russian troops are carrying out a systematic campaign of illegal chemical attacks against Ukrainian soldiers".<ref name="The Telegraph 2024 g413">{{cite web | title=Russia carrying out illegal chemical attacks on Ukrainian soldiers | website=The Telegraph | date=6 April 2024 | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/04/06/russia-using-illegal-chemical-attacks-against-ukraine/ | access-date=7 April 2024}}</ref> | |||
In March 2024, the United Nations issued a report saying Russia may have executed more than 30 recently captured Ukrainian prisoners of war over the winter months. The UN Human Rights Office verified three incidents in which Russian servicemen executed seven Ukrainian servicemen. According to the same report, 39 of 60 released Ukrainian prisoners of war also "disclosed that they had been subjected to sexual violence during their internment, including attempted rape, threats of rape and castration, beatings or the administration of electric shocks to genitals, and repeated forced nudity, including during interrogations and to check for tattoos."<ref name="Melkozerova 2024 g984">{{cite web | last=Melkozerova | first=Veronika | title=Russia executed Ukrainian POWs, UN report says | website=POLITICO | date=27 March 2024 | url=https://www.politico.eu/article/russia-executed-32-ukrainian-prisioners-war-winter-un-report-reads/ | access-date=27 March 2024}}</ref> | |||
=== Abduction of Ukrainian children === | |||
{{main|Child abductions in the Russo-Ukrainian War}} | |||
In June 2024, an investigation by the '']'' identified four Ukrainian children on a Russian government-linked adoption website that had been abducted from state care homes. The children's Ukrainian background was not mentioned. One child was shown with a new Russian name and age that differed from their Ukrainian documents, another was shown using a Russian version of their Ukrainian name. 17 additional matches identified by the ''Financial Times'' on the adoption website were also confirmed as Ukrainian children in a recent ''New York Times'' investigation. Ukrainian authorities estimate that nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly taken from occupied territories to Russia since the full-scale invasion began. Wayne Jordash, president of humanitarian law firm Global Rights Compliance, described forcibly transferring or deporting children as war crimes, adding that when done as part of a widespread or systematic attack on a civilian population, Russia is also committing crimes against humanity.<ref name="k182">{{cite news | title=FT investigation finds Ukrainian children on Russian adoption sites | website=Financial Times | date=12 June 2024 | url=https://www.ft.com/content/2d0013d2-a407-449f-b1e2-3d14fe65188f | access-date=13 June 2024 | last1=Miller | first1=Christopher | last2=Joiner | first2=Sam | last3=Killing | first3=Alison | last4=Andringa | first4=Peter | last5=Campbell | first5=Chris | last6=Stognei | first6=Anastasia | last7=Learner | first7=Sam }}</ref><ref name="t017">{{cite web | title=US aware of 'credible' reports Russia is listing Ukrainian children for adoption, White House says | website=Reuters | date=12 June 2024 | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us-aware-credible-reports-russia-is-listing-ukrainian-children-adoption-white-2024-06-12/ | access-date=13 June 2024}}</ref> | |||
=== International arrest warrants === | |||
{{Further information|International Criminal Court arrest warrants for Russian figures}} | |||
The ] (ICC) opened ] into possible ], ] and war crimes.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Allegretti |first=Aubrey |date=3 March 2022 |title=ICC launches war crimes investigation over Russian invasion of Ukraine |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/03/icc-launches-war-crimes-investigation-russia-invasion-ukraine |access-date=11 February 2023 |issn=0261-3077}} | |||
* {{Cite web |title=Ukraine |url=https://www.icc-cpi.int/ukraine |access-date=11 February 2023 |website=]}}</ref> On 17 March 2023 the ICC issued a warrant for Putin's arrest, charging him with individual criminal responsibility in the ] forcibly deported to Russia.<ref name="issues_warrant_2023_03_17_reuters">{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us-says-video-shows-russian-jet-intercepted-spy-drone-near-ukraine-2023-03-16/ |title=Ukraine war: International court issues warrant for Putin's arrest |date=17 March 2023 |work=] |access-date=18 March 2023}} | |||
* {{cite web |url=https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/situation-ukraine-icc-judges-issue-arrest-warrants-against-vladimir-vladimirovich-putin-and |title=Situation in Ukraine: ICC judges issue arrest warrants against Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova |date=17 March 2023 |website=] |access-date=18 March 2023}} | |||
* {{Cite web |last=Hofmański |first=Piotr |author-link=Piotr Hofmański |date=17 March 2023 |title=ICC arrest warrants in the situation of Ukraine: Statement by President Piotr Hofmański |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbKhCAaRLfc |website=] |publisher=] |format=video}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last1=Corder |first1=Mike |last2=Casert |first2=Raf |date=17 March 2023 |title=ICC issues arrest warrant for Putin over Ukraine war crimes |work=] |url=https://apnews.com/article/icc-putin-war-crimes-ukraine-9857eb68d827340394960eccf0589253 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317153603/https://apnews.com/article/icc-putin-war-crimes-ukraine-9857eb68d827340394960eccf0589253 |archive-date=17 March 2023}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Michaels |first=Daniel |date=17 March 2023 |title=U.N. Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Russia's Putin And Another Kremlin Official |work=] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-n-court-issues-arrest-warrant-for-russias-putin-and-another-kremlin-official-d3b9cb8e?mod=Searchresults_pos1&page=1}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Fowler |first=Sarah |date=17 March 2023 |title="No excuse to deport children to Russia, says ICC prosecutor," |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-64994087 |work=] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230317212759/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-64994087 |archive-date=17 March 2023}}</ref> It was the first time that the ICC had issued an arrest warrant for the head of state of a ] of the ]<ref name="issues_warrant_2023_03_17_reuters"/> (the world's five principal nuclear powers).<ref name="nuclear_powers">{{cite book |url=https://sipri.org/sites/default/files/SIPRIYB20c10s0.pdf |at=Table 10.1. World nuclear forces, January 2020; page 326 |chapter=10: "World nuclear forces" |title=Military Spending and Armaments, 2019 |publisher=] (SIPRI) |access-date=18 March 2023}}</ref> Moscow has denied any involvement in war crimes, a response Vittorio Bufacchi of ] says "has bordered on the farcical,"<ref>{{cite journal |first1=Vittorio |last1=Bufacchi |title=War crimes in Ukraine: is Putin responsible? |pages=6 |date=26 July 2022 |doi=10.1080/2158379X.2022.2105495 |volume=16 |issue=1 |journal=Journal of Political Power |s2cid=251124184 |doi-access=free |hdl=10468/13459 |hdl-access=free }}</ref> and its contention that the images coming out of Bucha were fabricated "a disingenuous response born by delusional hubris, post-truth on overdrive, (that) does not merit to be taken seriously." Even the usually fractured United States Senate came together to call Putin a war criminal.<ref>{{cite news |work=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-senate-unanimously-condemns-putin-war-criminal-2022-03-15/ |title=U.S. Senate unanimously condemns Putin as war criminal |first=Moira |last=Warburton |date=15 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
One of several efforts to document Russian war crimes concerns its repeated bombardment of markets and bread lines, destruction of basic infrastructure and attacks on exports and supply convoys, in a country where deliberate starvation of Ukrainians by Soviets the ] still looms large in public memory.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Dan |last1=Sabbagh |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/24/war-crimes-dossier-to-accuse-russia-of-deliberately-causing-starvation-in-ukraine |title=War crimes dossier to accuse Russia of deliberately causing starvation in Ukraine |date=24 September 2023 |work=]}}</ref> Forcible deportation of populations, such as took place in Mariupol, is another area of focus, since "forced deportations and transfers are defined both as war crimes under the ] and ] and Article 8 of the Rome Statute—and as crimes against humanity—under Article 7 of the ]. As both war crimes and ], they have several mechanisms for individual accountability, the International Criminal Court and also, at the individual state level, ] and ] legislation.<ref>{{cite journal |first1=Victoria |last1=Colvin |first2=Phil |last2=Orchard |title=Forced deportations and the Ukraine war: Russian culpability in atrocity crimes | |||
|doi=10.1177/26330024231167184 |volume=3 |issue=2 |date=28 March 2023 |journal=Violence|pages=281–300 |s2cid=257852247|doi-access=free }}</ref> | |||
The ICC also issued arrest warrants for military officials ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/situation-ukraine-icc-judges-issue-arrest-warrants-against-sergei-ivanovich-kobylash-and|title=Situation in Ukraine: ICC judges issue arrest warrants against Sergei Ivanovich Kobylash and Viktor Nikolayevich Sokolov|publisher=]| date=5 March 2024 | access-date =5 March 2024 }}</ref><ref name="WarCrime">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/25/icc-issues-arrest-warrants-for-russias-sergei-shoigu-and-valery-gerasimov|last=Roth|first=Andrew|title=ICC issues arrest warrants for Russian officials over alleged Ukraine war crimes|date=25 June 2024|work=]|access-date=25 June 2024}}</ref> | |||
The number of civilian and military deaths is impossible to determine with precision given the ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/26/ukraine-deaths-casualties/ |title=Civilians are dying in Ukraine. But exactly how many remains a mystery. |first1=Isabelle |last1=Khurshudyan |first2=Griff |last2=Witte |newspaper=] |date=26 February 2022 |access-date=21 March 2022}}</ref><ref name="MoraleIssue" /> The ] (OHCHR) considers the number of civilian casualties to be considerably higher than the figure the United Nations are able to certify.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ukraine: Civilian casualties as of 24.00 15 March 2022 – Ukraine |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/ukraine/ukraine-civilian-casualties-2400-15-march-2022-enruuk-0 |date=15 March 2022 |access-date=17 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
== Impacts == | |||
=== Humanitarian impact === | |||
{{See also|War crimes in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine#Treatment of prisoners of war}} | |||
{{main|Humanitarian impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
Over a thousand prisoners of war have been captured. In the initial stages of the invasion, on 24 February, ], Ukraine's ambassador to the US, stated that a platoon of the ] from ] surrendered, saying they were unaware that they had been brought to Ukraine and tasked with killing Ukrainians.<ref>{{cite news |last=Choi |first=Joseph |date=24 February 2022 |title=Ukrainian ambassador says Russian platoon surrendered to Ukrainian forces |work=] |url=https://thehill.com/policy/international/595728-ukrainian-ambassador-says-russian-platoon-surrendered-to-ukrainian |access-date=29 March 2022}}</ref> Russia claimed to have captured 572 Ukrainian soldiers by 2 March 2022,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whdh.com/news/moscow-nearly-500-of-its-troops-have-been-killed-in-ukraine/ |title=Moscow: Nearly 500 of its troops have been killed in Ukraine |publisher=] |access-date=3 March 2022 |archive-date=2 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302202227/https://whdh.com/news/moscow-nearly-500-of-its-troops-have-been-killed-in-ukraine/ |url-status=live}}</ref> while Ukraine claimed 562 Russian soldiers were being held as prisoners as of 20 March,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/russia-ukraine-war/ukraine-holding-562-russian-prisoners-of-war/2540425 |title=Ukraine holding 562 Russian prisoners of war |first=Bahtiyar |last=Abdulkerimov |publisher=] |date=20 March 2022 |access-date=20 March 2022}}</ref> with 10 previously reported released in prisoner exchanges for five Ukrainian soldiers and the mayor of ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-prisoner-swap-russia/31730584.html |title=Ukraine, Russia Exchange Prisoners For First Time Since Invasion, Ukrainian Military Officer Says |publisher=] |date=1 March 2022 |access-date=20 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-forces-have-released-mayor-city-melitopol-kyiv-2022-03-16/ |title=Ukraine swapped nine Russian soldiers to free detained mayor |work=Reuters |last=Ljunggren |first=David |date=17 March 2022 |access-date=25 March 2022}}</ref> Subsequently, the first large prisoner exchange took place on 24 March, when 10 Russian and 10 Ukrainian soldiers, as well as 11 Russian and 19 Ukrainian civilian sailors, were exchanged.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://interfax.com/newsroom/top-stories/77337/ |title=Ukraine announces first proper POWs exchange with Russia |agency=] |date=24 March 2022 |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60856533?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=623cc6215fbc655faa01ec65%26Today%27s%20key%20developments%262022-03-24T19%3A50%3A28.107Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:2cd05204-2b08-4c6e-b9f5-d8134c3b81e5&pinned_post_asset_id=623cc6215fbc655faa01ec65&pinned_post_type=share |title=Today's key developments |work=] |date=24 March 2022 |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref> On 1 April 86 Ukrainian servicemen were exchanged<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/820176.html |title=Some 86 Ukrainian servicemen released under exchange with Russia – President's Office dpty head |website=] |date=1 April 2022 |access-date=6 April 2022}}</ref> for an unknown number of Russian troops.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-europe-60949706 |title=Ukraine war latest: Red Cross forced to postpone evacuation of Mariupol |website=]}}</ref> | |||
{{further|World food crises (2022–present)}} | |||
The humanitarian impact of the invasion has been extensive and has included negative impacts on international food supplies and the ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 August 2022 |title=Ukraine exports 1 million tonnes of grain under new deal, train attacks may be war crimes, experts say |publisher=] |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-27/ukraine-has-exported-1-million-tonnes-of-food-under-grain-deal/101379084 |access-date=27 August 2022}}</ref> An estimated 6.6 million Ukrainians were internally displaced by August 2022, and about the same number were refugees in other countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.axios.com/2022/02/26/ukraine-refugees-russian-invasion |title=Nearly a third of Ukraine's population has been displaced since war begain |publisher=] |date=24 August 2022 |first1=Erin |last1=Doherty |first2=Ivana |last2=Saric |access-date=17 September 2023}}</ref> The invasion has devastated the cultural heritage of Ukraine,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mullins |first=Charlotte |date=27 May 2022 |title='Ukraine's heritage is under direct attack': why Russia is looting the country's museums |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2022/may/27/ukraine-russia-looting-museums |access-date=2 June 2022}}</ref> with over 500 Ukrainian cultural heritage sites, including cultural centres, theatres, museums, and churches, affected by "Russian aggression." Ukraine's ] called it ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 September 2022 |title=Salvaging Ukraine's culture: Country's history & language under threat |url=https://www.euronews.com/culture/2022/09/13/its-cultural-genocide-ukraines-culture-minister-trying-to-salvage-the-countrys-artifacts |access-date=11 November 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> Deliberate destruction and looting of Ukrainian cultural heritage sites in this way is considered a ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 October 2022 |title=Destruction of cultural heritage is a war crime |url=https://www.eppgroup.eu/newsroom/news/destruction-of-cultural-heritage-is-a-war-crime |website=EPP Group in the European Parliament}}{{retrieved|access-date=14 February 2023}}</ref> | |||
The Russian attacks on civilians, causing mass civilian casualties and displacement, have been characterised as ] and ].<ref name="Etkind">{{Cite journal |last=Etkind |first=Alexander |year=2022 |title=Ukraine, Russia, and Genocide of Minor Differences |journal=] |volume=25 |issue=3–4 |publisher=] |pages=1–19 |doi=10.1080/14623528.2022.2082911 |s2cid=249527690}}</ref><ref name="h710"/><ref name="q611"/><ref name="v008">{{cite web |last=Richardson |first=Jon |date=11 March 2024 |title=Unmarked graves, violent repression and cultural erasure: the devastating human toll of Russia's invasion of Ukraine |url=https://theconversation.com/unmarked-graves-violent-repression-and-cultural-erasure-the-devastating-human-toll-of-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-223337 |access-date=6 July 2024 |website=The Conversation}}</ref> On 15 September 2023, a UN-mandated investigative body presented their findings that Russian occupiers had tortured Ukrainians so brutally that some of their victims died, and forced families to listen as they raped women next door.<ref name="Farge 2023 r049">{{cite news |last=Farge |first=Emma |title=Russia tortured some Ukrainian victims to death, UN inquiry says |work=] |date=25 September 2023 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-tortured-some-ukrainian-victims-death-un-inquiry-says-2023-09-25/ |access-date=26 September 2023}}</ref><ref name="v008" /> The commission has previously said that violations committed by Russian forces in Ukraine, including the use of torture, may constitute crimes against humanity.<ref name="Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber 2023 t397">{{cite news |author1=Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber |author2=Emma Farge |title=UN inquiry finds |work=] |date=16 March 2023 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-has-committed-wide-range-war-crimes-ukraine-un-inquiry-finds-2023-03-16/ |access-date=26 September 2023}}</ref> | |||
On 8 March, a Ukrainian defence reporter with '']'' announced that the Ukrainian government was working towards having Russian POWs work to help revive the Ukrainian economy, in full compliance with international law.<ref>{{cite web |last=Villarreal |first=Daniel |date=8 March 2022 |title=Ukraine government says Russian POWs will 'work to revive' economy |url=https://www.newsweek.com/ukraine-government-says-russian-pows-will-work-revive-economy-1686157 |access-date=9 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
A report by Physicians for Human Rights described Russian violence against the Ukrainian health care system as being a prominent feature of Russia's conduct during the war, documenting 707 attacks on Ukraine's health care system between 24 February and 31 December 2022. Such attacks are considered war crimes.<ref name="PHR 2023 i908">{{cite web | title=Destruction and Devastation: One Year of Russia's Assault on Ukraine's Health Care System | website=PHR | date=7 August 2023 | url=https://phr.org/our-work/resources/russias-assault-on-ukraines-health-care-system/ | access-date=17 December 2023}}</ref> | |||
In the first weeks of March, human rights organisations called on the Ukrainian government to uphold the rights of Russian prisoners of war under the ] and to stop circulating videos of captured Russian soldiers being humiliated or intimidated.<ref>{{cite web |date=7 March 2022 |title=Prisoners of war in the Russian invasion of Ukraine must be protected |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2022/03/russia-ukraine-prisoners-of-war-must-be-protected-from-public-curiosity-under-geneva-convention/ |access-date=22 March 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=16 March 2022 |title=Ukraine: Respect the Rights of Prisoners of War |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/03/16/ukraine-respect-rights-prisoners-war |access-date=19 March 2022 |publisher=Human Rights Watch}}</ref> On 27 March, a video purportedly showing Ukrainian soldiers shooting Russian prisoners in the knees was uploaded on Telegram, prompting concerns about torture and arbitrary executions of prisoners of war.<ref>{{cite news |date=27 March 2022 |title=Ukraine promises "immediate investigation" after video surfaces of soldiers shooting Russian prisoners |publisher=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-03-27-22/h_6e158d3fc5bc5efe7fc3f10b69b7aeee |access-date=28 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328005118/https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-03-27-22/h_6e158d3fc5bc5efe7fc3f10b69b7aeee |archive-date=28 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=30 March 2022 |title=Does video show Russian prisoners being shot? |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/60907259 |access-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331103912/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/60907259 |archive-date=31 March 2022}}</ref><ref name="Human Rights Watch">{{cite web |date=31 March 2022 |title=Ukraine: Apparent POW Abuse Would Be War Crime |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/03/31/ukraine-apparent-pow-abuse-would-be-war-crime |access-date=1 April 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> Another video showing Ukrainian troops killing Russian prisoners was posted on Telegram on 6 April and was verified by ''The New York Times'' and by Reuters.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hill |first=Evan |date=6 April 2022 |title=Video appears to show Ukrainian troops killing captured Russian soldiers. |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/04/06/world/ukraine-russia-war-news |access-date=7 April 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Reuters |date=7 April 2022 |title=Video appears to show Ukrainian forces killing Russian captive |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/video-appears-show-ukrainian-forces-killing-russian-captive-2022-04-07/ |access-date=15 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
=== Refugee crisis === | |||
The ] expressed worries about the treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war held by forces of Russia and the Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics. Videos showing Ukrainian war prisoners being forced to sing pro-Russian songs or carrying bruises attracted concerns about their treatment.<ref>{{cite web |title=Update on the human rights situation in Ukraine (Reporting period: 24 February – 26 March) |url=https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/2022-03/HRMMU_Update_2022-03-26_EN.pdf |publisher=United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine}}</ref> | |||
{{Main|Ukrainian refugee crisis|Transnational repression by Russia}} | |||
] protesting against the war, 6 March 2022]] | |||
], organised by political youth organisations in ], Finland, 26 February 2022]] | |||
The war caused the largest refugee and ] in Europe since the ] in the 1990s;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rutter |first=Jill |date=7 March 2022 |title=Protecting Ukrainian refugees: What can we learn from the response to Kosovo in the 90s? |url=https://www.britishfuture.org/protecting-ukrainian-refugees-what-can-we-learn-from-kosovo/ |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=4 March 2022 |title=IntelBrief: China Seeks to Balance Its Interests as Russia's War on Ukraine Intensifies |url=https://thesoufancenter.org/intelbrief-2022-march-4/ |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=] |quote=Over a week into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the war has raged on, spurring the most serious humanitarian crisis in Europe since the wars in the Balkans in the 1990s.}}</ref> the UN described it as the fastest growing such crisis since World War II.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Beaumont |first=Peter |date=6 March 2022 |title=Ukraine has fastest-growing refugee crisis since second world war, says UN |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/06/ukraine-fastest-growing-refugee-crisis-since-second-world-war |access-date=8 March 2022 |work=]}}</ref> As Russia built up military forces along the Ukrainian border, many neighbouring governments and aid organisations prepared for a mass displacement event in the weeks before the invasion. In December 2021, the Ukrainian defence minister estimated that an invasion could force three to five million people to flee their homes.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Aguilera |first=Jasmine |date=25 February 2022 |title=Russia's Invasion of Ukraine May Trigger a Refugee Crisis. Here's How the World Is Preparing |url=https://time.com/6150856/ukraine-refugees-russia-invasion-preparation/ |url-status=live |magazine=] |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://time.com/6150856/ukraine-refugees-russia-invasion-preparation/ |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022}}</ref> | |||
In the first week of the invasion, the UN reported over a million refugees had fled Ukraine; this subsequently reached over eight million by 31 January 2023.<ref name="UNHCR-Ukraine">{{Cite web |title=Situation Ukraine Refugee Situation |url=https://data2.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine |access-date=23 July 2022 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="auto4">{{Cite news |last=Wintour |first=Patrick |date=3 July 2022 |title=Liz Truss mulls seizure of Russian assets in UK to give to Ukraine |work=the Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/03/liz-truss-mulls-seizure-of-russian-assets-in-uk-to-give-to-ukraine |access-date=4 July 2022}}</ref> On 20 May 2022, NPR reported that, following a significant influx of foreign military equipment into Ukraine, a significant number of refugees were seeking to return to regions in Ukraine which were relatively isolated from the invasion front in southeastern Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Bior |first1=Ayen |last2=Shapiro |first2=Ari |last3=Ozug |first3=Matt |date=20 May 2022 |title=Millions rushed to leave Ukraine. Now the queue to return home stretches for miles |publisher=] |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/05/20/1099876370/ukraine-russia-poland-border-return |url-status=live |access-date=28 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520092843/https://www.npr.org/2022/05/20/1099876370/ukraine-russia-poland-border-return |archive-date=20 May 2022}}</ref> However, by 3 May, another 8 million people were displaced inside Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ukraine |url=https://www.internal-displacement.org/countries/ukraine |access-date=15 May 2022 |website=IDMC}}</ref> | |||
=== Refugees === | |||
{{Main|2022 Ukrainian refugee crisis}}{{See also|Women in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
] protest against the war, 6 March 2022]] | |||
The war has caused the largest refugee and humanitarian crisis within Europe since the ] in the 1990s;<ref>{{cite web|title=Protecting Ukrainian refugees: What can we learn from the response to Kosovo in the 90s? |date=7 March 2022 |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=] |url=https://www.britishfuture.org/protecting-ukrainian-refugees-what-can-we-learn-from-kosovo/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=IntelBrief: China Seeks to Balance Its Interests as Russia's War on Ukraine Intensifies |date=4 March 2022 |access-date=29 March 2022 |publisher=] |url=https://thesoufancenter.org/intelbrief-2022-march-4/ |quote=Over a week into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the war has raged on, spurring the most serious humanitarian crisis in Europe since the wars in the Balkans in the 1990s.}}</ref> the UN has described it as the fastest growing such crisis since World War II.<ref>{{cite web |last=Beaumont |first=Peter |date=6 March 2022 |title=Ukraine has fastest-growing refugee crisis since second world war, says UN |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/06/ukraine-fastest-growing-refugee-crisis-since-second-world-war |access-date=8 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref> Because of the continued military build-up in Russia along the Ukrainian border, many neighbouring governments and aid organisations had been preparing for a mass displacement event in the weeks before the invasion. In December 2021, the Ukrainian defence minister estimated that an invasion could force three to five million people to flee their homes.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Aguilera |first=Jasmine |date=25 February 2022 |title=Russia's Invasion of Ukraine May Trigger a Refugee Crisis. Here's How the World Is Preparing |url=https://time.com/6150856/ukraine-refugees-russia-invasion-preparation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://time.com/6150856/ukraine-refugees-russia-invasion-preparation/ |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |magazine=]}}</ref> | |||
Most refugees were women, children, elderly, or disabled.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 February 2022 |title=Refugees flee Ukraine for the EU, men told to stay and fight |work=] |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-26/thousands-flee-ukraine-into-eu-men-told-to-stay-and-fight/100863936 |access-date=3 March 2022}} | |||
In the first week of the invasion, the UN reported over a million refugees had fled Ukraine; this subsequently rose to over 5.2 million by 22 April.<ref name="UNHCR-Ukraine" /><ref name="Blake-2022-03-15" /> Most refugees were women, children, the elderly, or people with disabilities.<ref>{{cite news |first=Samantha |last=Michaels |date=7 March 2022 |title=More Than 1.5 Million Refugees Have Fled Ukraine |magazine=] |url=https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2022/03/refugees-fleeing-ukraine-russian-invasion/|access-date=10 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Sawer |first=Patrick |date=25 February 2022 |title=Ukrainian families torn apart as women and children flee but men are ordered back to the fight |work=] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/02/25/ukraine-refugees-poland-russia-war-invasion-europe/ |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=26 February 2022 |title=Refugees flee Ukraine for the EU, men told to stay and fight |work=] |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-26/thousands-flee-ukraine-into-eu-men-told-to-stay-and-fight/100863936 |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref> As of 16 March, another 6.5 million people were displaced inside Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/17/un-says-more-than-700-civilians-killed-ukraine-liveblog |title=Ukraine latest updates: UN says 6.5m displaced inside Ukraine |date=18 March 2022 |publisher=] |access-date=19 March 2022}}</ref> By 20 March, a total of ten million Ukrainians had fled their homes, making it the fastest growing refugee crisis in the contemporary era.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ukraine war latest: Our neighbours want us dead, Zelensky tells Israeli MPs |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-europe-60802572 |access-date=20 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref> Most male Ukrainian nationals aged 18 to 60 were denied exit from Ukraine as part of mandatory conscription,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-volodymyr-zelenskyy-kyiv-europe-united-nations-edc6df79755195b29473cfd6d38b1ebb |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-volodymyr-zelenskyy-kyiv-europe-united-nations-edc6df79755195b29473cfd6d38b1ebb |archive-date=27 February 2022 |title=Russia hits Ukraine fuel supplies, airfields in new attacks |work=] |date=27 February 2022 |access-date=27 February 2022}}</ref> except if they were responsible for the financial support of three or more children, single fathers, or were the parent/guardian of children with disabilities.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/mar/09/ukraine-urged-to-take-humane-approach-as-men-try-to-flee-war |title=Ukraine urged to take 'humane' approach as men try to flee war |first=Lorenzo |last=Tondo |newspaper=] |date=9 March 2022 |access-date=9 March 2022}}</ref> Many Ukrainian men, including teenagers, in any case opted to remain in Ukraine to join the resistance.<ref>{{cite AV media |date=5 March 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqP5Yx57aeo |title=Men, some in their teens, join Ukraine's resistance fighters {{!}} DW News |publisher=] |via=YouTube |access-date=8 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306020105/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqP5Yx57aeo |archive-date=6 March 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Michaels |first=Samantha |date=7 March 2022 |title=More Than 1.5 Million Refugees Have Fled Ukraine |work=] |url=https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2022/03/refugees-fleeing-ukraine-russian-invasion/ |access-date=10 March 2022}}</ref> Most male Ukrainian nationals aged 18 to 60 were denied exit from Ukraine as part of mandatory conscription,<ref>{{Cite news |first=Charli |last=Carpenter |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/07/15/ukraine-war-conscription-martial-law-men-gender-human-rights/ |date=15 July 2022 |title=Civilian Men Are Trapped in Ukraine: Human rights and humanitarian NGOs should pay attention to Kyiv's sex-selective martial law |work=Foreign Policy |access-date=17 September 2023 }} | |||
* {{Cite news |date=8 March 2022 |title=Why banning men from leaving Ukraine violates their human rights |work=] |url=https://theconversation.com/why-banning-men-from-leaving-ukraine-violates-their-human-rights-178411}}</ref> unless they were responsible for the financial support of three or more children, single fathers, or were the parent/guardian of children with disabilities.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tondo |first=Lorenzo |date=9 March 2022 |title=Ukraine urged to take 'humane' approach as men try to flee war |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/mar/09/ukraine-urged-to-take-humane-approach-as-men-try-to-flee-war |access-date=9 March 2022}}</ref> Many Ukrainian men, including teenagers, opted to remain in Ukraine voluntarily to join the resistance.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqP5Yx57aeo |title=Men, some in their teens, join Ukraine's resistance fighters |date=5 March 2022 |access-date=8 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306020105/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqP5Yx57aeo |archive-date=6 March 2022 |url-status=live |via=YouTube |work=]}} | |||
* {{Cite web |date=11 August 2022 |title=Generation UA: Young Ukrainians are driving the resistance to Russia's war |url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/generation-ua-young-ukrainians-are-driving-the-resistance-to-russias-war/ |access-date=14 February 2023 |website=Atlantic Council}}</ref> | |||
According to the UN High Commission for Refugees |
According to the UN High Commission for Refugees as of 13 May 2022, there were 3,315,711 refugees in Poland, 901,696 in Romania, 594,664 in Hungary, 461,742 in Moldova, 415,402 in Slovakia, and 27,308 in Belarus, while Russia reported it had received over 800,104 refugees.<ref name="UNHCR-Ukraine"/> By 13 July 2022, over {{formatnum:390000}} Ukrainian refugees had arrived in the Czech Republic, where the average refugee was a woman accompanied by one child. These refugees were twice as likely to have a college degree as the Czech population as a whole.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Klimešová |first1=Magdaléna |last2=Šatava |first2=Jiří |last3=Ondruška |first3=Michal |title=The situation of refugees from Ukraine |url=https://migrant-integration.ec.europa.eu/library-document/situation-refugees-ukraine_en |publisher=] |date=13 July 2022 |access-date=28 February 2024}}</ref> Turkey has been another significant destination, registering more than 58,000 Ukrainian refugees as of 22 March 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 March 2022 |title=İçişleri Bakanı Soylu: 58 bin Ukraynalı savaş sonrası Türkiye'ye geldi |language=tr |trans-title=Interior Minister Soylu: 58 thousand Ukrainians came to Turkey after the war |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler-dunya-60836830 |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref> The EU invoked the ] for the first time in its history, granting Ukrainian refugees the right to live and work in the EU for up to three years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 March 2022 |title=How many refugees have fled Ukraine and where are they going? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-60555472 |access-date=15 April 2022 |website=]}}</ref> Britain has accepted 146,379 refugees, as well as extending the ability to remain in the UK for 3 years with broadly similar entitlements as the EU, three years residency and access to state welfare and services.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Statistics on Ukrainians in the UK |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/immigration-statistics-year-ending-june-2022/statistics-on-ukrainians-in-the-uk |access-date=21 December 2022 |website=gov.uk}}</ref> | ||
According to the ] (OSCE), Russia has engaged in "massive deportation" of over 1.3 million Ukrainian civilians, potentially constituting crimes against humanity.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Herb |first1=Jeremy |last2=Kaufman |first2=Ellie |last3=Atwood |first3=Kylie |date=14 July 2022 |title=Experts document alleged crimes against humanity committed by Russian forces in Ukraine |work=] |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/14/politics/osce-report-russia-war-crimes/index.html |access-date=19 October 2022}} | |||
Ukraine has accused Russia of ] civilians, to 'filtration centers' in Russian held territory and onwards to Russia, which Ukrainian sources compared to ] and prior Russian actions in the ].<ref>{{cite news |date=27 March 2022 |title=Russia transfers thousands of Mariupol civilians to its territory |first=Laurence |last=Peter |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60894142 |access-date=1 April 2022}}</ref><ref name="Mackintosh-2022-04-08">{{cite web |last1=Mackintosh |first1=Eliza |last2=Ochman |first2=Oleksandra |last3=Mezzofiore |first3=Gianluca |last4=Polglase |first4=Katie |last5=Rebane |first5=Teele |last6=Graham-Yooll |first6=Anastasia |date=8 April 2022 |title=Russia or die: After weeks under Putin's bombs, these Ukrainians were given only one way out |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/07/europe/ukraine-mariupol-russia-deportation-cmd-intl/index.html |access-date=9 April 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> As of 8 April, Russia claimed to have evacuated approximately 121,000 Mariupol residents to Russia.<ref name="Mackintosh-2022-04-08" /> RIA Novosti and Ukrainian officials stated that thousands were dispatched to various filtration centers in both Russian and Russian-occupied Ukrainian cities,<ref> | |||
&{{Cite news |last=Subramaniam |first=Tara |title=Russia's war in Ukraine |work=] |url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-10-19-22/index.html |access-date=19 October 2022}}</ref> The OSCE and Ukraine have accused Russia of ] civilians to filtration camps in Russian-held territory, and then into Russia. Ukrainian sources have compared this policy to ] and Russian actions in the ].<ref name="Mackintosh-2022-04-08">{{Cite news |last1=Mackintosh |first1=Eliza |last2=Ochman |first2=Oleksandra |last3=Mezzofiore |first3=Gianluca |last4=Polglase |first4=Katie |last5=Rebane |first5=Teele |last6=Graham-Yooll |first6=Anastasia |date=8 April 2022 |title=Russia or die: After weeks under Putin's bombs, these Ukrainians were given only one way out |work=] |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/07/europe/ukraine-mariupol-russia-deportation-cmd-intl/index.html |access-date=9 April 2022}} | |||
* {{cite news |url=https://life.nv.ua/socium/deportaciya-ukraincev-v-rossiyu-kak-eto-proishodit-i-kak-vernutsya-v-ukrainu-50233912.html |title=В духе Сталина. Фильтрационные лагеря, допросы и вывоз в глушь — как Москва насильно депортирует украинцев Донбасса |language=ru |first=Максим |last=Бутченко |work=NV.ua |date=15 April 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Peter |first=Laurence |date=27 March 2022 |title=Russia transfers thousands of Mariupol civilians to its territory |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60894142 |access-date=1 April 2022}}</ref> For instance, as of 8 April 2022, Russia claimed to have evacuated about 121,000 Mariupol residents to Russia.<ref name="Mackintosh-2022-04-08"/> Also, on 19 October, Russia announced the forced deportation of 60,000 civilians from areas around the line of contact in Kherson oblast.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 October 2022 |title=Ukraine war: Russians start leaving Ukraine's Kherson city |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63311744 |access-date=19 October 2022}}</ref> ] and Ukrainian officials said that thousands were dispatched to various centres in cities in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Butchenko |first=Maksym |date=15 April 2022 |title=V dukhe Stalina. Fil'tratsionnyye lagerya, doprosy i vyvoz v glush' — kak Moskva nasil'no deportiruyet ukraintsev Donbassa |script-title=ru:В духе Сталина. Фильтрационные лагеря, допросы и вывоз в глушь — как Москва насильно депортирует украинцев Донбасса |language=ru |trans-title=In the spirit of Stalin. Filtration camps, interrogations and removal into the wilderness – how Moscow forcibly deports Ukrainians from Donbass |work=NV.ua |url=https://life.nv.ua/socium/deportaciya-ukraincev-v-rossiyu-kak-eto-proishodit-i-kak-vernutsya-v-ukrainu-50233912.html |access-date=20 April 2022}} | |||
* {{cite news |url=https://www.segodnya.ua/strana/podrobnosti/denisova-okkupanty-derzhat-v-filtracionnyh-lageryah-rf-bolee-20-000-mariupolcev-1615773.html |title=Денисова: оккупанты держат в фильтрационных лагерях РФ более 20 000 мариупольцев |language=ru |first=Валентина |last=Шаповал |work=] |date=18 April 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022}} | |||
* {{cite news |url=https://www. |
* {{cite news |url=https://www.segodnya.ua/strana/podrobnosti/denisova-okkupanty-derzhat-v-filtracionnyh-lageryah-rf-bolee-20-000-mariupolcev-1615773.html |script-title=ru:Денисова: оккупанты держат в фильтрационных лагерях РФ более 20 000 мариупольцев |title=Denisova: okkupanty derzhat v fil'tratsionnykh lageryakh RF boleye 20 000 mariupol'tsev |language=ru |trans-title=Denisov: occupiers keep more than 20,000 Mariupol residents in filtration camps of the Russian Federation |first=Valentyna |last=Shapoval |work=] |date=18 April 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022}} | ||
* {{cite news |url=https://www.currenttime.tv/a/razdevali-tatushki-moi-smotreli-artem/31797135.html |script-title=ru:"Раздевали, татушки мои смотрели". Артем уехал из Мариуполя в "ДНР", а потом и из России. Он рассказывает о том, что происходило на границах |title="Razdevali, tatushki moi smotreli". Artem uyekhal iz Mariupolya v "DNR", a potom i iz Rossii. On rasskazyvayet o tom, chto proiskhodilo na granitsakh |language=ru |trans-title="They undressed, they looked at my tattoos." Artem left Mariupol for the "DPR", and then from Russia. He talks about what happened at the borders |first1=Yuliya |last1=Goricheva |first2=Аnnа |last2=Tokhmakhchi |work=] |date=11 April 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022}} | |||
* {{cite news |url=https://news.obozrevatel.com/vojna-v-ukraine/okkupantyi-sozdali-v-rossii-lager-dlya-deportirovannyih-iz-ukrainyi-tam-soderzhat-bolee-400-chelovek.htm |title=Оккупанты создали в России лагерь для депортированных из Украины: там содержат более 400 человек |language=ru |first=Ольга |last=Ганюкова |work=] |date=10 April 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022}} | |||
* {{cite news |url=https://news.obozrevatel.com/vojna-v-ukraine/okkupantyi-sozdali-v-rossii-lager-dlya-deportirovannyih-iz-ukrainyi-tam-soderzhat-bolee-400-chelovek.htm |script-title=ru:Оккупанты создали в России лагерь для депортированных из Украины: там содержат более 400 человек |title=Okkupanty sozdali v Rossii lager' dlya deportirovannykh iz Ukrainy: tam soderzhat boleye 400 chelovek |language=ru |trans-title=The occupiers created a camp in Russia for deportees from Ukraine: more than 400 people are kept there |first=Ol'ga |last=Hanyukova |work=] |date=10 April 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022}} | |||
* {{cite news |url=https://tsn.ua/ru/ukrayina/ne-bylo-odezhdy-edy-i-predmetov-gigieny-v-rossii-obnaruzhili-tri-lagerya-dlya-deportirovannyh-mariupolcev-2039359.html |title="Не имели одежды, еды и предметов гигиены": в России обнаружили три лагеря для депортированных мариупольцев |language=ru |first=Татьяна |last=Курпита |work=] |date=17 April 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022}} | |||
* {{cite news |url=https://tsn.ua/ru/ukrayina/ne-bylo-odezhdy-edy-i-predmetov-gigieny-v-rossii-obnaruzhili-tri-lagerya-dlya-deportirovannyh-mariupolcev-2039359.html |script-title=ru:"Не имели одежды, еды и предметов гигиены": в России обнаружили три лагеря для депортированных мариупольцев |title="Ne imeli odezhdy, yedy i predmetov gigiyeny": v Rossii obnaruzhili tri lagerya dlya deportirovannykh mariupol'tsev |language=ru |trans-title="They didn't have clothes, food and hygiene items": three camps for deported Mariupol residents were found in Russia |first=Tat'yana |last=Kurpita |work=] |date=17 April 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022}} | |||
* {{cite news |url=https://news.liga.net/politics/news/rossiya-sozdala-bliz-donetska-filtratsionnyy-lager-dlya-ukraintsev-razvedka |title=Россия создала близ Донецка фильтрационный лагерь для украинцев – разведка |language=ru |first=Евгений |last=Пилипенко |work=LIGA.net |date=24 March 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022}} | |||
* {{cite news |url=https://news.liga.net/politics/news/rossiya-sozdala-bliz-donetska-filtratsionnyy-lager-dlya-ukraintsev-razvedka |script-title=ru:Россия создала близ Донецка фильтрационный лагерь для украинцев – разведка |title=Rossiya sozdala bliz Donetska fil'tratsionnyy lager' dlya ukraintsev – razvedka |language=ru |trans-title=Russia has created a filtration camp for Ukrainians near Donetsk – intelligence |first=Yevgeniy |last=Pylypenko |work=LIGA.net |date=24 March 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022}} | |||
* {{cite news |url=https://nv.ua/kharkiv/okkupanty-sozdayut-filtracionnye-lagerya-dlya-perepravki-lyudey-v-rf-novosti-harkova-50231325.html |title=В Харьковской области оккупанты создают фильтрационные лагеря — Денисова |language=ru |first=Александр |last=Климов |work=NV.ua |date=5 April 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022}} | |||
* {{cite news |url=https://nv.ua/kharkiv/okkupanty-sozdayut-filtracionnye-lagerya-dlya-perepravki-lyudey-v-rf-novosti-harkova-50231325.html |script-title=ru:В Харьковской области оккупанты создают фильтрационные лагеря — Денисова |title=V Khar'kovskoy oblasti okkupanty sozdayut fil'tratsionnyye lagerya — Denisova |language=ru |trans-title=Invaders create filtration camps in Kharkiv region – Denisova |first=Aleksandr |last=Klimov |work=NV.ua |date=5 April 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022}} | |||
* {{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/russia-ukraine-art-school-mariupol-6fprjwq0t |title=Ukraine accuses Russia of killing 56 care home residents in Luhansk |first=Tom |last=Ball |work=] |date=20 March 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022}} | * {{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/russia-ukraine-art-school-mariupol-6fprjwq0t |title=Ukraine accuses Russia of killing 56 care home residents in Luhansk |first=Tom |last=Ball |work=] |date=20 March 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022}} | ||
* {{cite news |url=https://sport.ua/news/578396-foto-okkupanty-stroyat-filtratsionnye-lagerya-dlya-ukraintsev |title= |
* {{cite news |url=https://sport.ua/news/578396-foto-okkupanty-stroyat-filtratsionnye-lagerya-dlya-ukraintsev |script-title=ru:Фото. Оккупанты строят фильтрационные лагеря для украинцев |title=Foto. Okkupanty stroyat fil'tratsionnyye lagerya dlya ukraintsev |language=ru |trans-title=A Photo. Occupiers build filtration camps for Ukrainians|website=sport.ua |date=28 March 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022}}</ref> from which people were sent to economically depressed regions of Russia.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kupriyanova |first=Olga |date=24 March 2022 |title=Fil'tratsionnyye lagerya i trudoustroystvo na Sakhaline: ukraintsev iz okkupirovannykh gorodov prinuditel'no otpravlyayut v rossiyu |script-title=ru:Фильтрационные лагеря и трудоустройство на Сахалине: украинцев из оккупированных городов принудительно отправляют в россию |language=ru |trans-title=Filtration camps and employment on Sakhalin: Ukrainians from occupied cities are forcibly sent to Russia |work=] |url=https://1plus1.ua/ru/novyny/filtracijni-tabori-ta-pracevlastuvanna-na-sahalini-ukrainciv-z-okupovanih-mist-primusovo-vidpravlaut-do-rosii |access-date=20 April 2022}}</ref> In April, Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council secretary ] said that Russia planned to build "concentration camps" for Ukrainians in western Siberia, and likely planned to force prisoners to build new cities in Siberia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 April 2022 |title=Putin i Shoygu planirovali sozdat' kontslagerya dlya ukraintsev v Zapadnoy Sibiri, – Danilov |script-title=ru:Путин и Шойгу планировали создать концлагеря для украинцев в Западной Сибири, – Данилов |trans-title=Putin and Shoigu planned to create concentration camps for Ukrainians in Western Siberia – Danilov |url=https://censor.net/ru/news/3335903/putin_i_shoyigu_planirovali_sozdat_kontslagerya_dlya_ukraintsev_v_zapadnoyi_sibiri_danilov |access-date=25 April 2022 |website=Цензор.НЕТ |language=ru}} | ||
^{{Cite web |date=22 April 2022 |title=Putin i Shoygu planirovali sozdat' kontslagerya dlya ukraintsev v Zapadnoy Sibiri – Danilov |script-title=ru:Путин и Шойгу планировали создать концлагеря для украинцев в Западной Сибири – Данилов |trans-title=Putin and Shoigu planned to create concentration camps for Ukrainians in Western Siberia – Danilov |url=https://news.liga.net/politics/news/putin-i-shoygu-planirovali-sozdat-kontslagerya-dlya-ukraintsev-v-zapadnoy-sibiri-danilov |access-date=25 April 2022 |website=LIGA |language=ru}}</ref>{{Efn|Most likely, new cities meant new industrial cities in Siberia, the construction plans of which were announced by Shoigu in the fall of 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 September 2021 |title=Shoygu nazval mesta dlya stroitel'stva novykh gorodov v Sibiri |script-title=ru:Шойгу назвал места для строительства новых городов в Сибири |trans-title=Shoigu named places for the construction of new cities in Siberia |url=https://www.rbc.ru/politics/06/09/2021/6131fa0f9a7947199b6163d1 |website=РБК |language=ru}}</ref>}} | |||
=== Long-term demographic effects === | |||
A second refugee crisis created by the invasion and by the Russian government's suppression of human rights has been the flight of approximately ], the largest ] from Russia since the ] of 1917,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bacchi |first1=Umberto |last2=Davydova |first2=Angelina |date=4 April 2022 |title=Russia's war migrants find mixed reception in Georgia |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/04/04/world/russia-war-migrants-mixed-reception-georgia/ |access-date=11 April 2022 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Who are the Russians leaving their country? |date=5 April 2022 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/who-are-the-russians-leaving-their-country/a-61364390 |access-date=11 April 2022 |publisher=] }}</ref> to countries such as the ], ], Georgia, ], and Central Asia.<ref>{{cite web |title=Растет число россиян, претендующих на право временного проживания в Казахстане |url=https://rus.ozodi.org/a/31802624.html |website=Radio Ozodi |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |access-date=21 April 2022 |language=ru |date=14 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |date=6 April 2022 |script-title=ru:Бишкек. Жизнь по-новому |trans-title=Bishkek: Life in a New Way |language=ru |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYrKw2hbjbg |access-date=19 April 2022 |publisher=Настоящее время. Док}}</ref> By 22 March, it was estimated that between 50,000 and 70,000 high tech workers had left the country, with a further 70,000 to 100,000 possibly to follow. Fears arose over the impact of this brain-drain flight of talent on future Russian economic development.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/13/technology/russia-tech-workers.html |first1=Cade |last1=Metz |first2=Adam |last2=Satariano |title='Russian Tech Industry Faces 'Brain Drain' as Workers Flee |newspaper=] |date=13 April 2022 |access-date=15 April 2022}}</ref> Some joined the Russian resistance to the Putin regime and sought to help Ukraine,<ref>{{cite web |title=Russians who left their country since the invasion of Ukraine – BBC News |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp2h_32lgZE |via=YouTube |work=] |date=14 April 2022 |access-date=15 April 2022}}</ref> and some faced discrimination for being Russian.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 March 2022 |title=Georgia, a bleak new home for Russian exiles |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220308-georgia-a-bleak-new-home-for-russian-exiles |website=], ] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kolotilov |first1=Vasiliy |last2=King |first2=Laura |date=1 April 2022 |title=Fleeing Putin's Russia: Exiles search for new identity, but find new problems |url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2022-04-01/russia-putin-exiles-new-problems-find-new-problems |access-date=11 April 2022 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
] entering Romania, 5 March 2022]] | |||
Both ] and ] faced the prospect of significant ] even before the war, having among the lowest fertility rates worldwide and considerable emigration. It is the first time that two countries with an average age above 40 have gone to war against each other.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Margolina |first1=Sonja |title=Nur wer fällt, hat richtig gelebt – Russlands Krieg gegen die Ukraine läuft immer mehr auf eine Säuberung der eigenen Gesellschaft hinaus |url=https://www.nzz.ch/feuilleton/russlands-krieg-laeuft-auf-eine-soziale-saeuberung-der-gesellschaft-hinaus-ld.1758471 |website=Neue Zürcher Zeitung |access-date=14 October 2023 |language=German |date=9 October 2023 |quote=Noch nie haben zwei Nationen mit einem Durchschnittsalter von über 40 Jahren Krieg gegeneinander geführt. Noch nie haben zwei Nationen mit einem Kriegsindex von 0,7 miteinander die Waffen gekreuzt.}}</ref> Russia had a fighting-age (18- to 40-year-old) male population more than four times higher than Ukraine's and slightly higher birth rates, while the willingness to fight was more pronounced in Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stone |first1=Lyman |title=The Demography of War: Ukraine vs. Russia |url=https://ifstudies.org/blog/the-demography-of-war-ukraine-vs-russia |website=IFStudies |access-date=19 July 2023 |date=22 March 2023}}</ref> | |||
Several sources have pointed out that the war is considerably worsening Ukraine's demographic crisis, making significant shrinking very likely.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kulu |first1=Hill |last2=Christison |first2=Sarah |last3=Liu |first3=Chia |last4=Mikolai |first4=Júlia |title=The war, refugees, and the future of Ukraine's population |journal=Population, Space and Place |date=30 March 2023 |volume=29 |issue=4 |doi=10.1002/psp.2656 |s2cid=257876682 |hdl=10023/27301 |hdl-access=free}} | |||
=== Impact on agriculture and food supplies === | |||
* {{cite web |last1=Libanova |first1=Ella |title=Ukraine's Demography in the Second Year of the Full-Fledged War |url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/ukraines-demography-second-year-full-fledged-war |website=Focus Ukraine |access-date=19 July 2023 |date=27 June 2023}}</ref> A July 2023 study by the ] stated that "regardless of how long the war lasts and whether or not there is further military escalation, Ukraine is unlikely to recover demographically from the consequences of the war. Even in 2040 it will have only about 35 million inhabitants, around 20% fewer than before the war (2021: 42.8 million) and the decline in the working-age population is likely to be the most severe and far-reaching." The study took different scenarios, from a "best case" (end of the war in 2023 without much further escalation) to a "worst case" (end of the war in 2025 with further escalation) into account. Flight from war affected especially the southern and eastern regions and especially educated women of child-bearing age and their children. With an estimate of more than 20% of refugees not returning, study author Maryna Tverdostup concluded that long-term shrinking will significantly impair the conditions for reconstruction.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Knapp |first1=Andreas |title=Ukraine: Population loss endangers reconstruction |url=https://wiiw.ac.at/ukraine-population-loss-endangers-reconstruction-n-603.html |website=WIIW |access-date=19 July 2023 |date=13 July 2023}}</ref> | |||
{{See|2022 food crises}} | |||
Ukraine is among the world's top agricultural producers and exporters and is often described as the "bread basket of Europe". During the 2020/21 international wheat marketing season (July–June), it ranked as the sixth largest ], accounting for nine per cent of world ].<ref name=":0">{{cite book |last=FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS |title=Food Outlook – Biannual Report on Global Food Markets: November 2021. |date=2022 |publisher=Food & Agriculture Org |isbn=978-92-5-135248-9 |location= |oclc=1291390883}}</ref> The country is also a major global exporter of maize, ] and ]. In 2020/21, it accounted for 12 per cent of global trade in maize and ] and for 14 per cent of world ] exports. Its trade share is even greater in the ] sector, with the country accounting for about 50 per cent of world exports in 2020/2021.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
The war in Ukraine and the associated emigration, lower ]s and war-related casualties further deepened the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Russia stares into population abyss as Putin sends its young men to die |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/02/26/russia-stares-population-abyss-putin-sends-young-men-die/ |work=The Telegraph |date=26 February 2023}}</ref> Many commentators predict that the situation will be worse than during the 1990s.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://jamestown.org/program/russias-demographic-collapse-is-accelerating/|title=Russia's Demographic Collapse Is Accelerating|last=Goble|first=Paul|volume=19|issue=127|date=18 August 2022|location=Washington, D.C.|journal=Eurasia Daily Monitor|publisher=]}}</ref> The UN is projecting that the decline that started in 2021 will continue, and if current demographic conditions persist, Russia's population would be 120 million in fifty years, a decline of about 17%.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=World Population Prospects 2022, Standard Projections, Compact File, Variant tab, Total Population, as of 1 January column |url=https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/MostUsed/ |website=United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=4 March 2023 |title=Russia's population nightmare is going to get even worse |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/europe/2023/03/04/russias-population-nightmare-is-going-to-get-even-worse}}</ref> | |||
According to the ] of the United Nations (FAO), further to causing the loss of lives and increasing humanitarian needs, the likely disruptions caused by the Russian invasion to Ukraine's grain and oilseed sectors, combined with potential food and ] export difficulties encountered by the Russian Federation as a result of economic sanctions, could jeopardise the food security of many countries, especially those that are highly dependent on Ukraine and the Russian Federation for their food and fertiliser imports.<ref>{{cite web |title=FAO Information Note: The importance of Ukraine and the Russian Federation for global agricultural markets and the risks associated with the current conflict, 25 March 2022 Update |url=https://www.fao.org/3/cb9236en/cb9236en.pdf |website=Food and Agriculture Organization |date=25 March 2022}}</ref> Several of these countries fall into the ] (LDC) group, while many others belong to the group of Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries (LIFDCs).<ref>{{cite web |title=LDCs at a Glance {{!}} Department of Economic and Social Affairs |url=https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/least-developed-country-category/ldcs-at-a-glance.html |access-date=15 April 2022 |publisher=United Nations }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=FAO Country Profiles |url=https://www.fao.org/countryprofiles/lifdc/en/ |access-date=15 April 2022 |website=fao.org}}</ref> For example ] sourced 47% of its wheat imports in 2021 from Ukraine. The other 53% came from the Russian Federation. Overall, more than 30 nations depend on Ukraine and Russia for over 30% of their wheat import needs, with many of them located in North Africa, and in Western and Central Asia.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
Since February 2022, hundreds of thousands of ]; estimates range from 370,000 to over 820,000. Combined with mobilisation, this possibly removed roughly half a million to one million working-age males from Russia's population.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jenkins |first1=Brian Michael |title=Consequences of the War in Ukraine: A Bleak Outlook for Russia |url=https://www.rand.org/blog/2023/02/consequences-of-the-war-in-ukraine-a-bleak-outlook.html |website=The RAND Blog |access-date=19 July 2023 |date=28 February 2023}}</ref> Studies report that this will have a demographic effect, especially in Russia, that lasts much longer than the conflict, and Putin's time in office.<ref>{{Cite web |title=She had a dream job. Now, she's part of a massive brain drain hammering Russia |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/05/31/1176769042/russia-economy-brain-drain-oil-prices-flee-ukraine-invasion |website=NPR}} | |||
A Russian attack damaged the {{ill|Kozarovychi Dam|uk|Козаровичі}}, which regulates flow from the ], causing flooding along the ].<ref name="ft">{{cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/e87fdc60-0d5e-4d39-93c6-7cfd22f770e8 |newspaper=] |author=Tim Judah |date=April 10, 2022 |title=How Kyiv was saved by Ukrainian ingenuity as well as Russian blunders}}</ref> A Russian missile attack on ] on the ] was blocked by Ukrainian defenses. A breach could have triggered flooding of parts of Kyiv, damaged downstream dams, and threatened the ].<ref name="targets">{{cite web |url=https://euobserver.com/opinion/154675 |title=Weaponising water — Ukraine's dams are targets in Putin's war |author1=Nicholas Hildyard |author2=Josh Klemm |date=8 April 2022}}</ref> Russian forces blew up the dam on the ] which Ukraine had erected to block water flow to agricultural lands in ] which Russia had seized in 2014.<ref name="targets" /> Russians cut civilian water service as part of the ].<ref name="targets" /> | |||
* {{Cite web |date=9 July 2023 |title=Russlands Braindrain: Ein Land verliert sein Potenzial |url=https://orf.at/stories/3319159/ |access-date=9 July 2023 |website=ORF |language=de}} | |||
* {{Cite web |date=21 March 2019 | |||
|title=The Putin Exodus: The New Russian Brain Drain |url=https://www.oei.fu-berlin.de/institut/termine/The-Putin-Exodus_-The-New-Russian-Brain-Drain.html |access-date=9 July 2023 |website=oei.fu-berlin.de |language=de }}</ref> | |||
According to BBC:<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 June 2023 |title=Why are people leaving Russia, who are they, and where are they going? |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65790759 |access-date=9 July 2023}}</ref> | |||
== Legal implications == | |||
<blockquote>They come from different walks of life. Some are journalists like us, but there are also IT experts, designers, artists, academics, lawyers, doctors, PR specialists, and linguists. Most are under 50. Many share western liberal values and hope Russia will be a democratic country one day. Some are LGBTQ+. Sociologists studying the current Russian emigration say there is evidence that those leaving are younger, better educated and wealthier than those staying. More often they are from bigger cities.</blockquote> | |||
=== Legality === | |||
] | |||
{{Main|Legality of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
According to Johannes Wachs, "The exodus of skilled human capital, sometimes called ], out of Russia may have a significant effect on the course of the war and the Russian economy in the long run."<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Wachs |first1=Johannes |title=Digital traces of brain drain: developers during the Russian invasion of Ukraine |journal=EPJ Data Science |date=15 May 2023 |volume=12 |issue=1 |page=14 |doi=10.1140/epjds/s13688-023-00389-3 |pmid=37215283 |pmc=10184088 }}</ref> According to a survey, around 15 percent of those who left returned to Russia, either permanently or to settle their affairs.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Russians returning home from self-imposed exile |url=https://www.ft.com/content/5e6bcce9-7bda-4b29-b1b7-f7df6e879fd9 |access-date=27 October 2023 |publisher=Financial Times |date=26 October 2023}}</ref> | |||
The invasion of Ukraine violated the ] and constituted a ] according to ], raising the possibility of prosecution under ].<ref>{{cite news |date=4 February 2022 |title=A Reminder of the Importance of the Crime of Aggression: Considering the Situation of Russia and Ukraine |work=Opinio Juris |url=https://opiniojuris.org/2022/02/04/a-reminder-of-the-importance-of-the-crime-of-aggression-considering-the-situation-of-russia-and-ukraine/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225114043/https://opiniojuris.org/2022/02/04/a-reminder-of-the-importance-of-the-crime-of-aggression-considering-the-situation-of-russia-and-ukraine |archive-date=25 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Guilfoyle |first1=Douglas |last2=McIntyre |first2=Juliette |last3=Paige |first3=Tamsin Phillipa |date=24 February 2020 |title=Is international law powerless against Russian aggression in Ukraine? No, but it's complicated |work=] |url=https://theconversation.com/is-international-law-powerless-against-russian-aggression-in-ukraine-no-but-its-complicated-177905 |url-status=live |access-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225123605/https://theconversation.com/is-international-law-powerless-against-russian-aggression-in-ukraine-no-but-its-complicated-177905 |archive-date=25 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Quell |first=Molly |date=24 February 2022 |title=Ukraine has few legal options to hold Russia accountable for invasion |work=] |url=https://www.courthousenews.com/ukraine-has-few-legal-options-to-hold-russia-accountable-for-invasion |url-status=live |access-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220226121559/https://www.courthousenews.com/ukraine-has-few-legal-options-to-hold-russia-accountable-for-invasion/ |archive-date=26 February 2022}}</ref> The invasion violated the ], which prohibits "the ] or attack by the armed forces of a State of the ] of another State, or any ], however temporary, resulting from such invasion or attack, or any annexation by the ] of the territory of another State or part thereof". Ukraine did not ratify the Rome Statute and Russia withdrew its signature in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dworkin |first=Anthony |date=25 February 2022 |title=International law and the invasion of Ukraine – European Council on Foreign Relations |url=https://ecfr.eu/article/international-law-and-the-invasion-of-ukraine/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://ecfr.eu/article/international-law-and-the-invasion-of-ukraine/ |archive-date=1 March 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
In November 2023, at the ], Putin urged Russian women to have eight or more children amid increasing Russian casualties in the invasion.<ref name="Sharma 2023 w549">{{cite web | last=Sharma | first=Shweta | title=Putin asks Russian women to have 'eight or more' children amid deaths in his war | website=The Independent | date=30 November 2023 | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/vladimir-putin-women-eight-children-ukraine-war-b2455957.html | access-date=30 November 2023}}</ref> | |||
=== Human rights violations === | |||
==== International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine ==== | |||
{{Main|International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine}} | |||
On 4 March 2022, the ] voted 32–2, with 13 abstentions, to create the ], an independent international committee of three human rights experts with a mandate to investigate alleged violations of human rights and of ] in the context of the invasion.<ref name="Jurist_UNHRC_establishes" /><ref name="UNHRC_establishes_commission_RU_aggression" /> | |||
In July 2024, ] of the British Army ] said that with the current way of fighting, it would take Russia five years to control the four oblasts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia that Russia claims as its own, and it would cost Russia from 1.5 to 1.8 million casualties.<ref>{{cite news |title=Russia would lose up to 1.8 million troops and take 5 years to capture the 4 Ukrainian regions it wants: UK army chief |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-war-four-regions-russia-lose-1-million-troops-walker-2024-7 |first=Matthew|last=Loh|work=Business Insider |date=25 July 2024|access-date=29 July 2024}}</ref> He said there are "no winners" in Russia's invasion, adding "it is an utter devastation for both sides and lost generations."<ref>{{cite news |title=Russia 'would have to lose over 1.5 million soldiers' to achieve Ukraine war goals, new head of British army claims |url=https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/russia-lose-million-soldiers-to-achieve-ukraine-war-goals/ |first=Kit|last=Heren|work=] |date=24 July 2024|access-date=29 July 2024}}</ref> | |||
=== War crimes and crimes against humanity === | |||
{{Main|War crimes in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
] with wrists bound in plastic restraints, in a basement in ]]] | |||
] after ]]] | |||
=== Environmental impact === | |||
<!--This section has been copied from the lead at ] and should be amended to reflect stable changes therein--> | |||
{{Main|Environmental impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
Russian authorities have been accused of waging war, and committing ]s and ], in violation of ]. The Russian military carried out ] attacks on densely populated areas and exposed the civilian population to unnecessary and ] harm.<ref>{{cite web |title=Russian military commits indiscriminate attacks during the invasion of Ukraine |publisher=] |date=25 February 2022 |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2022/02/russian-military-commits-indiscriminate-attacks-during-the-invasion-of-ukraine |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225151333/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2022/02/russian-military-commits-indiscriminate-attacks-during-the-invasion-of-ukraine |archive-date=25 February 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=18 March 2022 |title=Ukraine: Deadly Attacks Kill, Injure Civilians, Destroy Homes |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/03/18/ukraine-deadly-attacks-kill-injure-civilians-destroy-homes |access-date=27 March 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref name="HRMMU_Statement_March">{{cite web |last=Bogner |first=Matilda |date=25 March 2022 |title=Situation in Ukraine. Statement delivered by the Head of Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine on the situation in Ukraine |url=https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements/2022/03/situation-ukraine |publisher=]}}</ref> The Russian forces used ] – a type of weapon that is prohibited by most states because of its immediate and long-term danger to civilians<ref>{{cite web |title=Ukraine: Russian Cluster Munition Hits Hospital – 4 Civilians Killed, 10 Wounded |publisher=] |date=25 February 2022 |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/02/25/ukraine-russian-cluster-munition-hits-hospital |access-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220226170208/https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/02/25/ukraine-russian-cluster-munition-hits-hospital |archive-date=26 February 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="HRMMU_Report_March">{{cite report |url=https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/2022-03/HRMMU_Update_2022-03-26_EN.pdf |title=HRMMU Update on the human rights situation in Ukraine, 24 February – 26 March 2022 |date=28 March 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Lance |first=Rachel |title=The Enduring Danger of Cluster Bombs |magazine=Wired |url=https://www.wired.com/story/russia-ukraine-cluster-bombs/ |access-date=2 April 2022 |issn=1059-1028}}</ref> – and fired other explosive weapons with wide-area effects including air-dropped bombs, missiles, heavy artillery shells and multiple launch rockets.<ref name="HRMMU_Report_March" /> Ukrainian forces also fired cluster munition rockets on at least one occasion.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/ukraine-used-cluster-munitions-many-113025688.html |title=Ukraine used cluster munitions — which many countries have banned — to force Russian troops out of a village, report says |first=Bill |last=Bostock |publisher=] |date=19 April 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022}}</ref> The result of the Russian forces' attacks was damage or destruction of civilian buildings including houses, hospitals, schools and kindergartens<ref name="HRMMU_Report_March" /> as well as nuclear power plants,<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukraine nuclear power plant attack: All you need to know |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/4/zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant-attack-all-you-need-to-know |access-date=3 April 2022 |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=4 March 2022}}</ref> and cultural crimes against 191 cultural properties such as historic buildings and churches.<ref>{{cite news |last=Reid |first=Anna |date=15 March 2022 |title=Ukrainian heritage is under threat – and so is the truth about Soviet-era Russia |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/mar/15/ukrainian-heritage-under-threat-truth-soviet-era-russia |access-date=2 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 April 2022 |title=Crimes against history: mapping the destruction of Ukraine's culture |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/24/crimes-against-history-mapping-the-destruction-of-ukraines-culture |access-date=24 April 2022 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}</ref> As of 25 March, the attacks had resulted in at least 1,035 civilian deaths and at least 1,650 civilian injuries.<ref name="HRMMU_Statement_March" /><ref name="HRMMU_Report_March" /> | |||
], 31 May 2022]] | |||
Based on a preliminary assessment, the war has inflicted ] 51 billion in environmental damage in Ukraine; according to a report by the ], some 687,000 tons of petrochemicals have burned as a result of shelling, while nearly 1,600 tons of pollutants have leaked into bodies of water. Hazardous chemicals have contaminated around 70 acres of soil, and likely made agricultural activities temporarily impossible.<ref name="enviroyale"> e360.yale.edu. 22 February 2023. Accessed 25 September 2023.</ref> Around 30% of Ukraine's land is now littered with explosives and more than 2.4 million hectares of forest have been damaged.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Environmental Destruction Is a Form of Warfare': Thunberg Joins Ecocide Investigation in Ukraine |url=https://www.commondreams.org/news/thunberg-joins-group-to-investigate-ecocide-in-ukraine |access-date=3 July 2023 |website=commondreams.org}}</ref> | |||
According to Netherlands-based peace organisation PAX, Russia's "deliberate targeting of industrial and energy infrastructure" has caused "severe" pollution, and the use of explosive weapons has left "millions of tonnes" of contaminated debris in cities and towns.<ref name="pax"> PAX for Peace. 24 February 2023. Accessed 25 September 2023.</ref> In early June 2023, the ], under Russian occupation, ], causing flooding and triggering warnings of an "ecological disaster."<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last1=Finlay |first1=Madeleine |last2=Cox |first2=Joel |last3=Bury |first3=Ellie |date=13 June 2023 |title=Kakhovka dam destruction: why is Ukraine calling it 'ecocide'? – podcast |url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/audio/2023/jun/13/kakhovka-dam-destruction-why-is-ukraine-calling-it-ecocide-podcast |access-date=9 October 2023 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}} | |||
There were allegations of forced deportations of thousands of civilians from Russian-occupied ] to Russia,<ref>{{cite web |date=20 March 2022 |title=Ukraine: US condemns 'unconscionable' forced deportations of civilians from Mariupol |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/20/russia-bombed-mariupol-art-school-sheltering-400-people-says-ukraine |access-date=2 April 2022 |work=]}}</ref> sexual assaults<ref>{{cite news |last=Engelbrecht |first=Cora |date=29 March 2022 |title=Reports of sexual violence involving Russian soldiers are multiplying, Ukrainian officials say. |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/29/world/europe/russian-soldiers-sexual-violence-ukraine.html |access-date=1 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329184716/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/29/world/europe/russian-soldiers-sexual-violence-ukraine.html?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur |archive-date=29 March 2022}}</ref> and the deliberate killing of Ukrainian civilians by members of the Russian forces.<ref>{{cite news |date=2 April 2022 |title=War in Ukraine: Street in Bucha found strewn with dead bodies |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60967463 |access-date=3 April 2022}}</ref> At the end of March, Ukrainian forces recaptured the town of ], located north of Kyiv. Afterwards, evidence emerged of ] committed by Russian troops, including torture and deliberate killings of civilians, including children.<ref>{{cite news |title=In Bucha, the scope of Russian barbarity is coming into focus |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/04/06/bucha-barbarism-atrocities-russian-soldiers/ |newspaper=] |date=7 April 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407190243/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/04/06/bucha-barbarism-atrocities-russian-soldiers/ |archive-date=7 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Callaghan |first=Louise |title=Bodies of mutilated children among horrors the Russians left behind |date=2 April 2022 |newspaper=] |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/bodies-of-mutilated-children-among-horrors-the-russians-left-behind-5ddnkkwp2 |url-access=subscription |access-date=5 April 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/acrwD |archive-date=4 April 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ukraine documents alleged atrocities by retreating Russians |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-bucha-atrocities-civilians-russia/ |access-date=3 April 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> The ] documented in the first month of the invasion the arbitrary detention in Russian-occupied territories of 21 journalists and civil society activists, and 24 public officials and civil servants.<ref>{{cite web |date=25 March 2022 |title=Russians use abduction, hostage-taking to threaten Ukrainian journalists in occupied zones |url=https://rsf.org/en/news/russians-use-abduction-hostage-taking-threaten-ukrainian-journalists-occupied-zones |access-date=27 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="HRMMU_Report_March" /><ref>{{cite news |date=25 March 2022 |title=Ukraine War: Civilians abducted as Russia tries to assert control |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60858363 |access-date=27 March 2022}}</ref> The Monitoring Mission also expressed concern about reports and videos of ill-treatment, torture, and public humiliation of civilians and prisoners of war in territory controlled by Ukraine, allegedly committed by police officers and members of the territorial defence.<ref name="HRMMU_Report_March" /><ref name="Human Rights Watch"/> | |||
* {{cite news |last1=Talmazan |first1=Yuliya |last2=Arkin |first2=Daniel |last3=Kaufman |first3=Sarah |last4=Mayer |first4=Daryna |name-list-style=and |date=6 June 2023 |title=Ukraine accuses Russia of blowing up major dam |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/kakhovka-dam-ukraine-russia-destroyed-rcna87852 |access-date=25 September 2023 |work=]}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last1=Hallam |first1=Jonny |last2=Pennington |first2=Josh |last3=Regan |first3=Helen |last4=Voitovych |first4=Olga |last5=Nasser |first5=Irene |last6=Shukla |first6=Sebastian |last7=Kottasová |first7=Ivana |last8=Mezzofiore |first8=Gianluca |last9=Shelley |first9=Jo |name-list-style=and |date=6 June 2023 |title=Collapse of critical Ukrainian dam sparks region-wide evacuations. Here's what we know |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/06/europe/ukraine-nova-kakhovka-dam-breach-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=9 October 2023 |work=]}}</ref> | |||
The Ukrainian government, international observers and journalists have described the damage as ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 June 2023 |title=The Environmental Cost of the War in Ukraine |url=https://www.irreview.org/articles/the-environmental-cost-of-the-war-in-ukraine |access-date=7 June 2023 |website=International Relations Review}} | |||
On 2 March, the ] (ICC) opened a ] into past and present allegations of ]s, ], or ] committed in Ukraine by any person from 21 November 2013 onwards, set up an online method for people with evidence to initiate contact with investigators, and sent a team of investigators, lawyers and other professionals to Ukraine to begin collecting evidence.<ref>{{cite news |date=3 April 2022 |title=ICC prosecutor: Team leaves to investigate war crimes in Ukraine |newspaper=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/icc-prosecutor-advance-team-has-left-begin-work-ukraine-investigation-2022-03-03 |url-status=live |access-date=4 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303231655/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/icc-prosecutor-advance-team-has-left-begin-work-ukraine-investigation-2022-03-03 |archive-date=4 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=11 March 2022 |title=Statement of ICC Prosecutor, Karim A.A. Khan QC, on the Situation in Ukraine: Additional Referrals from Japan and North Macedonia; Contact portal launched for provision of information |url=https://www.icc-cpi.int/Pages/item.aspx?name=20220311-prosecutor-statement-ukraine |access-date=23 March 2022 |website=icc-cpi.int}}</ref> Neither Ukraine nor Russia are parties to the ], the legal basis of the ICC, but Ukraine has accepted the ICC's jurisdiction by signing in 2013 and 2014 two declarations to that effect.<ref>{{cite web |date=28 February 2022 |title=Statement of ICC Prosecutor, Karim A.A. Khan QC, on the Situation in Ukraine: "I have decided to proceed with opening an investigation." |url=https://www.icc-cpi.int/Pages/item.aspx?name=20220228-prosecutor-statement-ukraine |access-date=23 March 2022 |website=icc-cpi.int}}</ref> Two other independent international agencies are also investigating violations of human rights and of ] in the area: the ], established by the ] on 4 March 2022, and the ], deployed by ]. The latter started monitoring human rights violations by all parties in 2014 and employs nearly 60 UN human rights monitors. In late March, ] ] stated that the Ukrainian prosecutors had collected evidence for 2,500 "possible war crimes cases" and "several hundred suspects".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Farmer |first1=Ben |last2=Kozyreva |first2=Tanya |last3=Townsley |first3=Simon |title=I'm building 2,500 war crimes cases against Vladimir Putin's invasion, says Ukraine's chief prosecutor |date=30 March 2022 |newspaper=] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/putin-21st-century-war-criminal-ukraines-chief-prosecutor-investigate |access-date=2 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331190405/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/putin-21st-century-war-criminal-ukraines-chief-prosecutor-investigate |archive-date=31 March 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 7 April, Russia was suspended from the UN Human Rights Council.<ref>{{cite news |last=Nichols |first=Michelle |date=7 April 2022 |title=U.N. suspends Russia from human rights body, Moscow then quits |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/un-vote-suspending-russia-human-rights-council-over-ukraine-2022-04-07/ |access-date=7 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Graham-Harrison |first=Emma |date=27 August 2022 |title=Toxins in soil, blasted forests – Ukraine counts cost of Putin's 'ecocide' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/27/destroyed-nature-ukrainians-race-to-gather-evidence-of-putins-ecocide |access-date=25 September 2023 |work=The Observer |issn=0029-7712}} | |||
* {{Cite news |date=19 March 2022 |title=Ukrainians hope to rebuild greener country after Russia's war ravages environment |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/ukraine-green-ecocide-russia-war-b2038825.html |access-date=7 June 2023 |work=]}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last1=Gutman-Argemí |first1=Clara |last2=Ahn |first2=Ashley |last3=Benson |first3=Brawley |name-list-style=and |date=9 June 2023 |title=Ukrainians Are Accusing Russia of Ecocide. What Does That Mean? |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/06/09/ecocide-ukraine-russia-dam-war-crimes/ |access-date=9 October 2023 |work=]}} | |||
* {{Cite news |date=7 June 2023 |title=Ukraine launches "ecocide" and war crimes probe into Nova Kakhovka dam incident |url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-06-07-23/h_36848cd5abb76e0ddd522cd78f4f5f43 |access-date=9 October 2023 |work=]}}</ref> The Ukrainian government is investigating more crimes against the environment and ecocide (a crime in Ukraine).<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Yermak |first1=Andriy |last2=Wallström |first2=Margot |date=16 August 2023 |title=Russia is committing grave acts of ecocide in Ukraine – and the results will harm the whole world |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/16/russia-ecocide-ukraine-world-war-crimes |access-date=9 October 2023 |issn=0261-3077}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Graham-Harrison |first=Emma |date=27 August 2022 |title=Toxins in soil, blasted forests – Ukraine counts cost of Putin's 'ecocide' |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/27/destroyed-nature-ukrainians-race-to-gather-evidence-of-putins-ecocide |access-date=9 October 2023 |issn=0029-7712}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Santora |first=Marc |date=17 August 2023 |title=As Dead Dolphins Wash Ashore, Ukraine Builds a Case of Ecocide Against Russia |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/17/world/europe/russia-war-dolphin-deaths-ukraine.html |access-date=9 October 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Zelenskyy has met with prominent European figures (], ], ] and ]) to discuss the environmental damage and how to prosecute it.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gigova |first=Radina |date=2 July 2023 |title=Russia is accused of 'ecocide' in Ukraine. But what does that mean? |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/02/world/ukraine-ecocide-dam-collapse-crime-climate-intl-cmd/index.html |access-date=25 September 2023 |work=]}} | |||
* {{Cite news |agency=Press Association |date=29 June 2023 |title=Zelenskyy meets Greta Thunberg, Mary Robinson to address war's effect on Ukraine's ecology |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/zelenskyy-greta-thunberg-6106147-Jun2023/ |access-date=25 September 2023 |work=]}}</ref> | |||
According to an investigation by NGL Media published in April 2024, Russia has completely destroyed over 60,000 hectares of Ukrainian forests. The investigation stated that long-term ecological consequences may include lowering of the groundwater level, reduction of biodiversity, worsening of air quality, fire outbreaks, and rivers and ponds drying up.<ref name="Fornusek 2024 r049">{{cite web | last=Fornusek | first=Martin | title=Media: Russia destroys over 60,000 hectares of Ukrainian forests | website=Yahoo News | date=8 April 2024 | url=https://news.yahoo.com/media-russia-destroys-over-60-101907829.html | access-date=12 April 2024}}</ref> | |||
=== Legal proceedings === | |||
{{Further|Legality of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
=== Nuclear risk === | |||
{{ |
{{main|Nuclear risk during the Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | ||
Senior Russian politicians—including Putin, Sergey Lavrov, and ]—have made statements widely seen as ]. They have implied that Russia may use nuclear weapons if certain ] are crossed, such as helping Ukraine to strike back at Russia itself. | |||
On 27 February, Ukrainian foreign minister ] called for the ] (ICC) to investigate the Okhtyrka kindergarten bombing.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wong |first=Tessa |title=Ukraine live updates: Kyiv warned of toxic fumes after strike on oil depot |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-europe-60542877 |access-date=27 February 2022 |work=] |date=27 February 2022}}</ref> On 28 February, ], the ], said he planned to investigate allegations of war crimes in Ukraine "as rapidly as possible" following the ICC's preliminary examination of the case. Thirty-nine states officially referred the situation in Ukraine to the ICC. On 3 March, Khan announced that evidence was being collected of alleged war crimes, ], and genocide committed by individuals of all sides during the invasion, and that a full investigation would be opened.<ref>{{cite news |date=3 March 2022 |title=Ukraine: Russia faces war crimes investigation |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-60597751 |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref> Russia is not party to the ICC's ], or founding treaty, and therefore does not recognise its authority.<ref>{{cite news |last=Shank |first=Michael |title=Prosecute Putin for War Crimes. But Prosecute the U.S., Too |url=https://www.newsweek.com/prosecute-putin-war-crimes-prosecute-us-too-opinion-1689078 |work=] |date=17 March 2022 |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
Four days into the invasion, Putin put Russia's nuclear forces on high alert, raising fears that Russia could use ]s against Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Putin Orders Russian Nuclear Weapons on Higher Alert |url=https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2022-03/news/putin-orders-russian-nuclear-weapons-higher-alert |access-date=11 September 2023 |website=Arms Control Association}}</ref> In April, Putin "seemed to hint at the use of nuclear weapons against any nation that directly intervenes", and Sergei Lavrov said there was a "real" danger of a third world war.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 April 2022 |title=Russia's Lavrov Warns of 'Real' Danger of World War III |work=] |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/04/25/russias-lavrov-warns-of-real-danger-of-world-war-iii-a77486}} | |||
==== International Court of Justice ==== | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Wolfgang |first=Ben |date=27 April 2022 |title=Angry Putin wields energy, nuclear threats against West |work=] |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2022/apr/27/angry-putin-wields-energy-nuclear-threats-against-/}}</ref> CIA director ] said that "desperation" in the face of defeat could lead Putin to order a nuclear strike.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Sanger |first1=David E. |last2=Barnes |first2=Julian E. |date=14 April 2022 |title=C.I.A. Director Airs Concern That Putin Might Turn to Nuclear Weapons |work=] |publication-place=Washington, D.C. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/14/us/politics/putin-nuclear-weapons.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=28 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414234618/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/14/us/politics/putin-nuclear-weapons.html |archive-date=14 April 2022}}</ref> In September, the United States warned Russia's government that the country would suffer "catastrophic" consequences if it used nuclear weapons against Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news |title=U.S. warns Russia of 'catastrophic' consequences if it uses nuclear weapons |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/russia-catastrophic-consequences-nuclear-weapons-ukraine-us-warns-rcna49365 |work=] |date=26 September 2022}}</ref><ref>Natasha Turoc, "Biden warns of 'consequential' response from U.S. if Putin uses nuclear weapons". CNBC, 19 September 2022. </ref> Addressing the United Nations, President Biden accused Putin of making "overt, reckless and irresponsible" nuclear threats and said Russia would not win a nuclear war: "]".<ref>{{cite news |title="Joe Biden: Putin will not win a 'reckless' nuclear war" |publisher=] |first1=Jamie |last1=Johnson |first2=Arthur |last2=Scott-Geddes |first3=Josh |last3=White |first4=Chanel |last4=Zagon |first5=Nick |last5=Allen |date=21 September 2022 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/09/21/ukraine-news-russia-war-putin-counter-offensive-mobilisation/ |access-date=24 September 2023}}</ref> In March 2023, Putin announced plans to install Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Heather |last1=Chen |first2=Hira |last2=Humayun |first3=Mariya |last3=Knight |first4=Andrew |last4=Carey |first5=Radina |last5=Gigova |first6=Maria |last6=Kostenko |date=26 March 2023 |title=Russia plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, Putin says |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/25/world/russia-putin-nuclear-weapons-belarus-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=24 September 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
{{Main|Ukraine v. Russian Federation (2022)}} | |||
Ukraine filed a lawsuit against Russia before the ] (ICJ), accusing Russia of violating the 1948 ] (to which both Ukraine and Russia are parties) by falsely claiming genocide as a pretext for invading Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news |last=Milanovic |first=Marko |date=27 February 2022 |url=https://www.ejiltalk.org/ukraine-files-icj-claim-against-russia/ |url-status=live |title=Ukraine Files ICJ Claim against Russia |work=] |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://www.ejiltalk.org/ukraine-files-icj-claim-against-russia/ |archive-date=1 March 2022 |access-date=2 March 2022}}</ref> The ] supported Ukraine's request. Ukraine asked the ICJ to adopt ], an order directing Russia to halt its offensive in Ukraine. The ICJ granted Ukraine's request to expedite the proceedings.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wintour |first=Patrick |date=7 March 2022 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/07/international-court-of-justice-to-fast-track-ruling-on-russian-invasion-of-ukraine |title=International court of justice to fast-track ruling on Russian invasion |newspaper=] |access-date=10 March 2022}}</ref> Russian representatives refused to appear at a court hearing at the ] in ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Corder |first=Mike |date=7 March 2022 |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-netherlands-moscow-europe-0ca475d35171d384e028f09f1f7379e4 |title=Russia snubs UN court hearings in case brought by Ukraine |work=] |access-date=10 March 2022}}</ref> On 16 March, the ICJ ordered Russia, as a provisional measure, to "immediately suspend the military operations that it commenced on 24 February 2022 in the territory of Ukraine". The decision was taken after a 13–2 vote, with the Russian and Chinese judges in opposition.<ref>{{cite web |date=16 March 2022 |title=Order of 16 March 2022 |url=https://www.icj-cij.org/public/files/case-related/182/182-20220316-ORD-01-00-EN.pdf |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=16 March 2022 |title=International Court of Justice orders Russia to suspend invasion of Ukraine |url=https://www.dw.com/en/international-court-of-justice-orders-russia-to-suspend-invasion-of-ukraine/a-61142092 |access-date=16 March 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> It is binding on Russia, but the ICJ has no means to enforce it.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 March 2022 |title=Guerre en Ukraine, en direct |language=fr-FR |work=] |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/international/live/2022/03/16/guerre-en-ukraine-la-russie-exige-un-statut-neutre-pour-l-ukraine-qui-refuse_6117694_3210.html?#id-278998 |access-date=16 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
By 2024, most of the ] had been crossed without nuclear weapons being used in response.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dickinson |first1=Peter |title=Ukraine's invasion of Russia is erasing Vladimir Putin's last red lines |url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/ukraines-russian-invasion-is-erasing-vladimir-putins-last-red-lines/ |website=] |date=11 August 2024 |access-date=15 August 2024 |archive-date=14 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814193833/https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/ukraines-russian-invasion-is-erasing-vladimir-putins-last-red-lines/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
==== Universal jurisdiction ==== | |||
{{main|Universal jurisdiction investigations of war crimes in Ukraine}} | |||
Domestic ] were opened, under the principle of ], in countries including Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.<ref>{{cite web |date=25 March 2022 |title=How Would Those Accused of Ukraine War Crimes Be Prosecuted? |url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/what-are-war-crimes-russia-ukraine/ |access-date=30 March 2022 |first=Erika |last=Kinetz |website=] |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/1633685/lithuania-opens-probe-into-crimes-against-humanity-in-ukraine-attacked-by-russia |title=Lithuania opens probe into crimes against humanity in Ukraine attacked by Russia |work=] |date=3 March 2022 |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=9 March 2022 |title=Judgment Day: European Nations Start Probing Alleged Russian War Crimes in Ukraine |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/judgement-day-european-nations-start-probing-alleged-russian-war-crimes-in-ukraine/6476762.html |access-date=30 March 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/aklagare-i-sverige-utreder-krigsbrott-i-ukraina |title=Åklagare i Sverige utreder krigsbrott i Ukraina |language=sv |trans-title=Prosecutors in Sweden are investigating war crimes in Ukraine |publisher=] |date=19 March 2022 |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
== Peace efforts == | |||
{{Main|2022 Russia–Ukraine peace negotiations}} | |||
===Peace talks: First phase of invasion (24 February to 7 April)=== | |||
] | |||
On 28 February, Ukrainian and Russian negotiators began talks in Belarus aimed at a ceasefire and ensuring humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of civilians. After three rounds of talks, no deal was reached.<ref>{{cite web|date=7 March 2022 |title=Ukraine and Russia hold third round of talks |url=https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-and-russia-hold-third-round-of-talks/a-61039008 |access-date=8 March 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> On 5 March, Russia declared a five-and-a-half-hour ] in Mariupol and Volnovakha, to open humanitarian corridors for civilians to evacuate.<ref>{{cite web |date=5 March 2022 |title=Russia declares brief ceasefire to allow civilians to leave 2 cities in Ukraine |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/russia-ukraine-war/story/russia-ukraine-war-news-updates-ceasefire-open-civilian-corridors-1921003-2022-03-05 |access-date=7 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=5 March 2022 |agency=Reuters |title=Russia declares partial ceasefire in two Ukrainian cities |journal=Business Line (India) |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/world/russia-declares-partial-ceasefire-in-two-ukrainian-cities/article65192853.ece |access-date=7 March 2022 |via=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325174224/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/world/russia-declares-partial-ceasefire-in-two-ukrainian-cities/article65192853.ece |archive-date=25 March 2022 |url-status=live |issn=0971-7528 |oclc=456162874}}</ref> Ukraine blamed Russian forces for repeatedly breaking the ceasefire by shelling the two cities;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-united-nations-europe-singapore-42fc449b3e3336d09660c273aa0d9f19 |title=Live updates: Ukrainian paramedic remembered for bravery |work=] |date=6 March 2022 |access-date=8 March 2022 |quote=Russia promised to stop the shelling of Mariupol, a port city of 430,000, and Volnovakha, a city in the east, but violated the cease-fire.}}</ref><ref name="ABC_Ceasfire" /> the Russian defence ministry stated the firing came from inside both cities against Russian positions.<ref name="ABC_Ceasfire">{{cite news |title=Fleeing civilians face Russian bombardment as evacuation ceasefire breaks down in Ukraine and humanitarian crisis worsens |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-06/russia-not-observing-ceasefire-in-ukraine-say-city-leaders/100885872 |access-date=8 March 2022 |publisher=] |date=6 March 2022}}</ref> The ] declared that the effort to evacuate civilians had failed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-ukraine-blame-each-other-mariupol-evacuation-fails-again-2022-03-06/ |title=Evacuation of Mariupol fails again, stranding civilians under siege |first1=Edmund |last1=Blair |first2=Alessandra |last2=Prentice |work=Reuters |date=6 March 2022 |access-date=8 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
The invasion had an ]. Russian forces ] on the first day, leading to a huge spike in radiation levels.<ref>{{cite news|date=25 February 2022 |title=Chernobyl: Radiation spike at nuclear plant seized by Russian forces |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-60528828 |last=Gill |first=Victoria |access-date=25 February 2022 |publisher=] |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225165134/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-60528828 |url-status=live}}</ref> Russia also seized ], the largest in Europe. The plant has been damaged by shelling, Russian military equipment has been placed there, and safety protocols have been breached, leading to a ]. Ukraine described the crisis as ] by Russia.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 August 2022 |title='Russian nuclear terror': Ukraine atomic plant attacked again |work=aljazeera.com |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/7/fears-of-disaster-after-ukrainian-nuclear-plant-struck-again |access-date=10 September 2022}}</ref> In response to what he called "completely irresponsible actions", Zelenskyy suggested that there should be outside control over Russia's nuclear plants.<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Neil |first=Tyler |date=27 April 2022 |title=Zelenskyy demands 'global control' over Russia's nuclear capabilities after 'completely irresponsible actions' |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/zelenskyy-global-control-russias-nuclear-capabilities |work=]}}</ref> The ] (IAEA) issued stark warnings and said it was the first time a military conflict occurred amid nuclear plants. It called for a demilitarized zone around Zaporizhzhia NPP.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.N. nuclear watchdog calls for a 'security protection zone' around the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia power plant |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/un-nuclear-watchdog-calls-security-protection-zone-russian-held-zapori-rcna46446 |access-date=7 September 2022 |website=NBC News |date=7 September 2022 |language=en}}</ref> | |||
On 7 March, as a condition for ending the invasion, the Kremlin demanded Ukraine's ],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://orf.at/stories/3253962/ |title=Neutrale Ukraine? Ein Balanceakt, den Österreich kennt |language=de |trans-title=Neutral Ukraine? A balancing act Austria knows |work=] |date=17 March 2022 |access-date=21 March 2022}}</ref> recognition of Crimea, which was ] in 2014, as Russian territory, and recognition of the ] separatist republics of Donetsk and Luhansk as ]s.<ref>{{cite news |title=Russia will stop 'in a moment' if Ukraine meets terms – Kremlin |last=Belton |first=Catherine |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/kremlin-says-russian-military-action-will-stop-moment-if-ukraine-meets-2022-03-07/ |work=Reuters |date=7 March 2022 |access-date=8 March 2022}}</ref> The same day, Russia declared a temporary ceasefire in Kyiv, Sumy, and two other cities, starting from 10:30 Moscow Time (UTC+3).<ref>{{cite web |date=7 March 2022 |title=Russia announces ceasefire in Kyiv, 3 other cities for humanitarian corridors |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/russia-announces-ceasefire-in-kyiv-3-other-cities-for-humanitarian-corridors-101646633888107.html |access-date=7 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref> On 8 March, Zelenskyy suggested a direct meeting with Putin to end the invasion and expressed willingness to discuss Putin's demands.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukraine's Zelenskiy Says Open to 'Compromise' with Russia on Crimea, Separatist Territories |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/03/08/ukraines-zelenskiy-says-open-to-compromise-with-russia-on-crimea-separatist-territories-a76821 |work=] |date=8 March 2022 |access-date=10 March 2022}}</ref> Zelenskyy said he was ready for dialogue, but "not for capitulation".<ref>{{cite news |title=Israel's Bennett plays peacemaker in Ukraine-Russia war |last=Bateman |first=Tom |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-60679175 |work=] |date=10 March 2022}}</ref> He proposed a new collective security agreement for Ukraine with the US, Turkey, France, Germany, and Russia as an alternative to the country ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Belton |first=Catherine |title=Analysis: Two weeks into Ukraine war, analysts detect faint glimmers of compromise emerge |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/two-weeks-into-ukraine-war-faint-glimmers-compromise-emerge-2022-03-10/ |work=Reuters |date=11 March 2022 |access-date=31 March 2022}}</ref> Zelenskyy's ] party said that Ukraine would not give up Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk.<ref>{{cite news |title=Alternative to NATO proposed by Zelensky's party |url=https://www.jpost.com/international/article-700683 |work=] |date=8 March 2022 |access-date=8 March 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326024309/https://www.jpost.com/international/article-700683 |archive-date=27 March 2022}}</ref> However, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was considering giving the ] protected minority status.<ref>{{cite news |title=Why has Russia invaded Ukraine and what does Putin want? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56720589 |first=Paul |last=Kirby |work=] |date=30 March 2022 |access-date=31 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
=== Economic impact === | |||
On 10 March, Foreign Ministers ] and ] met for talks in ], Turkey, with Turkish Foreign Minister ] as a mediator within the scope of the ], in the first high-level contact between the two sides since the beginning of the invasion.<ref>{{cite web |title='No progress' as top Russia, Ukraine diplomats talk in Turkey |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/10/top-russia-ukraine-diplomats-arrive-in-turkey-for-talks |date=10 March 2022 |access-date=11 March 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> On 15 March, during the fourth round of talks, Zelenskyy suggested that Ukraine would accept not pursuing membership of NATO.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/russia-said-to-ease-stance-at-talks-zelensky-says-ukraine-accepts-not-joining-nato/ |title=Russia said to ease stance at talks, Zelensky says Ukraine accepts not joining NATO |newspaper=] |date=15 March 2022 |access-date=15 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318161000/https://www.timesofisrael.com/russia-said-to-ease-stance-at-talks-zelensky-says-ukraine-accepts-not-joining-nato/ |archive-date=18 March 2022 |url-status=live |oclc=969749342}}</ref> On 17 March, the ''Financial Times'' reported that a 15-point plan negotiated with Russia was identified by Zelenskyy as offering a more "realistic" possibility for ending the war than previous talks.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Reed |first1=John |last2=Olearchyk |first2=Roman |last3=Shotter |first3=James |last4=Schwartz |first4=Felicia |title=Zelensky says Ukrainian and Russian positions becoming more 'realistic' |url=https://www.ft.com/content/7b341e46-d375-4817-be67-802b7fa77ef1 |access-date=17 March 2022 |work=] |date=16 March 2022}}</ref> ], continuing as the chief negotiator for the Ukrainian peace delegation, indicated that peace negotiations of a 15-point plan would involve the retraction of Russian forces from their advanced positions in Ukraine, along with international guarantees for military support and alliance in case of renewed Russian military action, in return for Ukraine not pursuing further affiliation with NATO.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/what-could-a-ukraine-russia-peace-agreement-look-like-55615 |title=What could a Ukraine-Russia peace agreement look like? |date=18 March 2022 |access-date=18 March 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
{{Main article|Economic impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
==== Ukraine ==== | |||
On 17 March, Çavuşoğlu was the first foreign minister to visit Ukraine after the start of the invasion. In a joint meeting with Kuleba, he reiterated support for Ukraine and revealed plans for a collective security agreement for Ukraine involving the US, Russia, UK, France, Germany, and Turkey, and called for leaders of both countries to meet in person, stating that the "hopes for ceasefire have increased".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tr.euronews.com/2022/03/17/cavusoglu-iki-ulkeye-ziyaretin-neticesinde-ateskes-umudumuz-biraz-daha-artt |title=Çavuşoğlu: İki ülkeye ziyaretin neticesinde ateşkes umudumuz biraz daha arttı |language=tr |trans-title=Çavuşoğlu: As a result of the visit to the two countries, our hope for a ceasefire has increased a little more |publisher=] |location=Turkey |date=17 March 2022 |access-date=19 March 2022}}</ref> Shortly afterwards, French Foreign Minister ] reportedly received intelligence that the Russians might be disingenuous and warned that Russia was only "pretending to negotiate", in line with a strategy it has used elsewhere.<ref name="Le Drian">{{cite news |url=https://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20220317-french-foreign-minister-says-russia-is-pretending-to-negotiate-in-ukraine-talks |title=French Foreign Minister says Russia is 'pretending to negotiate' in Ukraine talks |publisher=] |date=17 March 2022 |access-date=20 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
] ] announced that for 2022 Ukraine had a 30.4% loss in their GDP.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Horowitz |first=Julia |date=5 January 2022 |title=Ukraine's economy shrank by more than 30% in 2022 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/05/business/ukraine-economy/index.html |access-date=11 May 2024 |work=CNN |type=Digital}}</ref> The ] predicted that Ukraine's ] (GDP) would suffer a decrease from a minimum of 10% to a maximum of 35%;<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Shalal |first1=Andrea |last2=Zinets |first2=Natalia |last3=Lawder |first3=David |date=14 March 2022 |title=Ukraine economy to contract sharply in 2022 due to war, IMF report says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-economy-could-shrink-by-third-due-russia-invasion-imf-report-says-2022-03-14/ |access-date= |work=]}}</ref> the ] also predicted that the invasion would cause a 20% decrease of Ukraine's GDP.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Richard |date=31 March 2022 |title=EBRD sees war on Ukraine causing major growth slowdown |url=https://www.ebrd.com/news/2022/ebrd-sees-war-on-ukraine-causing-major-growth-slowdown.html |access-date= |website=European Bank for Reconstruction and Development}}</ref> However, the Ukrainian statistics service said that the GDP of Ukraine in 2023 grew by 5.3%.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 March 2024 |title=Ukraine's economy grew 5.3% in 2023, statistics service says |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/ukraines-economy-grew-53-2023-statistics-service-says-2024-03-28/ |access-date=2 June 2024 |work=Reuters |type=Digital}}</ref> | |||
Ukraine began issuing ]s on 1 March 2022, and the following day the Ukrainian government announced that they had raised 6.14 billion hryvnias.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Tan |first1=Weizhen |last2=Wang |first2=Christine |date=2 March 2022 |title=Ukraine raises $270 million from sale of war bonds to fund army as Russia's invasion continues |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/02/ukraine-raises-270-million-from-sale-of-war-bonds-to-fund-army.html |access-date=10 May 2024 |work=CNBC |type=Digital}}</ref> A ban was placed in May 2022 by the European Commission on grain sales in the countries of: Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia with the only exception being if they were transiting through those countries with the ban being lifted in September 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 April 2024 |title=How much grain is Ukraine exporting and how is it leaving the country? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-61759692 |access-date=11 May 2024 |work=BBC |type=Digital}}</ref> | |||
On 20 March, Turkish presidential spokesman ] said the two sides were getting closer on four key issues. He cited Russia's demand for Ukraine to renounce ambitions to join NATO, demilitarisation, what Russia has referred to as "denazification", and the protection of the Russian language in Ukraine, with the issues of Crimea and Donbas being the most pressing of the negotiations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey says Russia and Ukraine nearing agreement on 'critical' issues |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/turkey-says-russia-ukraine-getting-closer-agreement-critical-issues-2022-03-20/ |work=Reuters |date=20 March 2022 |access-date=29 March 2022}}</ref> However, that same day, Kremlin spokesman ] said that no significant progress had been made in peace talks, accusing Ukraine of stalling the talks by making proposals unacceptable for Russia. In response, Ukraine reiterated its willingness to negotiate but stated it would not accept Russian ultimatums.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2022/03/21/Kremlin-says-no-significant-progress-yet-in-peace-talks-with-Ukraine |title=Kremlin says no significant progress yet in peace talks with Ukraine |publisher=] |date=21 March 2022 |access-date=21 March 2022}}</ref> On 22 March, UN Secretary-General ] said that "elements of diplomatic progress" were coming into view "on several key issues" and that an immediate cease-fire was possible; he urged the parties involved to cease hostilities immediately and enter into serious negotiations as the war was "unwinnable" on the battlefield.<ref>{{cite web |date=22 March 2022 |title=Time to negotiate end to 'unwinnable' war in Ukraine, Guterres declares |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/03/1114392 |access-date=22 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
The war has caused a major ] in Ukraine: the ] calculated in March 2022 that a prolonged conflict would cause 30% of the Ukrainian population to fall below the poverty line, while a further 62% would be at risk of also falling into poverty within a year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 March 2022 |title=UN: 90 Percent Of Ukrainians Could Slip Into Poverty If War Drags On |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/un-ukraine-90percent-poverty/31755484.html |access-date= |website=]}}</ref> | |||
On 28 March, Zelenskyy confirmed that a renewal of peace talk negotiations with Russia would start in Istanbul on 29 March, with the intention of discussing Ukrainian neutrality towards Russia along with the repudiation of any claims for Ukrainian NATO membership in the future.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/28/zelenskiy-hails-upcoming-ukraine-russia-peace-talks-amid-fallout-from-biden-comments-on-putin |title=Zelenskiy says Ukraine willing to discuss neutrality at Russia talks |first1=Samantha |last1=Lock |first2=Daniel |last2=Boffey |work=] |date=28 March 2022 |access-date=28 March 2022 |location=Lviv}}</ref> On 29 March, Estonian Prime Minister ] indicated agreement with Le Drian that any Russian offers of peaceful negotiation about Ukraine or withdrawal from Kyiv should be met with diplomatic scepticism, based on a history of unreliability by Russia in similar peace negotiations with other countries.<ref name="Le Drian" /><ref>{{cite interview |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/estonian-prime-minister-kaja-kallas-on-war-in-ukraine-and-the-russian-threat |title=Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on war in Ukraine and the Russian threat |interviewer=] |first=Kaja |last=Kallas |subject-link=Kaja Kallas |work=] |date=29 March 2022 |access-date=30 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330063707/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/estonian-prime-minister-kaja-kallas-on-war-in-ukraine-and-the-russian-threat |archive-date=30 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
==== Russia ==== | |||
===Peace talks: Second phase of invasion (8 April to present)=== | |||
The Russian economic ministry said that for 2022 the GDP contracted by 2.1%<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 February 2023 |title=Russian economy shrank 2.1% in 2022, much less than expected |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/2/21/russias-economy-contracted-2-1-in-2022 |access-date=11 May 2024 |work=Al Jazeera}}</ref> and for 2023 Russia's government said the GDP grew by 3.6%.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Garver |first=Rob |date=8 February 2024 |title=Russia's Economy Grew in 2023, Despite War and Sanctions |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/russia-economy-grew-in-2023-despite-war-and-sanctions/7478952.html |access-date=2 June 2024 |work=Voice of America |type=Digital}}</ref> | |||
On 11 April, the Chancellor of Austria, ], visited and spoke with Putin in Moscow in 'very direct, open and hard' talks which were sceptical of the short term peaceful resolution of the invasion.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schmidt |first1=Nadine |last2=Robertson |first2=Nic |last3=Picheta |first3=Rob |date=11 April 2022 |title=Austria's leader says his face-to-face meeting with Putin was 'not a friendly visit' |work=] |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/04/11/europe/austria-nehammer-putin-meeting-russia-ukraine-intl/index.html |access-date=15 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
By 26 April, the Secretary General of the United Nations ] visited Russia for the purpose of speaking with Putin and Lavrov in separate meetings, and after the meetings with them indicating skepticism as to any short term resolution of differences between Russia and Ukraine largely due to very different respective perspectives on the circumstances of the invasion presently being adopted by each of the two nations.<ref> | |||
"U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres signals little hope for peace in Ukraine before meeting Putin in Moscow". BY PAMELA FALK. APRIL 26, 2022. CBS News. </ref> | |||
A price cap was placed on Russian oil by the ] (G7) at US$60 on 5 December 2022.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Meredith |first=Sam |date=3 February 2023 |title=Europe is set to ramp up its oil war against Russia — and markets are bracing for more disruption |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/03/europe-is-set-to-ramp-up-its-oil-war-against-russia-with-products-ban.html |access-date=10 May 2024 |work=CNBC |type=Digital}}</ref> The United States banned all imports of Russian oil on 8 March 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Bussewitz |first1=Cathy |last2=Daly |first2=Matthew |date=8 March 2022 |title=EXPLAINER: What does a US ban on Russian oil accomplish? |url=https://apnews.com/article/us-russian-oil-ban-what-does-it-mean-731f748450c38fc34353d96aea6897fe |access-date=11 May 2024 |work=Associated Press |type=Digital}}</ref> The European Union placed an embargo on oil products from Russia on 5 February 2023.<ref name=":4"/> Other countries that embargoed Russian oil were: Canada, United Kingdom and Australia.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goldman |first=David |date=24 March 2022 |title=Gas rationing, food vouchers and hunger: Economic pain from Russia's war is getting real |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/gas-rationing-food-vouchers-and-hunger-economic-pain-from-russia-s-war-is-getting-real-1.5832822 |access-date=2 June 2024 |work=] |agency=CNN}}</ref> Russia itself issued a ban on foreign diesel sales starting on 21 September 2023, before being lifted on 6 October.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gavin |first=Gabriel |date=6 October 2023 |title=Politico |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/russia-to-lift-fuel-export-ban-amid-supply-fears/ |access-date=11 May 2024 |type=Digital}}</ref> | |||
== Media depictions == | |||
{{Main|Disinformation in the 2021–2022 Russo-Ukrainian crisis|Media portrayal of the Ukrainian crisis|Russian information war against Ukraine}} | |||
{{See also|Media freedom in Russia|Putinism}} | |||
Online activists, journalists, politicians, and the general population have shared real-time information about the invasion, from both in and out of Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stelter |first=Brian |date=17 March 2022 |title=Zelensky meets Americans where they are with video calls and mass media |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/17/media/zelensky-video-call-modern-war/index.html |access-date=22 March 2022 |publisher=CNN}}</ref> | |||
Authentic first-hand portrayals have however been accompanied by depictions of earlier events or other misinformation, some of it deliberate.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Seitz |first1=Amanda |last2=Klepper |first2=David |date=25 February 2022 |title=Propaganda, fake videos of Ukraine invasion bombard users |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/propaganda-fake-videos-ukraine-invasion-bombard-users-83102027 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/propaganda-fake-videos-ukraine-invasion-bombard-users-83102027 |archive-date=27 February 2022 |access-date=27 February 2022 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Coleman |first1=Alistair |last2=Sardarizadeh |first2=Shayan |title=Ukraine conflict: Many misleading images have been shared online |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/60513452 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/60513452 |archive-date=1 March 2022 |work=] |date=24 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kern |first1=Rebecca |last2=Scott |first2=Mark |last3=Goujard |first3=Clothilde |date=24 February 2022 |title=Social media platforms on the defensive as Russian-based disinformation about Ukraine spreads |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/02/24/social-media-platforms-russia-ukraine-disinformation-00011559 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://www.politico.com/news/2022/02/24/social-media-platforms-russia-ukraine-disinformation-00011559 |archive-date=1 March 2022 |access-date=1 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref> While a large portion of these misleading videos and images posted to social media are identified as false content and labeled as such, other sites have not done so.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sardarizadeh |first=Shayan |date=25 April 2022 |title=Ukraine war: False TikTok videos draw millions of views |language=en-GB |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/60867414 |access-date=25 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
On 27 April 2024, it was reported that Russia was planning increases in personal income taxes and corporate taxes to help pay for the war.<ref>{{cite web | last=Sonne | first=Paul | title=Putin's War Will Soon Reach Russians' Tax Bills | website=New York Times | date=27 April 2024 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/27/world/europe/russia-taxes-ukraine-war-putin.html | access-date=30 April 2024}}</ref> | |||
] systematically downplays both civilian and military losses, denouncing reports of attacks on civilians as "fake" or blaming Ukrainian forces.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukraine: Watching the war on Russian TV – a whole different story |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60571737 |first1=Simona |last1=Kralova |first2=Sandro |last2=Vetsko |work=] |date=2 March 2022 |access-date=31 March 2022}}</ref>]] | |||
== Peace efforts == | |||
Putin introduced ] for "fake news" about Russian military operations,<ref>{{cite news |title=Even Russia's Kremlin-backed media is going off message and beginning to question Putin's war on Ukraine |url=https://fortune.com/2022/03/11/russia-kremlin-backed-media-off-message-question-putin-war-ukraine-invasion/ |work=Fortune |date=11 March 2022 |access-date=29 March 2022}}</ref> and fines or up to three years prison for calling for sanctions,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/03/04/putin-signs-law-introducing-jail-terms-for-fake-news-on-army-a76768 |title=Putin Signs Law Introducing Jail Terms for 'Fake News' on Army |website=] |date=4 March 2022 |access-date=29 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ukraine invasion: Russia passes law threatening 15 years in jail for spreading 'fake' information about the military |url=https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-invasion-russia-passes-law-threatening-15-years-in-jail-for-spreading-fake-information-about-the-military-12557176 |publisher=] |date=4 March 2022 |access-date=29 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/03/04/russia-duma-passes-law-on-fake-news-a76754 |title=Russia Duma Passes Law on 'Fake News' |website=] |date=4 March 2022 |access-date=29 March 2022}}</ref> prompting most Russian outlets to stop reporting on Ukraine. Russian censor '']'' ordered media to only use information from Russian state sources,<ref>{{cite web |date=24 February 2022 |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/24/use-only-official-sources-about-ukraine-war-russian-media-watchdog-tells-journalists-a76567 |title=Use Only Official Sources About Ukraine War, Russian Media Watchdog Tells Journalists |website=] |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224123216/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/24/use-only-official-sources-about-ukraine-war-russian-media-watchdog-tells-journalists-a76567 |url-status=live}}</ref> and to describe the war as a "special military operation".<ref>{{cite web |title=Do not call Ukraine invasion a 'war', Russia tells media, schools |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/2/do-not-call-ukraine-invasion-a-war-russia-tells-media-schools |date=2 March 2022 |access-date=27 March 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> New stories that described an "assault", "invasion" or "declaration of war" were removed.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-crisis-crosshairs-live-briefing/31668477.html |title=Live Briefing: Ukraine Under Attack |publisher=] |date=3 March 2022 |access-date=3 March 2022 |quote=Russia's national media watchdog Roskomnadzor has warned news outlets across the country that Russia's actions in Ukraine cannot be called a 'war' or an 'invasion' and should instead be referred to as a "special military operation in Ukraine.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=26 February 2022 |last=Landen |first=Xander |title=Russia Tells Media to Delete Stories Mentioning Ukraine 'Invasion' |work=] |url=https://www.newsweek.com/russia-tells-media-delete-stories-mentioning-ukraine-invasion-1682973 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.newsweek.com/russia-tells-media-delete-stories-mentioning-ukraine-invasion-1682973 |archive-date=27 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |title=Russia Bans Media Outlets From Using Words 'War,' 'Invasion' |date=26 February 2022 |magazine=] |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/26/russia-bans-media-outlets-from-using-words-war-invasion-a76605 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/26/russia-bans-media-outlets-from-using-words-war-invasion-a76605 |archive-date=27 February 2022}}</ref> ''Roskomnadzor'' also partially restricted access to Facebook on 25 February,<ref>{{cite web|title=Russia Puts 'Partial Restriction' on Facebook Access Citing Censorship on State Media |website=India.com |date=25 February 2022 |url=https://www.india.com/news/world/russia-puts-partial-restriction-on-facebook-access-citing-censorship-on-state-media-5258636/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.india.com/news/world/russia-puts-partial-restriction-on-facebook-access-citing-censorship-on-state-media-5258636/ |archive-date=26 February 2022}}</ref> after Facebook refused to stop fact-checking posts by the state-owned ], ], '']'', and '']''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Russia is limiting access to Facebook. The company says it was ordered to stop fact-checking |url=https://www.npr.org/live-updates/russia-invades-ukraine-news-friday#russia-is-limiting-access-to-facebook-the-company-says-it-was-ordered-to-stop-fact-checking |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.npr.org/live-updates/russia-invades-ukraine-news-friday#russia-is-limiting-access-to-facebook-the-company-says-it-was-ordered-to-stop-fact-checking |first=Shannon |last=Bond |archive-date=26 February 2022 |publisher=] |access-date=26 February 2022 |date=25 February 2022}}</ref> | |||
{{Main|Peace negotiations in the Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
] (pictured) a condition for peace talks with Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 January 2023 |title=Putin Signals Readiness for Peace Talks if Kyiv Cedes Occupied Regions |work=The Moscow Times |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/01/05/putin-signals-readiness-for-peace-talks-if-kyiv-cedes-occupied-regions-a79877}}</ref>]] | |||
Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine took place on {{nobr|28 February}}, {{nobr|3 March}}, and {{nobr|7 March 2022}}, on the ], with further talks held on 10 March in Turkey and a fourth round of negotiations beginning 14 March.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hopkins |first=Valerie |date=28 February 2022 |title=Initial talks between Russia and Ukraine yield no resolution. |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/28/world/europe/ukraine-russia-talks-belarus.html |url-status=live |access-date=16 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314231723/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/28/world/europe/ukraine-russia-talks-belarus.html |archive-date=14 March 2022 |issn=0362-4331}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last1=Reevell |first1=Patrick |last2=Hutchinson |first2=Bill |date=2 March 2022 |title=2nd round of talks between Russia and Ukraine end with no cease-fire |work=ABC News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/2nd-round-talks-russia-ukraine-end-cease-fire/story?id=83226054 |url-status=live |access-date=15 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314224621/https://abcnews.go.com/International/2nd-round-talks-russia-ukraine-end-cease-fire/story?id=83226054 |archive-date=14 March 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite news |date=7 March 2022 |title=Ukraine and Russia hold third round of talks |publisher=] |agency=], ], ] |url=https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-and-russia-hold-third-round-of-talks/a-61039008 |url-status=live |access-date=15 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314110854/https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-and-russia-hold-third-round-of-talks/a-61039008 |archive-date=14 March 2022}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Roshchina |first=Olena |date=28 February 2022 |script-title=uk:Переговори делегацій України та Росії почалися |language=uk |trans-title=Negotiations between the delegations of Ukraine and Russia began |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2022/02/28/7326809/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314012254/https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2022/02/28/7326809/ |archive-date=14 March 2022 |script-work=uk:Українська правда |trans-work=] |script-quote=uk:Деталі: Переговори відбуваються на Гомельщині на березі річки Прип'ять. Із міркувань безпеки точне місце організатори переговорів не називають. |trans-quote=Details: Negotiations are taking place in the Gomel region on the banks of the Pripyat River. For security reasons, the organisers of the talks did not name the exact location.}}</ref> | |||
On 13 July that year, Ukrainian foreign minister ] said that peace talks were frozen and Ukraine must first recover the seized territories in the east before negotiations can begin.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Russia-Ukraine war latest: Ukraine rules out ceasefire deal that involves ceding territory; officials to seek grain export agreement – Latest Active News |url=https://lac2c.org/news/russia-ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-rules-out-ceasefire-deal-that-involves-ceding-territory-officials-to-seek-grain-export-agreement/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724180330/https://lac2c.org/news/russia-ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-rules-out-ceasefire-deal-that-involves-ceding-territory-officials-to-seek-grain-export-agreement/ |archive-date=24 July 2022 |access-date=14 July 2022}}</ref> On 19 July, Deputy head of the ], ], said: "Russia will achieve all its goals. There will be peace – on our terms."<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Lock |first1=Samantha |last2=Luscombe |first2=Richard |last3=Ambrose |first3=Tom |last4=Belam |first4=Martin |name-list-style=and |date=20 July 2022 |title=Peace will be on Moscow's terms, says former president |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/jul/19/russia-ukraine-war-live-news-putin-and-erdogan-to-meet-us-weaponry-stabilising-frontlines-ukraine-military-chief-says |access-date=20 July 2022 |work=]}}</ref> | |||
On 3 March, ]'s board of directors voted to close down.<ref>{{cite news |last=Troianovski |first=Anton |author-link=Anton Troianovski |date=3 March 2022 |title=Echo of Moscow, a liberal Russian radio station, is shut down |magazine=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/03/02/world/ukraine-russia-war?smtyp=cur&smid=tw-nytimes#echo-of-moscow-a-liberal-russian-radio-station-is-shut-down}}</ref> On 4 March, ''Roskomnadzor'' blocked access to several foreign media outlets, including ], ], ], ], and '']'', as well as to Facebook and Twitter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/russia-restricts-access-bbc-russian-service-radio-liberty-ria-2022-03-04/ |title=Russia blocks access to BBC and Voice of America websites |work=Reuters |date=4 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/03/04/facebook-multiple-media-sites-partially-down-in-russia-afp-ngo-a76750 |title=Facebook, Multiple Media Sites Partially Down in Russia – AFP, NGO |website=] | |||
|date=4 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/04/russia-completely-blocks-access-to-facebook-and-twitter |title=Russia blocks access to Facebook and Twitter |date=4 March 2022 |access-date=4 March 2022 |website=] |last=Milmo |first=Dan}}</ref> | |||
In September 2022, after the ], Zelenskyy announced that any Ukrainian talks with Putin were "impossible", but left the door open to talks with Russia or a future Russian president.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Harding |first1=Luke |last2=Koshiw |first2=Isobel |date=30 September 2022 |title=Ukraine applies for Nato membership after Russia annexes territory |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/30/ukraine-applies-for-nato-membership-after-russia-annexes-territory |work=]}} | |||
], chief of Russia's main state-controlled TV station ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Cosic |first=Jelena |title=Canada sanctions 10 Putin allies, including Russia's leading TV propagandists |url=https://www.icij.org/investigations/russia-archive/canada-sanctions-10-putin-allies-including-russias-leading-tv-propagandists/ | |||
* {{Cite news |date=4 October 2022 |title=Zelenskiy decree rules out Ukraine talks with Putin as 'impossible' |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/zelenskiy-decree-rules-out-ukraine-talks-with-putin-impossible-2022-10-04/ |access-date=7 February 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=4 October 2022 |title=Ukraine rules out peace talks after Russia claims part of country |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/kidspost/2022/10/04/russia-annexation-ukraine-peace-talks/ |access-date=12 April 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> In December that year, Kremlin spokesman ] and Russian Foreign Minister ] said that before there are peace talks, Ukraine must accept Russian sovereignty over the provinces it claimed to have annexed.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 December 2022 |title=British Defense Ministry Notes 'Continued Churn of Senior Russian Officials' |work=VOA News |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/british-defense-ministry-notes-continued-churn-of-senior-russian-officials-/6897645.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 December 2022 |title=Moscow To Achieve Ukraine Goals Thanks to 'Patience' – Lavrov |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/12/28/moscow-to-achieve-ukraine-goals-thanks-to-patience-lavrov-a79830 |website=The Moscow Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bengali |first=Shashank |date=29 December 2022 |title=Hopes for Talks Dim in Ukraine As Sides Dig In |work=] |page=1}}</ref> Ukraine's counter proposal was for Moscow to return occupied Ukrainian land and pay war damages.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |last1=Troianovski |first1=Anton |last2=Entous |first2=Adam |last3=Barnes |first3=Julian E. |name-list-style=and |date=23 December 2023 |title=Putin Quietly Signals He Is Open to a Cease-Fire in Ukraine |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/23/world/europe/putin-russia-ukraine-war-cease-fire.html |access-date=10 October 2024 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> In January 2023, Kremlin spokesman Peskov said that "there is currently no prospect for diplomatic means of settling the situation".<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 January 2023 |title=There are currently no prospects for diplomatic solution to situation around Ukraine, – Peskov |work=Censor.NET |url=https://censor.net/en/news/3395587/there_are_currently_no_prospects_for_diplomatic_solution_to_situation_around_ukraine_peskov |access-date=13 February 2023}}</ref> In May 2023, UN Secretary-General ] said peace negotiations were "not possible at this moment", saying that Russia and Ukraine were "absorbed in this war" and each "convinced that they can win."<ref>{{cite news |title=Russia Holds Victory Day Celebrations Amid Fresh Strikes On Ukraine |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/kyrgyz-president-russia-visit-japarov-putin-victory-day/32400550.html |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=9 May 2023}}</ref> | |||
|work=] |date=8 March 2022}}</ref>]] | |||
In Russia, pro-Kremlin television pundits like ] and state-controlled television channels such as ],<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Masha |last=Gessen |title=The War That Russians Do Not See |url=https://www.newyorker.com/news/dispatch/03/14/the-war-that-russians-do-not-see |magazine=] |date=4 March 2022 |access-date=25 March 2022}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite news |last=Grafton-Green |first=Patrick |title=School children force fed Putin's propaganda as Russian media hides Ukraine truths |url=https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/how-the-russian-state-media-is-portraying-putins-invasion/ |work=] |date=3 March 2022 |access-date=25 March 2022}}</ref> and ]<ref>Emma Gray, , CPJ Press Freedom Reports, 27 March 2000. Retrieved 23 April 2008.</ref> mostly follow the government narrative on the war.<ref>{{cite news |last=Vorobyov |first=Niko |title=How is the Ukraine invasion being viewed in Russia? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/24/no-choice-but-to-invade-ukraine-kremlin |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/24/no-choice-but-to-invade-ukraine-kremlin |archive-date=27 February 2022 |publisher=] |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=25 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Simmons |first=Ann |title=Russian State Media Bolster Putin's Narrative for Ukraine Invasion |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/russian-state-media-bolster-putins-narrative-for-ukraine-invasion-11645874643 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.wsj.com/articles/russian-state-media-bolster-putins-narrative-for-ukraine-invasion-11645874643 |archive-date=27 February 2022 |work=] |date=26 February 2022 |access-date=25 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Korenyuk |first1=Maria |last2=Goodman |first2=Jack |title=Ukraine war: 'My city's being shelled, but mum won't believe me' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60600487 |work=] |date=4 March 2022 |access-date=25 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
In June 2023, Ukrainian Defence Minister ] said that the peace plans presented by China, Brazil and Indonesia are attempts at mediation on behalf of Russia, adding "this sort of mediation currently doesn't fit for us at all, because they aren't impartial."<ref>{{cite news |title=Chinese and Indonesian 'peace plans' really just Russia proxies, says DM Reznikov at NV event |url=https://english.nv.ua/nation/china-and-indonesian-peace-plans-really-just-russia-proxies-says-dm-reznikov-at-nv-event-50330583.html |work=The New Voice of Ukraine |date=8 June 2023}}</ref> He said that Ukraine was willing to accept China as a mediator only if Beijing could convince Russia to withdraw from all the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=If Xi gets Putin to send Russia's troops home, he can broker peace: Ukraine Defence Minister |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/if-xi-gets-putin-to-send-russia-s-troops-home-he-can-broker-peace-ukraine-defence-minister |work=The Straits Times |date=5 June 2023}}</ref> | |||
Ukrainian propaganda focuses on raising awareness of the war and Ukraine's need for support and weapons.<ref>{{cite web |last=Brewster |first=Thomas |date=1 March 2022 |title=Ukraine's Propaganda Offensive, Led By Ad-Tech Entrepreneurs, Appears To Be Winning |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2022/03/01/ukraine-propaganda-machine-might-be-winning-against-russia/ |access-date=5 April 2022 |website=Forbes}}</ref> Official Ukrainian social media accounts have targeted posts and videos to recruit soldiers and call for international aid.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Sam |last1=Schechner |first2=Stacy |last2=Meichtry |date=27 February 2022 |title=How Zelensky and Putin Are Using Online Media in the War for Ukraine | |||
|work=] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-zelensky-and-putin-are-using-online-media-in-the-war-for-ukraine-11645995672 | |||
|access-date=22 March 2022 | |||
}}</ref> | |||
In December 2023, ''The New York Times'' reported that Putin has been signaling through intermediaries since at least September 2022 that "he is open to a ceasefire that freezes the fighting along the current lines". This has been received with skepticism by Ukrainians and their country's supporters, with criticism that it could be an insincere, opportunistic public relations ploy by Russia that would give it time to rebuild its weakened army before renewing the offensive.<ref name=":0"/><ref>{{Cite news |last=Crowley |first=Michael |date=9 February 2024 |title=U.S. Rejects Putin's Latest Call for Ukraine Negotiations |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/09/us/politics/biden-putin-tucker-carlson-peace.html |access-date=12 April 2024 |work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Such concerns have been raised since 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dickinson |first=Peter |date=22 November 2022 |title=Putin's peace ploy is a ruse to rearm |url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/putins-peace-ploy-is-a-ruse-to-rearm/ |access-date=12 April 2024 |website=Atlantic Council}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Erlanger |first=Steven |date=29 March 2022 |title=Peace Talks May Be Little More Than Russian Tactics, Analysts Say |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/29/world/europe/russia-ukraine-peace-talks.html |access-date=12 April 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In May 2024, Kremlin sources said that Putin wanted to avoid unpopular steps such as further nationwide mobilization and increased war spending.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vladimir Putin ready to 'freeze' war in Ukraine with ceasefire recognising recent Russian gains, sources say |url=https://news.sky.com/story/vladimir-putin-ready-to-freeze-war-in-ukraine-with-ceasefire-recognising-recent-russian-gains-sources-say-13142402 |work=Sky News |date=24 May 2024}}</ref> | |||
State-controlled ] have seen an opportunity for anti-American propaganda,<ref>{{cite magazine |date=2 March 2022 |last=Kroll |first=Andy |title=China's Propaganda Machine Gears Up for Putin — and Blames America for the Invasion |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/russia-china-ukraine-propaganda-invasion-ccp-1315024/ |magazine=]}}</ref> and along with Cuban state media,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilner |first1=Michael |last2=Maria Delgado |first2=Antonio |last3=Gámez Torres |first3=Nora |date=14 March 2022 |title=Explainer: How Russia's war in Ukraine is shuffling U.S. alliances in Latin America |work=] |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/venezuela/article259261614.html |access-date=21 March 2022}}</ref> have amplified Russian false claims of "secret US biolabs".<ref>{{cite news |last=Wong |first=Edward |title=U.S. Fights Bioweapons Disinformation Pushed by Russia and China |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/10/us/politics/russia-ukraine-china-bioweapons.html |work=] |date=11 March 2022 |access-date=12 March 2022}}</ref> State-controlled outlets in Serbia<ref>{{cite news |date=14 March 2022 |title=Putin supporters demonstrate in Belgrade backing Ukrainian invasion |work=], ] |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/putin-supporters-demonstrate-in-belgrade-backing-ukrainian-invasion-122031300819_1.html}}</ref> and Iran<ref>{{cite news |first1=Jason M. |last1=Brodsky |first2=David |last2=Daoud |date=10 March 2022 |access-date=21 March 2022 |title=Why Iran and Hezbollah Are Quietly Applauding Putin's War on Ukraine |work=] |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium.HIGHLIGHT-iran-and-hezbollah-quietly-applaud-putin-s-war-on-ukraine-1.10662150}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Ziabari |first=Kourosh |date=9 March 2022 |title=In Backing Russia on Ukraine, Iran Is on the Wrong Side of History |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/03/09/iran-support-russia-war-ukraine/ |website=]}}</ref> have repeated Russian propaganda, as has ] in Latin America.<ref>{{cite web |first=Carmen |last=Sesin |date=8 March 2022 |access-date=21 March 2022 |title=Russian propaganda targeting Spanish-language users proliferates on social media |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/russian-propaganda-targeting-spanish-language-users-proliferates-socia-rcna19153 |publisher=]}}</ref> Pundits on Turkish pro-government media have blamed NATO and the US for the war.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ragip Soylu |date=13 April 2022 |title=Russia-Ukraine war: Turkey's talk show generals sway public against Nato |url=https://middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-russia-ukraine-war-talk-show-generals-sway-public-against-nato |website=] |language=en}}</ref> ]-controlled media outlets in Hungary have claimed that Ukraine provoked the war by becoming “a military base for America”.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Higgins |first1=Andrew |last2=Novak |first2=Benjamin |date=2022-04-03 |title=Pro-Putin Leaders in Hungary and Serbia Set to Win Re-election |language=en-US |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/03/world/europe/pro-putin-leaders-in-hungary-and-serbia-election.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/wZvDP |archive-date=2022-04-27 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Vietnam has told reporters not to say "invasion", and to minimise coverage.<ref name="nyt-eligon">{{cite news |last=Eligon |first=John |title=In Some Parts of the World, the War in Ukraine Seems Justified |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/17/world/war-russia-china-putin-support.html |access-date=19 March 2022 |work=] |date=17 March 2022}}</ref> South Africa's governing ] endorsed the denazification narrative.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dikole |first=S. A. |date=11-17 March 2022 |title=Situation in Ukraine is about denazification of the country by Russia |pages=5{{endash}}6 |work=] |publisher=] |url=https://www.anc1912.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/ANC-Today-11-Mar-2022.pdf |access-date=20 March 2022}}</ref><ref name="nyt-eligon" /> Pro-Russian propaganda has also been spread by some Indonesian social media users and academics.<ref>{{cite web |date=19 March 2022 |title=Why are Indonesians on social media so supportive of Russia? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/19/why-are-indonesians-on-social-media-so-supportive-of-russia |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |editor-last=Iswara |editor-first=Aditya Jaya |date=15 March 2022 |title=Kenapa Mayoritas Netizen Indonesia Dukung Invasi Rusia ke Ukraina dan Kagum dengan Putin? |trans-title=Why do the majority of Indonesian netizens support the Russian invasion of Ukraine and admire Putin? |language=id |work=] |agency=BBC News Indonesia |url=https://www.kompas.com/global/read/2022/03/15/133000370/kenapa-mayoritas-netizen-indonesia-dukung-invasi-rusia-ke-ukraina-dan?page=all |access-date=27 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
As of 2024, Ukraine's peace terms are that Russia withdraw its troops, that Russian leaders be prosecuted for ], and that Ukraine have security guarantees. Russia's terms are that Russia must keep ], that it also be given all of the ] but does not fully control, and that Ukraine end plans to join NATO.<ref name="Putin terms">{{cite news |title=Putin lays out his terms for ceasefire in Ukraine|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c033eyyr20do|access-date=14 June 2024|work=]|date=14 June 2024|language=English}}<br />{{cite news |title=Vladimir Putin issues fresh demands to Ukraine to end war|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/14/vladimir-putin-issues-fresh-demands-to-ukraine-to-end-war|access-date=14 June 2024|work=]|date=14 June 2024|language=English}}<br />{{cite news |title=Putin states Ukrainian Armed Forces must withdraw from 4 Ukrainian oblasts to begin peace talks|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/06/14/7460781/|access-date=14 June 2024|work=]|date=14 June 2024|language=English}}</ref> | |||
== Sanctions and ramifications == | |||
{{Main|International sanctions during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|Economic impact of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
{{further|2021–2022 global energy crisis|2022 food crises|Russia in the European energy sector}} | |||
]'s statements and a short question and answer session on 24 February 2022]] | |||
] and others imposed limited sanctions on Russia when it recognised the independence of Donbas. With the commencement of attacks on 24 February, a large number of other countries began applying sanctions with the aim of crippling the Russian economy.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tracking sanctions against Russia |url=https://graphics.reuters.com/UKRAINE-CRISIS/SANCTIONS/byvrjenzmve/ |work=Reuters |date=9 March 2022}}</ref> The sanctions were wide-ranging, targeting individuals, banks, businesses, monetary exchanges, bank transfers, exports, and imports.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Melander |first1=Ingrid |last2=Gabriela |first2=Baczynska |date=24 February 2022 |title=EU targets Russian economy after 'deluded autocrat' Putin invades Ukraine |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-launch-new-sanctions-against-russia-over-barbaric-attack-ukraine-2022-02-24/ |access-date=26 February 2022 |work=Reuters |archive-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226002323/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-launch-new-sanctions-against-russia-over-barbaric-attack-ukraine-2022-02-24/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=25 February 2022 |title=Western Countries Agree To Add Putin, Lavrov To Sanctions List |publisher=] |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-sanctions-putin-lavrov/31723682.html |access-date=26 February 2022 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226005425/https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-sanctions-putin-lavrov/31723682.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=25 February 2022 |title=China State Banks Restrict Financing for Russian Commodities |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-25/chinese-state-banks-restrict-financing-for-russian-commodities |access-date=26 February 2022 |website=] |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225234148/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-25/chinese-state-banks-restrict-financing-for-russian-commodities |url-status=live}}</ref> The sanctions included cutting off major Russian banks from ], the global messaging network for international payments, although there would still be limited accessibility to ensure the continued ability to pay for gas shipments.<ref>{{cite web |title=Western allies will remove Russian banks from Swift |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60517447 |work=] |access-date=26 February 2022}}</ref> Sanctions also included asset freezes on the ], which holds $630 billion in ],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Davidson |first1=Kate |last2=Weaver |first2=Aubree Eliza |title=The West declares economic war on Russia |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/morning-money/2022/02/28/the-west-declares-economic-war-on-russia-00012208 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://www.politico.com/newsletters/morning-money/2022/02/28/the-west-declares-economic-war-on-russia-00012208 |archive-date=1 March 2022 |work=] |date=28 February 2022}}</ref> to prevent it from offsetting the impact of sanctions<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fleming |first1=Sam |last2=Solomon |first2=Erika |last3=Borrelli |first3=Silvia Sciorilli |title=Italy move adds to EU momentum for cutting Russian banks from Swift |url=https://www.ft.com/content/073a37d5-4daf-49ed-b5bc-a4682ef1aa88 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.ft.com/content/073a37d5-4daf-49ed-b5bc-a4682ef1aa88 |archive-date=27 February 2022 |work=] |date=26 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Pop |first=Valentina |date=25 February 2022 |title=EU leaders agree more Russia sanctions, but save some for later |work=] |url=https://www.ft.com/content/8b99b33b-92b0-42f4-ac02-ecbc9fae4c4c |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.ft.com/content/8b99b33b-92b0-42f4-ac02-ecbc9fae4c4c |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Germany Backs 'Targeted' Russian SWIFT Removal: Ukraine Update |url=https://www.yahoo.com/now/kyiv-fighting-ongoing-no-word-072739163.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.yahoo.com/now/kyiv-fighting-ongoing-no-word-072739163.html |archive-date=27 February 2022 |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=26 February 2022}}</ref> and implicated the ] gas pipeline.<ref>{{cite news |last=Chazan |first=Guy |date=22 February 2022 |title=Scholz takes heat off Germany with decision to freeze Nord Stream 2 project |work=] |url=https://www.ft.com/content/60e42ac2-03d8-4faf-ad88-9f92982420f5 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.ft.com/content/60e42ac2-03d8-4faf-ad88-9f92982420f5 |archive-date=27 February 2022 |access-date=26 February 2022}}</ref> By 1 March, the total amount of Russian assets being frozen by sanctions amounted to $1 trillion.<ref>{{cite news |last=Riley |first=Charles |title=The West's $1 trillion bid to collapse Russia's economy |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/03/01/business/russia-economy-sanctions/index.html |publisher=CNN |date=1 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
Several Western-based analysts say that allowing Russia to keep the land it seized would "reward the aggressor while punishing the victim" and set a dangerous precedent.<ref name="Chatham end">{{cite web |title=How to end Russia's war on Ukraine |url=https://www.chathamhouse.org/2023/06/how-end-russias-war-ukraine |publisher=] |date=3 October 2023}}</ref> They predict that this would allow Russia to re-arm and encourage it "to continue its ]" against its other neighbors, and embolden other expansionist regimes to invade other countries.<ref name="Chatham end"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Global Perspectives on Ending the Russia-Ukraine War |url=https://www.cfr.org/councilofcouncils/global-memos/global-perspectives-ending-russia-ukraine-war |website=Council of Councils |publisher=] |date=21 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Karatnycky |first1=Adrian |title=What a Russian Victory Would Mean for Ukraine |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/12/19/ukraine-russia-war-stalemate-victory-congress-military-aid/ |website=] |date=19 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Danylyuk |first1=Oleksandr |title=What Ukraine's Defeat Would Mean for the US, Europe and the World |url=https://rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/what-ukraines-defeat-would-mean-us-europe-and-world |website=] |date=24 January 2024}}</ref> Zelenskyy commented: "It's the same thing ] did, when he said '] ] and it'll end here'."<ref name="Putin terms" /> Leo Litra of the ] pointed out that allowing Russia to ] in 2014 did not stop further Russian aggression. Opinion polls show that the majority of Ukrainians oppose giving up any of their country for peace.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Litra |first1=Leo |title=The US election, Ukraine, and the meaning of peace |url=https://ecfr.eu/article/the-us-election-ukraine-and-the-meaning-of-peace/ |publisher=] |date=5 November 2024}}</ref> Orysia Lutsevych of ] points out that "calls for Ukraine to become 'neutral' because this will remove Russia's incentive for aggression ignore the fact that Ukraine was already neutral when ]".<ref name="Chatham House: How to end Russia's war on Ukraine" /> | |||
], the managing director of the ], warned that the conflict posed a substantial economic risk for the region and internationally. She added that the Fund could help other countries impacted by the conflict, complementary to a $2.2 billion loan package being prepared to assist Ukraine. ], the ] of the ], said that the conflict would have far-reaching economic and social effects, and reported that the bank was preparing options for significant economic and fiscal support to Ukrainians and the region.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/imf-chief-warns-of-significant-economic-risk-from-ukraine-conflict-01645718108?tesla=y |title=IMF, World Bank Chiefs Warn Of Global Impacts From Ukraine War |work=] |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224201323/https://dowjones-d.openx.net/w/1.0/arj?ju=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.barrons.com%2Farticles%2Frussia-ukraine-tensions-commodity-markets-51645219778&ch=UTF-8&res=1600x1000x24&ifr=false&tz=0&tws=2560x32290&be=1&bc=hb_pb_3.0.3&dddid=fc2cb432-6939-43f2-a30d-bd3a06de1af7&nocache=1645733602998&gdpr=0&aus=300x250&divids=AD_RAIL_2&aucs=%252F2%252Fbarrons.com%252FCommodities%2523AD_RAIL_2&auid=540797992 |url-status=live}}</ref> Economic sanctions affected Russia from the first day of the invasion, with the ] falling by up to 39% (]). The ] fell to record lows, as Russians rushed to exchange currency.<ref>{{cite web |last=Thompson |first=Mark |title=Russian stocks crash 33% and ruble plunges to record low |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/02/24/investing/ruble-russian-stocks-crash/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224230229/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/02/24/investing/ruble-russian-stocks-crash/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=24 February 2022 |title=Moscow Exchange resumes trading on its markets at 10:00am |url=https://www.moex.com/n41373ce |url-status=live |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224092209/https://www.moex.com/n41373}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=24 February 2022 |title=Russian stocks nosedive 20% as trading resumes on Moscow Exchange |newspaper=] |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/russian-stocks-nosedive-20-as-trading-resumes-on-moscow-exchange/articleshow/89794446.cms |url-status=live |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224073740/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/russian-stocks-nosedive-20-as-trading-resumes-on-moscow-exchange/articleshow/89794446.cms |archive-date=24 February 2022 |last=Mudgill |first=Amit}}</ref> Stock exchanges in Moscow and Saint Petersburg were suspended until at least 18 March,<ref>{{cite news |title=Russian central bank decides not to reopen stock market trading next week |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-central-bank-decides-not-reopen-stock-market-trading-next-week-2022-03-12/ |work=Reuters |date=12 March 2022}}</ref> making it the longest closure in Russia's history.<ref>{{cite web |title=Russia Keeps Stock Trading Shut in Nation's Longest Closure |first=Farah |last=Elbahrawy |date=4 March 2022 |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-04/russia-keeps-stock-trading-closed-in-nation-s-longest-shutdown |access-date=4 March 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> On 26 February, ] downgraded the Russian government ] to "junk", causing funds that require investment-grade bonds to dump Russian debt, making further borrowing very difficult for Russia.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ostroff |first=Caitlin |title=Russia Cut to Junk Rating by S&P, Ukraine's Rating Lowered |url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news-2022-02-26/card/grtPacmpCwsqrmnfKa2A |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news-2022-02-26/card/grtPacmpCwsqrmnfKa2A |archive-date=1 March 2022 |work=] |access-date=1 March 2022 |date=26 February 2022}}</ref> On 11 April, S&P Global placed Russia under "selective default" on its foreign debt for insisting on payments in rubles.<ref>{{cite web |date=11 April 2022 |title=Live updates: Russia invades Ukraine, country braces for major Donbas offensive |url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-04-11-22/index.html |access-date=11 April 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
== International reactions ==<!-- This section is intended as a *summary* of the detailed pages linked as "further" reading. Please add details to *those* detailed pages, and first update summaries of those articles before updating (if needed) the summaries here. --> | |||
The ] suspended currency markets, announcing that it would fix the official exchange rate. The central bank also limited cash withdrawals to 100,000 ] per day and prohibited withdrawal in foreign currencies by members of the general public. The ] stated on 24 February that trading was suspended due to the emergency events.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ostroff |first=Caitlin |date=24 February 2022 |title=Ukraine Central Bank Halts Currency Market, Limits Cash Withdrawals |url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news/card/0FHSuPNxXCqIn8zfYptK |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224133156/https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news/card/0FHSuPNxXCqIn8zfYptK |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
{{Main|Reactions to the Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
{{see also|Protests against the Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
] vote on 2 March 2022 condemning the invasion of Ukraine and demanding a complete withdrawal of Russian troops<br />{{legend|#74C365|In favour}}{{legend|#ab4e52|Against}}{{legend|#FADA5E|Abstained}}{{legend|#89CFF0|Absent}}{{legend|#C0C0C0|Non-member}}]] | |||
The invasion received widespread international condemnation from ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bellinger |first=John B. III |date=28 February 2022 |title=How Russia's Invasion of Ukraine Violates International Law |url=https://www.cfr.org/article/how-russias-invasion-ukraine-violates-international-law |access-date=26 January 2023 |website=Council on Foreign Relations}}</ref> On 2 March 2022 and on 23 February 2023, 141 ] of the ] voted for a resolution saying that Russia should immediately withdraw. Seven, including Russia, voted against the measure.<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 February 2023 |title=Ukraine war: UN condemns Russian invasion ahead of anniversary |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64748349 |access-date=24 February 2023 |publisher=]}}</ref> Political reactions to the invasion included ], which triggered ].<ref name="Sanctions slams Russian economy">{{Cite news |last1=Chernova |first1=Anna |last2=Cotovio |first2=Vasco |last3=Thompson |first3=Mark |date=28 February 2022 |title=Sanctions slams Russian economy |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/02/28/business/russia-ruble-banks-sanctions/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228085645/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/02/28/business/russia-ruble-banks-sanctions/index.html |archive-date=28 February 2022 |access-date=28 May 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> Sanctions forced Russia to reorient its oil exports to non-sanctioning countries such as India, rely more on ] (which was not subject to European Union sanctions), and shift its coal exports from Europe to Asia.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Overland |first1=Indra |last2=Loginova |first2=Julia |date=1 August 2023 |title=The Russian coal industry in an uncertain world: Finally pivoting to Asia? |journal=Energy Research & Social Science |volume=102 |pages=103150 |bibcode=2023ERSS..10203150O |doi=10.1016/j.erss.2023.103150 |doi-access=free}}</ref> Most European countries cancelled nuclear cooperation with Russia.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Szulecki |first1=Kacper |last2=Overland |first2=Indra |date=April 2023 |title=Russian nuclear energy diplomacy and its implications for energy security in the context of the war in Ukraine |journal=Nature Energy |volume=8 |issue=4 |pages=413–421 |bibcode=2023NatEn...8..413S |doi=10.1038/s41560-023-01228-5 |doi-access=free |hdl-access=free |hdl=11250/3106595}}</ref> | |||
Over seventy sovereign states and the European Union delivered ] to Ukraine, and nearly fifty countries plus the EU provided ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 June 2023 |title=Ukraine war aid: Austin asks U.S. allies to 'dig deep' |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-defence-boss-austin-urges-allies-dig-deep-with-arms-ukraine-2023-06-15/ |website=Reuters}}</ref> Economic sanctions included a ban on Russian aircraft using EU airspace,<ref>{{Cite web |title=EU adopts new set of measures to respond to Russia's military aggression against Ukraine |url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/02/28/eu-adopts-new-set-of-measures-to-respond-to-russia-s-military-aggression-against-ukraine/ |publisher=Europa (web portal)}}</ref> a ], and a ban on certain Russian media outlets.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EU imposes sanctions on state-owned outlets RT/Russia Today and Sputnik's broadcasting in the EU |url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/03/02/eu-imposes-sanctions-on-state-owned-outlets-rt-russia-today-and-sputnik-s-broadcasting-in-the-eu/ |publisher=Europa (web portal)}}</ref> Reactions to the invasion have included public response, media responses, ], and the examination of the ]. | |||
On 24 March, ]'s administration issued an executive order, which barred the Russian gold reserves from sales in the international market.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/faqs/1029|title=RUSSIAN HARMFUL FOREIGN ACTIVITIES SANCTIONS|access-date=24 March 2022|website=US Department of the Treasury}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/16135-u-s-executive-order-sanctions-the-trade-of-russia-s-gold-reserves|title=U.S. Executive Order Sanctions the Trade of Russia's Gold Reserves|access-date=31 March 2022|website=OCCRP}}</ref> For Russia, gold has been one of the major avenues to protect its economy from the impact of multiple sanctions which had been imposed since the 2014 annexation of Crimea. To this end, it had been building its foothold in Africa, targeting its countries' gold operations. It also acquired exclusive gold rights in ], after deploying the ] to shield the government of ]. A report by the ] (GI-TOC) suggested that Russia may use its influence in Africa to evade sanctions and exploit the illicit gold markets, in particular those in the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/16185-report-isolated-russia-could-turn-to-africa-s-gold-industry|title=Report: Isolated Russia Could Turn to Africa's Gold Industry|first=David|last=Klein|date=11 April 2022|website=OCCRP|access-date=24 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/gold-africa-smuggling/|title=Gold worth billions smuggled out of Africa|date=24 April 2019|first1=David|last1=Lewis|first2=Ryan|last2=McNeill|first3=Zandi|last3=Shabalala|work=Reuters|access-date=24 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
Some countries, particularly in the ], saw public sympathy or outright support for Russia, due in part to distrust of ].<ref name="nyt-eligon">{{Cite news |last=Eligon |first=John |date=17 March 2022 |title=In Some Parts of the World, the War in Ukraine Seems Justified |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/17/world/war-russia-china-putin-support.html |access-date=19 March 2022 |work=]}} | |||
== Reactions<!-- This section is intended as a *summary* of the detailed pages linked as "further" reading. Please add details to *those* detailed pages, and first update summaries of those articles before updating (if needed) the summaries here. --> == | |||
* {{Cite news |last1=Holder |first1=Josh |last2=Leatherby |first2=Lauren |last3=Troianovski |first3=Anton |last4=Cai |first4=Weiyi |date=23 February 2023 |title=The West Tried to Isolate Russia. It Didn't Work. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/02/23/world/russia-ukraine-geopolitics.html |access-date=30 July 2023 |work=] |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Protests and demonstrations were held worldwide, including some ] and ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tambur |first=Silver |date=26 February 2022 |title=Pictures: 30,000 people protest in Tallinn against the Russian invasion of Ukraine |url=https://estonianworld.com/pictures/pictures-30000-people-protest-in-tallinn-against-the-russian-invasion-of-ukraine/ |publisher=Estonian world}}</ref> Calls for ] spread on social media platforms,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brooks |first=Hannah |date=2 May 2022 |title=Putin invaded Ukraine. But Russian immigrants are paying the price |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/think/amp/rcna26971 |publisher=]}}</ref> while hackers attacked Russian websites, particularly those operated by the Russian government.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Srivastava |first=Mehul |date=6 May 2022 |title=Russia pummelled by pro-Ukrainian hackers following invasion |url=https://www.ft.com/content/3391bf8c-e431-415c-b7c5-9eeee08b3374 |work=]}}</ref> ] against Russians living abroad surged after the invasion.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Beardsworth |first=James |date=4 March 2022 |title=Russians Abroad: Blamed for a Regime They Sought to Escape |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/03/04/russians-abroad-blamed-for-a-regime-they-sought-to-escape-a76762 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306231213/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/03/04/russians-abroad-blamed-for-a-regime-they-sought-to-escape-a76762 |archive-date=6 March 2022 |work=]}} | |||
] vote on 2 March 2022 condemning the invasion of Ukraine and demanding a complete withdrawal of Russian troops.<br />{{legend|#74C365|In favour}}{{legend|#ab4e52|Against}}{{legend|#FADA5E|Abstained}}{{legend|#89CFF0|Absent}}{{legend|#C0C0C0|Non-member}}]] | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Brooks |first=Hannah |date=3 May 2022 |title=Putin invaded Ukraine. But Russian immigrants are paying the price. |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/putin-ukraine-russia-war-russian-immigrants-paying-price-rcna26971 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607005052/https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/putin-ukraine-russia-war-russian-immigrants-paying-price-rcna26971 |archive-date=7 June 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref> In March 2022, Russian President Putin introduced ] for publishing "fake news" about Russian military operations,<ref>{{cite news |date=11 March 2022 |title=Even Russia's Kremlin-backed media is going off message and beginning to question Putin's war on Ukraine |url=https://fortune.com/2022/03/11/russia-kremlin-backed-media-off-message-question-putin-war-ukraine-invasion/ |work=]}}</ref> intended to suppress any criticism related to the war.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Weir |first1=Fred |date=5 December 2022 |title=In Russia, critiquing the Ukraine war could land you in prison |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2022/1205/In-Russia-critiquing-the-Ukraine-war-could-land-you-in-prison |work=]}}</ref> | |||
{{main|Government and intergovernmental reactions to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|Non-government reactions to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | |||
{{further|Protests against the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|2022 anti-war protests in Russia|2022 protests in Russian-occupied Ukraine|2022 boycott of Russia and Belarus|Derussification in Ukraine}} | |||
According to the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2023, 31 percent of the world's population live in countries that are leaning towards or supportive of Russia, 30.7 percent live in neutral countries, and 36.2 percent live in countries that are against Russia in some way.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Garcia |first=Lucia |date=7 March 2023 |title=Russia's pockets of support are growing in the developing world |url=https://www.eiu.com/n/russias-pockets-of-support-are-growing-in-the-developing-world/ |access-date=7 July 2023 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
The invasion received widespread international condemnation from ], with reactions including ], which triggered ].<ref name="Sanctions slams Russian economy"/> The European Union financed and delivered military equipment to Ukraine. The bloc also implemented various economic sanctions, including a ban on Russian aircraft using EU airspace,<ref>{{cite web |title=EU adopts new set of measures to respond to Russia's military aggression against Ukraine |url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/02/28/eu-adopts-new-set-of-measures-to-respond-to-russia-s-military-aggression-against-ukraine/ |publisher=Europa (web portal)}}</ref> a SWIFT ban on certain Russian banks, and a ban on certain Russian media outlets.<ref>{{cite web |title=EU imposes sanctions on state-owned outlets RT/Russia Today and Sputnik's broadcasting in the EU |url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/03/02/eu-imposes-sanctions-on-state-owned-outlets-rt-russia-today-and-sputnik-s-broadcasting-in-the-eu/ |publisher=Europa (web portal)}}</ref> ] included widespread ] in the areas of entertainment, media, business, and sport.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Timsit |first1=Annabelle |last2=Fernández Simon |first2=Maite |title=Russia boycott: A list of global campaigns that are underway in support of Ukraine |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/03/02/boycotts-russia-invasion-ukraine/ |access-date=4 March 2022 |newspaper=] |date=2 March 2022}}</ref> | |||
A number of supranational and national parliaments passed resolutions declaring Russia to be a ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/european-lawmakers-declare-russia-state-sponsor-terrorism-2022-11-23/|title=European Parliament declares Russia a state sponsor of terrorism|website=]|date=23 November 2022|access-date= 13 December 2024|archive-date=23 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123121114/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/european-lawmakers-declare-russia-state-sponsor-terrorism-2022-11-23/|url-status=live}}</ref> By October 2022, three countries—Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia—had declared Russia a ].<ref name="Fiedler 2022">{{cite news |last=Fiedler |first=Tristan |date=18 October 2022 |title=Estonian parliament declares Russia a terrorist state |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/as-the-third-country-to-estonia-declares-russia-a-terrorist-state/ |access-date=8 June 2023 |work=]}}</ref> On 1 August, ] became the first European country to close its embassy in Russia as a result of the invasion of Ukraine.<ref name="Nova 2023 y784">{{cite web |date=1 August 2023 |title=Iceland is the first European country to close its embassy in Moscow |url=https://www.agenzianova.com/en/news/iceland-is-the-first-european-country-to-close-its-embassy-in-moscow/ |access-date=3 August 2023 |website=Agenzia Nova}}</ref> | |||
] living in the Czech Republic, 26 March 2022. The ] is a symbol of anti-war protests in Russia.]] | |||
There were also immediate ] and ].<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Arik |last=Burakovsky |title=Putin's Invasion of Ukraine Has Sparked Antiwar Protests in Russia. They Could Be His Undoing |magazine=] |date=3 March 2022 |url=https://time.com/6154240/russia-protests-war-ukraine-putin/ |access-date=4 March 2022 |archive-date=3 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303192550/https://time.com/6154240/russia-protests-war-ukraine-putin/ |url-status=live}}</ref> As well as the demonstrations, petitions and open letters were published in opposition to the war, and public figures, both cultural and political, released statements against the war.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://zona.media/article/2022/02/27/vse |script-title=ru:Кто против войны. Все открытые письма с призывами остановить вторжение в Украину |trans-title=Who is against the war. All open letters with calls to stop the invasion of Ukraine |website=Zona.media |publisher=] |language=ru |date=27 February 2022 |access-date=8 March 2022 |archive-date=27 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227214204/https://zona.media/article/2022/02/27/vse |url-status=live}}</ref> The protests were met with widespread repression by the Russian authorities. According to ], at least 14,906 people were detained from 24 February to 13 March 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://reports.ovdinfo.org/no-to-war |script-title=ru:Нет войне – Как российские власти борются с антивоенными протестами |trans-title=No to war – How Russian authorities are fighting anti-war protests |language=ru |website=] |access-date=28 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Shevchenko |first=Vitaly |date=15 March 2022 |title=Ukraine war: Protester exposes cracks in Kremlin's war message |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60749064 |access-date=15 March 2022 |archive-date=15 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315140128/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60749064 |url-status=live}}</ref> Human rights organisations and reporters raised concerns of police brutality during the arrests and OVD-Info reported several cases of protestors being tortured under detention. The Russian government cracked down on other forms of opposition to the war, including introducing widespread censorship measures and repression against people who signed anti-war petitions.<ref>{{cite web|date=4 March 2022 |title=Joint Letter to the United Nations Human Rights Council on the human rights situation in Russia |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/03/04/joint-letter-united-nations-human-rights-council-human-rights-situation-russia |access-date=4 March 2022 |publisher=] |archive-date=5 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305094647/https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/03/04/joint-letter-united-nations-human-rights-council-human-rights-situation-russia |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
The invasion prompted Ukraine,<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Harding |first1=Luke |last2=Koshiw |first2=Isobel |date=30 September 2022 |title=Ukraine applies for Nato membership after Russia annexes territory |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/30/ukraine-applies-for-nato-membership-after-russia-annexes-territory |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001025243/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/30/ukraine-applies-for-nato-membership-after-russia-annexes-territory |archive-date=1 October 2022 |work=]}}</ref> ] and ] to officially apply for NATO membership.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Emmott |first1=Robin |last2=Straus |first2=Marine |date=18 May 2022 |title=Finland, Sweden apply to join NATO amid Turkish objections |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/finland-sweden-submit-application-join-nato-2022-05-18/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518070947/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/finland-sweden-submit-application-join-nato-2022-05-18/ |archive-date=18 May 2022 |work=] |quote=Finland and Sweden formally applied to join the NATO alliance on Wednesday, a decision spurred by Russia's invasion of Ukraine}}</ref> Finland became a member of NATO on 4 April 2023,<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 April 2023 |title=Nato's border with Russia doubles as Finland joins |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-65173043 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405214936/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-65173043 |archive-date=5 April 2023 |agency=]}}</ref> followed by Sweden on 7 March 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Erlanger |first=Steven |date=7 March 2024 |title=Sweden Officially Enters NATO Alliance, a Strategic Blow to Moscow |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/07/world/europe/sweden-nato-neutrality.html |access-date=7 March 2024 |work=]}}</ref> | |||
In some parts of Ukraine that were newly occupied by Russian armed forces, ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Давыдова |first=Гера |script-title=ru:"Кто за? Воюем!". Жители захваченных украинских городов протестуют против российских военных |trans-title="Who agrees? Let's fight!" Residents of captured Ukrainian cities protest against the Russian military |url=https://zona.media/article/2022/03/03/citizens |website=Медиазоне |access-date=19 March 2022 |language=ru |date=3 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=МАРТЫНКО |first=КРИСТИНА |script-title=uk:Жители Херсона протестуют под обстрелами российских оккупантов: Мы не боимся! Херсон – это Украина! |trans-title=Residents of Kherson protest under fire from Russian invaders: We are not afraid! Kherson is Ukraine! |url=https://kp.ua/life/a645185-zhiteli-khersona-protestujut-pod-obstrelami-rossijskikh-okkupantov-my-ne-boimsja-kherson-eto-ukraina |website=КП в Украине |access-date=19 March 2022 |language=uk |date=5 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Бойко |first=Иван |script-title=ru:Во время митинга в Новой Каховке оккупанты убили одного человека, а семь – ранили |trans-title=During a rally in Nova Kakhovka, the invaders killed one person and wounded seven |url=https://www.unian.net/war/vo-vremya-mitinga-v-novoy-kahovke-okkupanty-ubili-odnogo-cheloveka-a-sem-ranili-novosti-donbassa-11732566.html |agency=Ukrainian Independent Information Agency |access-date=19 March 2022 |language=ru |date=7 March 2022}}</ref> In China,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Repnikova |first1=Maria |last2=Zhou |first2=Wendy |date=11 March 2022 |title=What China's Social Media Is Saying About Ukraine |work=] |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/03/china-xi-ukraine-war-america/627028/ |access-date=21 March 2022}}</ref> India,<ref>{{cite web |date=2 March 2022 |title=#IStandWithPutin trending in India amid Russia-Ukraine conflict |url=https://www.dtnext.in/News/TopNews/2022/03/02180433/1356157/IStandWithPutin-trending-in-India-amid-RussiaUkraine-.vpf |archive-url=https://archive.ph/iDMNe |archive-date=21 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Poddar |first=Umang |date=8 March 2022 |title=How Indians on the internet view India's tacit support of Russia |url=https://qz.com/india/2136155/how-indians-on-the-internet-view-indias-tacit-support-of-russia/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329031744/https://qz.com/india/2136155/how-indians-on-the-internet-view-indias-tacit-support-of-russia/ |archive-date=21 March 2022 |website=]}}</ref> Indonesia,<ref>{{cite web |date=14 March 2022 |title=5 Alasan yang Bikin Banyak Warga RI Dukung Rusia Invasi Ukraina |trans-title=5 reasons why many Indonesians support Russia's invasion of Ukraine |url=https://www.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20220314083053-134-770749/5-alasan-yang-bikin-banyak-warga-ri-dukung-rusia-invasi-ukraina |work=] |language=id}}</ref> Malaysia<ref>{{cite web |last=Azmi |first=Hadi |date=19 March 2022 |title=How Russia and Ukraine are trying to win the battle on Malaysia's social media |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/article/3171049/ukraine-war-battle-malaysias-social-media-propaganda-tool-russia-and |website=]}}</ref> and the Arab regions, many social media users showed sympathy for Russian narratives due in part to distrust of ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Danya Hajjaji |date=7 April 2022 |title=Ukraine War: Arab Social Media Unsympathetic, Sees Western Hypocrisy |work=] |url=https://www.newsweek.com/ukraine-russia-war-arab-social-media-hypocrisy-west-1696106 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/AJsHG |archive-date=19 April 2022}}</ref> | |||
A documentary film produced during the siege of Mariupol, '']'', won the ] in 2024.<ref name="Pulver Shoard 2024 a031">{{cite web |last1=Pulver |first1=Andrew |last2=Shoard |first2=Catherine |date=11 March 2024 |title=Ukraine war film 20 Days in Mariupol wins Oscar for best documentary |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/mar/11/20-days-in-mariupol-documentary-oscar |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> | |||
==== Greenpeace USA protests deliveries of Russian oil ==== | |||
In March, 2022, following ], ] activists set out in boats to intercept a 50,000 ton Greek vessel delivering Russian oil to the port of New York. Activists unfurled a banner "Oil fuels war" to draw attention to the continuous deliveries of Russian oil despite President Biden's call for sanctions. The protest occurred during a 45-day grace period leading up to the White House's imposition of sanctions against Russian oil and gas imports.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-22 |title=Activists protest tanker as Russian oil imports flow into US ahead of ban |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/mar/22/activists-protest-tanker-russian-us-ban |access-date=2022-05-01 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}</ref> | |||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
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{{#invoke:Portal|portal|Europe|Modern history|Russia|Ukraine|Politics|Current events}} | |||
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{{Portal|Russia|Ukraine|War}} | |||
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* {{annotated link|Post-Soviet conflicts}} | |||
* ] | |||
** {{annotated link|Russo-Georgian War}} | |||
* ] | |||
** {{annotated link|Transnistria War}} | |||
* {{annotated link|Second Cold War}} | |||
== Notes == | == Notes == | ||
{{Reflist|group=note}} | |||
{{notelist}} | |||
{{Notelist|30em}} | |||
== References == | == References == | ||
{{reflist |
{{reflist}} | ||
== Bibliography == | |||
<!-- following ref not currently used | |||
* {{Cite book |last=D'Anieri |first=Paul |author-link=Paul D'Anieri|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ASysEAAAQBAJ |title=Ukraine and Russia |date=23 March 2023 |publisher=] |isbn=978-1-009-31550-0 |oclc=1350843759| location=Cambridge}} | |||
<ref name="WashPost_what_counts_invasion">{{cite news |last=Parker |first=Claire |date=23 February 2022 |title=What counts as an 'invasion,' or as 'lethal aid'? Here's what some terms from the Russia-Ukraine crisis really mean. |newspaper=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/23/key-terms-russia-ukraine |access-date=23 February 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/2022.02.23-204700/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/23/key-terms-russia-ukraine/ |archive-date=23 February 2022}}</ref> | |||
* {{Cite book |last=Ramani |first=Samuel |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=74ebEAAAQBAJ |title=Putin's War on Ukraine: Russia's Campaign for Global Counter-Revolution |date=13 April 2023 |publisher=Hurst Publishers |isbn=978-1-80526-003-5 }} | |||
--> | |||
* {{cite book|last=Wallensteen| first=Peter| author-link=Peter Wallensteen |year=2023| title=Understanding Conflict Resolution|publisher=] |oclc=1370602224 |location=Los Angeles|isbn=9781529613209}} | |||
<ref name="Meduza_Putin_announces_invasion">{{cite news |title=Putin announces formal start of Russia's invasion in eastern Ukraine |date=24 February 2022 |newspaper=] |url=https://meduza.io/en/news/2022/02/24/putin-announces-start-of-military-operation-in-eastern-ukraine |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224033732/https://meduza.io/en/news/2022/02/24/putin-announces-start-of-military-operation-in-eastern-ukraine |archive-date=24 February 2022}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Jurist_UNHRC_establishes">{{cite news|last=Johnson |first=Heidi |title=UN Human Rights Council establishes commission to investigate Russian human rights violations against Ukraine |date=4 March 2022 |newspaper=] |url=https://www.jurist.org/news/2022/03/un-human-rights-council-establishes-commission-to-investigate-russian-human-rights-violations-against-ukraine |access-date=25 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307192848/https://www.jurist.org/news/2022/03/un-human-rights-council-establishes-commission-to-investigate-russian-human-rights-violations-against-ukraine |archive-date=7 March 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="UNHRC_establishes_commission_RU_aggression">{{cite web |title=Human Rights Council establishes an Independent International Commission of Inquiry to investigate all alleged violations of human rights in the context of the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine |website=] |date=4 March 2022 |url=https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2022/03/human-rights-council-establishes-independent-international-commission |access-date=25 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319184122/https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2022/03/human-rights-council-establishes-independent-international-commission |archive-date=19 March 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
}} | |||
== Further reading == | == Further reading == | ||
{{ |
{{Refbegin|30em}} | ||
* Borshchevskaya, Anna (2022). Putin's War in Syria. 50 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP, UK: I. B. Tauris. {{Isbn|978-0755634637}} | |||
* {{cite book |last1=Wood |first1=Elizabeth A. |last2=Pomeranz |first2=William E. |last3=Merry |first3=E. Wayne |last4=Trudolyubov |first4=Maxim |date=15 December 2015 |title=Roots of Russia's War in Ukraine |publisher=] |isbn=978-0-231-80138-6 |oclc=1008637056 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JyDyCgAAQBAJ&pg=PP1}} | |||
* {{ |
* {{Cite book |last=D'Anieri |first=Paul |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Gs6vDwAAQBAJ&pg=PP1 |title=Ukraine and Russia: From Civilized Divorce to Uncivil War |date=31 October 2019 |publisher=] |isbn=978-1-108-48609-5 |via=]|ref=none}} | ||
* Harding, Luke. ''Invasion: The Inside Story of Russia's Bloody War and Ukraine's Fight for Survival''. 2022. Vintage Press. {{Isbn| 9780593685174}} | |||
* {{cite book |last=Smith |first=Christopher M. |date=15 March 2022 |title=Ukraine's Revolt, Russia's Revenge |publisher=] |isbn=978-0-8157-3925-8 |oclc=1287616684 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HxUWEAAAQBAJ&pg=PP1}} | |||
* {{ |
* {{Cite book |title=The War in Ukraine's Donbas: Origins, Contexts, and the Future |date=2022 |publisher=] |isbn=978-9633865972 |editor-last=Marples |editor-first=David R.|ref=none}} | ||
* {{Cite book |last1=Menon |first1=Rajan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3L34DwAAQBAJ&pg=PP1 |title=Conflict in Ukraine: The Unwinding of the Post–Cold War Order |last2=Rumer |first2=Eugene B. |date=6 February 2015 |publisher=] |isbn=978-0-262-53629-5 |oclc=1029335958 |via=]|ref=none}} | |||
{{refend}} | |||
* {{Cite web |publisher=] |website=The Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies |title=The Cost of War to Ukraine |url=https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/cost-war-ukraine |access-date=8 October 2023}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last1=Schwirtz |first1=Michael |last2=Troianovski |first2=Anton |last3=Al-Hlou |first3=Yousur |last4=Froliak |first4=Masha |last5=Entous |first5=Adam |last6=Gibbons-Neff |first6=Thomas |date=16 December 2022 |title=Putin's War: The Inside Story of a Catastrophe |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/12/16/world/europe/russia-putin-war-failures-ukraine.html|ref=none}} | |||
* {{Cite book |last=Smith |first=Christopher M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HxUWEAAAQBAJ&pg=PP1 |title=Ukraine's Revolt, Russia's Revenge |date=15 March 2022 |publisher=] |isbn=978-0-8157-3925-8 |oclc=1287616684 |via=]|ref=none}} | |||
* {{cite book|last=Trofimov |first=Yaroslav |title=Our Enemies Will Vanish. The Russian Invasion and Ukraine's War of Independence |publisher=Penguin Random House |date=2024 |isbn=9780593655184}} | |||
* {{Cite report |url=https://static.rusi.org/special-report-202204-operation-z-web.pdf |title=Operation Z: The Death Throes of an Imperial Delusion |last1=Watling |first1=Jack |last2=Reynolds |first2=Nick |date=22 April 2022 |publisher=]|ref=none}} | |||
* {{Cite news |last=Wiegrefe |first=Klaus |date=15 February 2022 |title=NATO's Eastward Expansion: Is Vladimir Putin Right? |work=] |url=https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/nato-s-eastward-expansion-is-vladimir-putin-right-a-bf318d2c-7aeb-4b59-8d5f-1d8c94e1964d |url-status=live |access-date=31 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215103833/https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/nato-s-eastward-expansion-is-vladimir-putin-right-a-bf318d2c-7aeb-4b59-8d5f-1d8c94e1964d |archive-date=15 February 2022 |issn=2195-1349}} | |||
* {{Cite book |last1=Wood |first1=Elizabeth A. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JyDyCgAAQBAJ&pg=PP1 |title=Roots of Russia's War in Ukraine |last2=Pomeranz |first2=William E. |last3=Merry |first3=E. Wayne |last4=Trudolyubov |first4=Maxim |date=15 December 2015 |publisher=] |isbn=978-0-231-80138-6 |oclc=1008637056 |via=]|ref=none}} | |||
{{Refend}} | |||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
{{#invoke:Sister project links|main|auto=yes|d=Q110999040|m=yes}} | |||
* {{Commons category-inline}} | |||
* at the ] | |||
* . CNN. | |||
* at the ] | |||
* . BBC News. | |||
* at ] | |||
* | |||
* at the ] | |||
* . Reuters, 10 March 2022 | |||
* at the ] | |||
* by ] | |||
* at the ] | |||
* (updated weekly) | |||
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{{Russian invasion of Ukraine}} | ||
{{Russo-Ukrainian War navbox}} | {{Russo-Ukrainian War navbox}} | ||
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{{ongoing military conflicts}} | |||
{{Russia–Ukraine relations}} | {{Russia–Ukraine relations}} | ||
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{{Irredentism}} | ||
{{Post-Cold War European conflicts}} | |||
{{Ongoing military conflicts}} | |||
{{Vladimir Putin}} | {{Vladimir Putin}} | ||
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{{Volodymyr Zelenskyy}} | ||
{{Authority control}} | {{#invoke:Authority control|authorityControl}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 11:56, 24 December 2024
Ongoing armed conflict in Eastern Europe This article is about the invasion that began in 2022. For other invasions that took place on the territory of Ukraine, see List of invasions and occupations of Ukraine.
Russian invasion of Ukraine | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part of the Russo-Ukrainian War (outline) | |||||||
Map of Ukraine as of 21 December 2024 (details): Continuously controlled by Ukraine Currently occupied or controlled by Russia Formerly occupied by Russia or Ukrainian-occupied Russian territory | |||||||
| |||||||
Belligerents | |||||||
North Korea Supported by: Belarus | Ukraine | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Units involved | |||||||
Order of battle | Order of battle | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
Pre-invasion at border: 169,000–190,000 Pre-invasion total: 900,000 military 554,000 paramilitary In February 2023: 300,000+ active personnel in Ukraine In June 2024: 700,000 active personnel in the area |
Pre-invasion total: 196,600 military 102,000 paramilitary July 2022 total: up to 700,000 September 2023 total: over 800,000 | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
Reports vary widely, see § Casualties for details. | |||||||
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Russo-Ukrainian War (outline) | |
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Post-Minsk II conflict
Attacks on civilians
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On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War, which started in 2014. The invasion, the largest and deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II, has caused hundreds of thousands of military casualties and tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilian casualties. As of 2024, Russian troops occupy about 20% of Ukraine. From a population of 41 million, about 8 million Ukrainians had been internally displaced and more than 8.2 million had fled the country by April 2023, creating Europe's largest refugee crisis since World War II.
In late 2021, Russia massed troops near Ukraine's borders and issued demands including a ban on Ukraine ever joining the NATO military alliance. After repeatedly denying having plans to attack Ukraine, on 24 February 2022, Russian president Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation", saying that it was to support the Russian-backed breakaway republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, whose paramilitary forces had been fighting Ukraine in the Donbas conflict since 2014. Putin espoused irredentist and imperialist views challenging Ukraine's legitimacy as a state, baselessly claimed that the Ukrainian government were neo-Nazis committing genocide against the Russian minority in the Donbas, and said that Russia's goal was to "demilitarize and denazify" Ukraine. Russian air strikes and a ground invasion were launched on a northern front from Belarus towards the capital Kyiv, a southern front from Crimea, and an eastern front from the Donbas and towards Kharkiv. Ukraine enacted martial law, ordered a general mobilization and severed diplomatic relations with Russia.
Russian troops retreated from the north and the outskirts of Kyiv by April 2022, after encountering stiff resistance and logistical challenges. The Bucha massacre was uncovered after their withdrawal. In the southeast, Russia launched an offensive in the Donbas and captured Mariupol after a destructive siege. Russia continued to bomb military and civilian targets far from the front, and struck the energy grid through the winter months. In late 2022, Ukraine launched successful counteroffensives in the south and east, liberating most of Kharkiv province. Soon after, Russia illegally annexed four partly-occupied provinces. In November, Ukraine liberated Kherson. In June 2023, Ukraine launched another counteroffensive in the southeast, but made few gains. After small but steady Russian advances in the east in the first half of 2024, Ukraine launched a cross-border offensive into Russia's Kursk Oblast in August of that year. The United Nations Human Rights Office reports that Russia is committing severe human rights violations in occupied Ukraine.
The invasion was met with widespread international condemnation. The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution condemning the invasion and demanding a full Russian withdrawal. The International Court of Justice ordered Russia to halt military operations, and the Council of Europe expelled Russia. Many countries imposed sanctions on Russia and its ally Belarus, and provided humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. The Baltic states and Poland declared Russia a terrorist state. Protests occurred around the world, with anti-war protesters in Russia being met by mass arrests and greater media censorship. The Russian attacks on civilians have led to allegations of genocide. War-related disruption to Ukrainian agriculture and shipping contributed to a world food crisis, while war-related environmental damage has been described as ecocide. The International Criminal Court (ICC) opened an investigation into crimes against humanity, war crimes, abduction of Ukrainian children, and genocide against Ukrainians. The ICC issued arrest warrants for Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, and for four Russian military officials.
Background
Further information: Russia–Ukraine relationsPost-Soviet relations
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991, the newly independent states of the Russian Federation and Ukraine maintained cordial relations. In return for security guarantees, Ukraine signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1994, agreeing to dismantle the nuclear weapons the former USSR had left in Ukraine. At that time, Russia, the UK, and the USA agreed in the Budapest Memorandum to uphold Ukraine's territorial integrity. In 1999, Russia signed the Charter for European Security, affirming the right of each state "to choose or change its security arrangements" and to join alliances. In 2002, Putin said that Ukraine's relations with NATO were "a matter for those two partners".
Russian forces invaded Georgia in August 2008 and took control of the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, demonstrating Russia's willingness to use military force to attain its political objectives. The United States "was accused of appeasement and naivete" in their reaction to the invasion.
Ukrainian revolution, Russian intervention in Crimea and Donbas
Main article: Russo-Ukrainian WarIn 2013, Ukraine's parliament overwhelmingly approved finalising an association agreement with the European Union (EU). Russia had put pressure on Ukraine to reject it. Kremlin adviser Sergei Glazyev warned in September 2013 that if Ukraine signed the EU agreement, Russia would no longer acknowledge Ukraine's borders. In November, Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych suddenly withdrew from signing the agreement, choosing closer ties to the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union instead. This coerced withdrawal triggered a wave of protests known as Euromaidan, culminating in the Revolution of Dignity in February 2014. Yanukovych fled and was removed from power by parliament, ending up in Russia.
Russian soldiers with no insignia occupied the Ukrainian territory of Crimea, and seized the Crimean Parliament. Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014, after a widely disputed referendum held under occupation. Pro-Russian unrest immediately followed in the Ukrainian cities of Donetsk and Luhansk. The war in Donbas began in April 2014 when armed Russian-backed separatists seized Ukrainian government buildings and proclaimed the independent Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic. Russian troops were directly involved in these conflicts.
The annexation of Crimea and the war in Donbas sparked a wave of Russian nationalism. Analyst Vladimir Socor called Putin's 2014 speech following the annexation a "manifesto of Greater-Russia irredentism". Putin began referring to "Novorossiya" (New Russia), a former Russian imperial territory that covered much of southern Ukraine. Russian-backed forces were influenced by Russian neo-imperialism and sought to create a new Novorossiya. Putin referred to the Kosovo independence precedent and NATO bombing of Yugoslavia as a justification for the annexation of Crimea and the war in Donbas, while historians note the similarities with Nazi Germany's Anschluss of Austria.
Because of Russia's occupation of Crimea and its invasion of the Donbas, Ukraine's parliament voted in December 2014 to remove the neutrality clause from the Constitution and to seek Ukraine's membership in NATO. However, it was impossible for Ukraine to join NATO at the time, as any applicant country must have no "unresolved external territorial disputes". In 2016, President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, said that it would take 20–25 years for Ukraine to join the EU and NATO.
The Minsk agreements, signed in September 2014 and February 2015, aimed to resolve the conflict, but ceasefires and further negotiations repeatedly failed.
Economic aspects
In August 2012, the Ukrainian government of Mykola Azarov, who, like the then Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, maintained good relations with the Russian leadership, commissioned a consortium including Exxon Mobil, Royal Dutch Shell, OMV Romania and the Ukrainian state-owned NAK Nadra Ukrainy to extract oil and natural gas in the Ukrainian part of the Black Sea. In 2013, Italy's largest oil and gas producer, Eni, was granted a license to extract oil and gas on the east coast of Crimea. In 2014, it was reported that if Crimea were annexed, the production licenses could be reassigned and previous license holders would find themselves in a legal grey area.
Economic interests were also a motive for Russia's attack on Ukraine and its annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. Lithium deposits in the Donbas and Ukraine's grain wealth would mean a "monopoly on the world market" for Russia if it took over Ukraine. In 2022, Russian General Vladimir Ovchinsky confirmed that the "Russian special operation" was aimed at seizing Ukrainian lithium deposits. He claimed that Russia was thereby getting ahead of the United States. In fact, it was the Australian company European Lithium that received the mining rights for lithium deposits in Donetsk Oblast and Kirovohrad Oblast at the end of 2021. Almost at the same time, the Chinese company Chengxin Lithium had also applied for this, but was rejected.
Although the US government estimates that Russia's economic losses from the war and Western sanctions will amount to around $1.3 trillion by 2025, and the direct financial expenditure for conducting the war is estimated at around $250 billion (as of autumn 2024) - costs that Russia could not have foreseen. However, according to a study published in summer 2022 by the Canadian think tank SecDev, Russia controlled energy reserves, metals and minerals worth at least $12.4 trillion in the occupied territories in Donbas, including 41 coal fields (63 percent of Ukraine's coal reserves), 27 natural gas fields, 9 oil fields, 6 iron ore deposits, 2 titanium ore deposits, 1 strontium and 1 uranium deposit, 1 gold deposit and 1 large limestone quarry. The total value of national raw material stocks in Ukraine is estimated at over $26 trillion. The value of lithium and rare earths in Ukraine is estimated at around $11.5 trillion. In January 2024, the Russian occupation administration in Donetsk Oblast granted the Russian Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources a "permission" to mine lithium in the Shevchenko deposit near Kurakhovo, where the lithium deposit is estimated to be worth hundreds of billions of US dollars.
The green transformation or energy transition in Europe is threatening Russia's usual business and existence model, the trade in fossil fuels. The energy transition is creating new dependencies, because technologies such as wind turbines, photovoltaics and electric car batteries are dependent on lithium and rare earths. Mining them in Europe would be too expensive due to high environmental regulations, low acceptance among the population and considerable labor costs (which is why they were imported from China and countries in the global south); however, Ukraine ranks fourth in the world with 800 deposits of 94 different mineral resources and would thus displace Russia as a trading partner. A few months before the start of the Russian invasion, the EU and Ukraine had signed a Green Deal or a transformation program for Ukraine, because the Ukrainian economy was at the time the most energy-intensive in the world with the most ineffective and expensive thermal power generation. The program envisaged further economic integration between the two contracting parties and climate neutrality in Ukraine by 2060. In addition to areas for the expansion of wind and solar energy, Ukraine also has infrastructure to transport green hydrogen to the EU. In addition, 22 of the 30 raw materials that the EU classified as strategically important are available in large quantities in Ukraine. Russia could only benefit from the energy transition in Europe if it acquired the resources and infrastructure on Ukrainian soil. Europe would then be even more dependent on Russia. If Russia were to achieve its war goals, Russia could steal and gain more than it would lose in peace through reduced exports to Europe.
The Russian elite, especially Russian generals, had invested their assets and property in Ukraine for money laundering before the begin of the conflict.
Prelude
Main articles: Prelude to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Ukraine–NATO relations § Russian opposition to Ukrainian NATO membershipThere was a large Russian military build-up near the Ukraine border in March and April 2021, and again in both Russia and Belarus from October 2021 onward. Members of the Russian government, including Putin, repeatedly denied having plans to invade or attack Ukraine, with denials being issued up to the day before the invasion. The decision to invade Ukraine was reportedly made by Putin and a small group of war hawks or siloviki in Putin's inner circle, including national security adviser Nikolai Patrushev and defence minister Sergei Shoigu. Reports of an alleged leak of Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) documents by US intelligence sources said that the FSB had not been aware of Putin's plan to invade.
In July 2021, Putin published an essay "On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians", in which he called Ukraine "historically Russian lands" and claimed there is "no historical basis" for the "idea of Ukrainian people as a nation separate from the Russians". Days before the invasion, Putin claimed that Ukraine never had "real statehood" and that modern Ukraine was a mistake created by the Russian Bolsheviks. American historian Timothy Snyder described Putin's ideas as Russian imperialism. British journalist Edward Lucas described it as historical revisionism. Other observers found that Russia's leadership held a distorted view of Ukraine, as well as of its own history, and that these distortions were propagated through the state.
In December 2021, Russia issued an ultimatum to the West, which included demands that NATO end all activity in its Eastern European member states and ban Ukraine or any former Soviet state from ever joining the alliance. Russia's government said NATO was a threat and warned of a military response if it followed an "aggressive line". Some of the demands had already been ruled out by NATO. A senior US official said the US was willing to discuss the proposals, but added that there were some "that the Russians know are unacceptable". Eastern European states willingly joined NATO for security reasons, and the last time a country bordering Russia had joined was in 2004. Ukraine had not yet applied, and some members were wary of letting it join. Barring Ukraine would go against NATO's "open door" policy, and against treaties agreed to by Russia itself. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg replied that "Russia has no say" on whether Ukraine joins, and "has no right to establish a sphere of influence to try to control their neighbours". NATO underlined that it is a defensive alliance, and that it had co-operated with Russia until the latter annexed Crimea. It offered to improve communication with Russia, and to negotiate limits on missile placements and military exercises, provided Russia withdrew its troops from Ukraine's borders, but Russia did not do so.
Western leaders vowed that heavy sanctions would be imposed should Putin choose to invade rather than to negotiate. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met Putin in February 2022 to dissuade him from an invasion. According to Scholz, Putin told him that Ukraine should not be an independent state. Scholz told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to declare Ukraine a neutral country and renounce its aspirations to join NATO. Zelenskyy replied that Putin could not be trusted to abide by such a settlement. Ukraine had been a neutral country in 2014 when Russia occupied Crimea and invaded the Donbas. On 19 February, Zelenskyy made a speech at the Munich Security Conference, calling for Western powers to drop their policy of "appeasement" towards Moscow and give a clear time-frame for when Ukraine could join NATO. As political analysts Taras Kuzio and Vladimir Socor agree, "when Russia made its decision to invade Ukraine, that country was more remote than ever not only from NATO membership but from any track that might lead to membership".
Putin's invasion announcement
Main article: On conducting a special military operationOn 21 February, Putin announced that Russia recognized the Russian-controlled territories of Ukraine as independent states: the Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic. The following day, Russia announced that it was sending troops into these territories as "peacekeepers", and the Federation Council of Russia authorised the use of military force abroad.
Before 5 a.m. Kyiv time on 24 February, Putin, in another speech, announced a "special military operation", which effectively declared war on Ukraine. Putin said the operation was to "protect the people" of the Russian-controlled breakaway republics. He baselessly claimed that Russians had "been facing humiliation and genocide perpetrated by the Kyiv regime." Putin said that Russia was being threatened: he baselessly claimed that Ukrainian government officials were neo-Nazis under Western control, that Ukraine was developing nuclear weapons, and that a hostile NATO was building up its forces and military infrastructure in Ukraine. He said Russia sought the "demilitarization and denazification" of Ukraine, and espoused views challenging the legitimacy of the Ukrainian state. Putin said he had no plans to occupy Ukraine.
The invasion began within minutes of Putin's speech.
Events
For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. For a more comprehensive list, see List of military engagements during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.The invasion began at dawn on 24 February. It was described as the biggest attack on a European country and the first full-scale war in Europe since the Second World War. Russia launched a simultaneous ground and air attack. Russian missiles struck targets throughout Ukraine, and Russian troops invaded from the north, east, and south. Russia did not officially declare war. It was Russia's largest combined arms operation since the Soviet Union's Battle of Berlin in 1945. Fighting began in Luhansk Oblast at 3:40 a.m. Kyiv time near Milove on the border with Russia. The main infantry and tank attacks were launched in four spearheads, creating a northern front launched towards Kyiv from Belarus, a southern front from Crimea, a southeastern front from Russian-controlled Donbas, and an eastern front from Russia towards Kharkiv and Sumy. Russian vehicles were subsequently marked with a white Z military symbol (a non-Cyrillic letter), believed to be a measure to prevent friendly fire.
Immediately after the invasion began, Zelenskyy declared martial law in Ukraine in a first video speech. The same evening, he ordered a general mobilisation of all Ukrainian males between 18 and 60 years old, prohibiting them from leaving the country. Wagner Group mercenaries and Kadyrovites contracted by the Kremlin reportedly made several attempts to assassinate Zelenskyy, including an operation involving several hundred mercenaries meant to infiltrate Kyiv with the aim of killing the Ukrainian president. The Ukrainian government said anti-war officials within Russia's FSB shared the plans with them. Zelenskyy appeared defiant in video messages on 24 through 26 February, that he and his cabinet is still in Kyiv. On 26 February NATO met and its countries pledged military aid for Ukraine and on 27 February Germany called the invasion a historic watershed. That day in the evening Putin put Russia's nuclear deterrence into alert.
The Russian invasion was unexpectedly met by fierce Ukrainian resistance. In Kyiv, Russia failed to take the city and was repulsed in the battles of Irpin, Hostomel, and Bucha. The Russians tried to encircle the capital, but its defenders under Oleksandr Syrskyi held their ground, effectively using Western Javelin anti-tank missiles and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles to thin Russian supply lines and stall the offensive.
On the southern front, Russian forces had captured the regional capital of Kherson by 2 March. A column of Russian tanks and armoured vehicles was ambushed on 9 March in Brovary and sustained heavy losses that forced them to retreat. The Russian army adopted siege tactics on the western front around the key cities of Chernihiv, Sumy and Kharkiv, but failed to capture them due to stiff resistance and logistical setbacks. In Mykolaiv Oblast, Russian forces advanced as far as Voznesensk, but were repelled and pushed back south of Mykolaiv. On 25 March, the Russian Defence Ministry stated that the first stage of the "military operation" in Ukraine was "generally complete", that the Ukrainian military forces had suffered serious losses, and the Russian military would now concentrate on the "liberation of Donbas." The "first stage" of the invasion was conducted on four fronts, including one towards western Kyiv from Belarus by the Russian Eastern Military District, comprising the 29th, 35th, and 36th Combined Arms Armies. A second axis, deployed towards eastern Kyiv from Russia by the Central Military District (northeastern front), comprised the 41st Combined Arms Army and the 2nd Guards Combined Arms Army.
A third axis was deployed towards Kharkiv by the Western Military District (eastern front), with the 1st Guards Tank Army and 20th Combined Arms Army. A fourth, southern front originating in occupied Crimea and Russia's Rostov oblast with an eastern axis towards Odesa and a western area of operations toward Mariupol was opened by the Southern Military District, including the 58th, 49th, and 8th Combined Arms Army, the latter also commanding the 1st and 2nd Army Corps of the Russian separatist forces in Donbas. By 7 April, Russian troops deployed to the northern front by the Russian Eastern Military District pulled back from the Kyiv offensive, reportedly to resupply and redeploy to the Donbas region in an effort to reinforce the renewed invasion of southeastern Ukraine. The northeastern front, including the Central Military District, was similarly withdrawn for resupply and redeployment to southeastern Ukraine. On 26 April, delegates from the US and 40 allied nations met at Ramstein Air Base in Germany to discuss the formation of a coalition that would provide economic support in addition to military supplies and refitting to Ukraine. Following Putin's Victory Day speech in early May, US Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said no short term resolution to the invasion should be expected.
Ukraine's reliance on Western-supplied equipment constrained operational effectiveness, as supplying countries feared that Ukraine would use Western-made matériel to strike targets in Russia. Military experts disagreed on the future of the conflict; some suggested that Ukraine should trade territory for peace, while others believed that Ukraine could maintain its resistance due to Russian losses.
By 30 May, disparities between Russian and Ukrainian artillery were apparent, with Ukrainian artillery being vastly outgunned, in terms of both range and number. In response to US President Joe Biden's indication that enhanced artillery would be provided to Ukraine, Putin said that Russia would expand its invasion front to include new cities in Ukraine. In apparent retribution, Putin ordered a missile strike against Kyiv on 6 June after not directly attacking the city for several weeks. On 10 June 2022, deputy head of the SBU Vadym Skibitsky stated that during the Severodonetsk campaign, the frontlines were where the future of the invasion would be decided: "This is an artillery war now, and we are losing in terms of artillery. Everything now depends on what gives us. Ukraine has one artillery piece to 10 to 15 Russian artillery pieces. Our western partners have given us about 10% of what they have."
On 29 June, Reuters reported that US Intelligence Director Avril Haines, in an update of past US intelligence assessments on the Russian invasion, said that US intelligence agencies agree that the invasion will continue "for an extended period of time ... In short, the picture remains pretty grim and Russia's attitude toward the West is hardening." On 5 July, BBC reported that extensive destruction by the Russian invasion would cause immense financial damage to Ukraine's reconstruction economy, with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal telling nations at a reconstruction conference in Switzerland that Ukraine needs $750bn for a recovery plan and Russian oligarchs should contribute to the cost.
Initial invasion (24 February – 7 April 2022)
For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (24 February – 7 April 2022).The invasion began on 24 February, launched out of Belarus to target Kyiv, and from the northeast against the city of Kharkiv. The southeastern front was conducted as two separate spearheads, from Crimea and the southeast against Luhansk and Donetsk.
Kyiv and northern front
Further information: Capture of Chernobyl, Battle of Kyiv (2022), and Bucha massacreRussian efforts to capture Kyiv included a probative spearhead on 24 February, from Belarus south along the west bank of the Dnipro River. The apparent intent was to encircle the city from the west, supported by two separate axes of attack from Russia along the east bank of the Dnipro: the western at Chernihiv, and from the east at Sumy. These were likely intended to encircle Kyiv from the northeast and east.
Russia tried to seize Kyiv quickly, with Spetsnaz infiltrating into the city supported by airborne operations and a rapid mechanised advance from the north, but failed. The United States contacted Zelenskyy and offered to help him flee the country, lest the Russian Army attempt to kidnap or kill him on seizing Kyiv; Zelenskyy responded that "The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride." The Washington Post, which described the quote as "one of the most-cited lines of the Russian invasion", was not entirely sure of the comment's accuracy. Reporter Glenn Kessler said it came from "a single source, but on the surface it appears to be a good one." Russian forces advancing on Kyiv from Belarus gained control of the ghost town of Chernobyl. Russian Airborne Forces attempted to seize two key airfields near Kyiv, launching an airborne assault on Antonov Airport, and a similar landing at Vasylkiv, near Vasylkiv Air Base, on 26 February.
By early March, Russian advances along the west side of the Dnipro were limited by Ukrainian defences. As of 5 March, a large Russian convoy, reportedly 64 kilometres (40 mi) long, had made little progress toward Kyiv. The London-based think tank Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) assessed Russian advances from the north and east as "stalled." Advances from Chernihiv largely halted as a siege began there. Russian forces continued to advance on Kyiv from the northwest, capturing Bucha, Hostomel and Vorzel by 5 March, though Irpin remained contested as of 9 March. By 11 March, the lengthy convoy had largely dispersed and taken cover. On 16 March, Ukrainian forces began a counter-offensive to repel Russian forces. Unable to achieve a quick victory in Kyiv, Russian forces switched their strategy to indiscriminate bombing and siege warfare. On 25 March, a Ukrainian counter-offensive retook several towns to the east and west of Kyiv, including Makariv. Russian troops in the Bucha area retreated north at the end of March. Ukrainian forces entered the city on 1 April. Ukraine said it had recaptured the entire region around Kyiv, including Irpin, Bucha, and Hostomel, and uncovered evidence of war crimes in Bucha. On 6 April, NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said that the Russian "retraction, resupply, and redeployment" of their troops from the Kyiv area should be interpreted as an expansion of Putin's plans for Ukraine, by redeploying and concentrating his forces on eastern Ukraine. Kyiv was generally left free from attack apart from isolated missile strikes. One did occur while UN Secretary-General António Guterres was visiting Kyiv on 28 April to discuss the survivors of the siege of Mariupol with Zelenskyy. One person was killed and several were injured in the attack.
Northeastern front
Further information: Siege of Chernihiv and Battle of Sumy See also: Russian occupation of Sumy OblastRussian forces advanced into Chernihiv Oblast on 24 February, besieging its administrative capital within four days of fighting. On 25 February Ukrainian forces lost control over Konotop. As street fighting took place in the city of Sumy, just 35 kilometres (22 mi) from the Russo-Ukrainian border, Ukrainian forces claimed that on 28 February that 100 Russian armoured vehicles had been destroyed and dozens of soldiers captured following a Bayraktar TB2 drone and artillery attack on a large Russian column near Lebedyn in Sumy Oblast. Russian forces also attacked Okhtyrka, deploying thermobaric weapons.
On 4 March, Frederick Kagan wrote that the Sumy axis was then "the most successful and dangerous Russian avenue of advance on Kyiv", and commented that the geography favoured mechanised advances as the terrain "is flat and sparsely populated, offering few good defensive positions." Travelling along highways, Russian forces reached Brovary, an eastern suburb of Kyiv, on 4 March. The Pentagon confirmed on 6 April that the Russian army had left Chernihiv Oblast, but Sumy Oblast remained contested. On 7 April, the governor of Sumy Oblast said that Russian troops were gone, but had left behind rigged explosives and other hazards.
Southern front
Further information: Siege of Mariupol, 2022 bombing of Odesa, Battle of Kherson, and Battle of Enerhodar See also: Russian occupation of Kherson Oblast and Russian occupation of Zaporizhzhia OblastOn 24 February, Russian forces took control of the North Crimean Canal, allowing Crimea to obtain water from the Dnieper, which had been cut off since 2014. On 26 February, the siege of Mariupol began as the attack moved east linking to separatist-held Donbas. En route, Russian forces entered Berdiansk and captured it. On 25 February, Russian units from the DPR were fighting near Pavlopil as they moved on Mariupol. By evening, the Russian Navy began an amphibious assault on the coast of the Sea of Azov 70 kilometres (43 mi) west of Mariupol. A US defence official said that Russian forces were deploying thousands of marines from this beachhead.
The Russian 22nd Army Corps approached the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on 26 February and besieged Enerhodar. A fire began, but the Ukrainian military said that essential equipment was undamaged. A third Russian attack group from Crimea moved northwest and captured the bridge over the Dnieper. On 2 March, Russian troops took Kherson; this was the first major city to fall to Russian forces. Russian troops moved on Mykolaiv and attacked it two days later. They were repelled by Ukrainian forces.
After renewed missile attacks on 14 March in Mariupol, the Ukrainian government said more than 2,500 had died. By 18 March, Mariupol was completely encircled and fighting reached the city centre, hampering efforts to evacuate civilians. On 20 March, an art school sheltering around 400 people, was destroyed by Russian bombs. The Russians demanded surrender, and the Ukrainians refused. On 27 March, Ukrainian deputy prime minister Olha Stefanishyna said that "(m)ore than 85 percent of the whole town is destroyed."
Putin told Emmanuel Macron in a phone call on 29 March that the bombardment of Mariupol would only end when the Ukrainians surrendered. On 1 April, Russian troops refused safe passage into Mariupol to 50 buses sent by the United Nations to evacuate civilians, as peace talks continued in Istanbul. On 3 April, following the retreat of Russian forces from Kyiv, Russia expanded its attack on southern Ukraine further west, with bombardment and strikes against Odesa, Mykolaiv, and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
Eastern front
Further information: Battle of Kharkiv (2022), Battle of Izium, and Millerovo air base attack See also: Russian occupation of Kharkiv OblastIn the east, Russian troops attempted to capture Kharkiv, less than 35 kilometres (22 mi) from the Russian border, and met strong Ukrainian resistance. On 25 February, the Millerovo air base was attacked by Ukrainian military forces with OTR-21 Tochka missiles, which according to Ukrainian officials, destroyed several Russian Air Force planes and started a fire. On 1 March, Denis Pushilin, head of the DPR, announced that DPR forces had almost completely surrounded the city of Volnovakha. On 2 March, Russian forces were repelled from Sievierodonetsk during an attack against the city. On the same day, Ukrainian forces initiated a counter-offensive on Horlivka, controlled by the DPR. Izium was captured by Russian forces on 1 April after a monthlong battle.
On 25 March, the Russian defence ministry said it would seek to occupy major cities in eastern Ukraine. On 31 March, PBS News reported renewed shelling and missile attacks in Kharkiv, as bad or worse than before, as peace talks with Russia were to resume in Istanbul.
Amid the heightened Russian shelling of Kharkiv on 31 March, Russia reported a helicopter strike against an oil supply depot approximately 35 kilometres (22 mi) north of the border in Belgorod, and accused Ukraine of the attack. Ukraine denied responsibility. By 7 April, the renewed massing of Russian invasion troops and tank divisions around the towns of Izium, Sloviansk, and Kramatorsk prompted Ukrainian government officials to advise the remaining residents near the eastern border of Ukraine to evacuate to western Ukraine within 2–3 days, given the absence of arms and munitions previously promised to Ukraine by then.
Southeastern front (8 April – 5 September 2022)
For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (8 April – 28 August 2022).By 17 April, Russian progress on the southeastern front appeared to be impeded by opposing Ukrainian forces in the large, heavily fortified Azovstal steel mill and surrounding area in Mariupol.
On 19 April, The New York Times confirmed that Russia had launched a renewed invasion front referred to as an "eastern assault" across a 480-kilometre (300 mi) front extending from Kharkiv to Donetsk and Luhansk, with simultaneous missile attacks again directed at Kyiv in the north and Lviv in western Ukraine. As of 30 April, a NATO official described Russian advances as "uneven" and "minor." An anonymous US Defence official called the Russian offensive "very tepid", "minimal at best", and "anaemic." In June 2022 the chief spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Defence Igor Konashenkov revealed that Russian troops were divided between the Army Groups "Centre" commanded by Colonel General Aleksander Lapin and "South" commanded by Army General Sergey Surovikin. On 20 July, Lavrov announced that Russia would respond to the increased military aid being received by Ukraine from abroad as justifying the expansion of its special military operation to include objectives in both the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts.
Russian Ground Forces started recruiting volunteer battalions from the regions in June 2022 to create a new 3rd Army Corps within the Western Military District, with a planned strength estimated at 15,500–60,000 personnel. Its units were deployed to the front around the time of Ukraine's 9 September Kharkiv oblast counteroffensive, in time to join the Russian retreat, leaving behind tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and personnel carriers: the 3rd Army Corps "melted away" according to Forbes, having little or no impact on the battlefield along with other irregular forces.
Fall of Mariupol
Further information: Siege of MariupolOn 13 April, Russian forces intensified their attack on the Azovstal Iron and Steel Works in Mariupol, and the remaining Ukrainian personnel defending it. By 17 April, Russian forces had surrounded the factory. Ukrainian prime minister Denys Shmyhal said that the Ukrainian soldiers had vowed to ignore the renewed ultimatum to surrender and to fight to the last soul. On 20 April, Putin said that the siege of Mariupol could be considered tactically complete, since the 500 Ukrainian troops entrenched in bunkers within the Azovstal iron works and estimated 1,000 Ukrainian civilians were completely sealed off from any type of relief.
After consecutive meetings with Putin and Zelenskyy, UN Secretary-General Guterres on 28 April said he would attempt to organise an emergency evacuation of survivors from Azovstal in accordance with assurances he had received from Putin on his visit to the Kremlin. On 30 April, Russian troops allowed civilians to leave under UN protection. By 3 May, after allowing approximately 100 Ukrainian civilians to depart from the Azovstal steel factory, Russian troops renewed their bombardment of the steel factory. On 6 May, The Daily Telegraph reported that Russia had used thermobaric bombs against the remaining Ukrainian soldiers, who had lost contact with the Kyiv government; in his last communications, Zelenskyy authorised the commander of the besieged steel factory to surrender as necessary under the pressure of increased Russian attacks. On 7 May, the Associated Press reported that all civilians were evacuated from the Azovstal steel works at the end of the three-day ceasefire.
After the last civilians evacuated from the Azovstal bunkers, nearly two thousand Ukrainian soldiers remained barricaded there, 700 of them injured. They were able to communicate a plea for a military corridor to evacuate, as they expected summary execution if they surrendered to Russian forces. Reports of dissent within the Ukrainian troops at Azovstal were reported by Ukrainska Pravda on 8 May indicating that the commander of the Ukrainian marines assigned to defend the Azovstal bunkers made an unauthorised acquisition of tanks, munitions, and personnel, broke out from the position there and fled. The remaining soldiers spoke of a weakened defensive position in Azovstal as a result, which allowed progress to advancing Russian lines of attack. Ilia Somolienko, deputy commander of the remaining Ukrainian troops barricaded at Azovstal, said: "We are basically here dead men. Most of us know this and it's why we fight so fearlessly."
On 16 May, the Ukrainian General staff announced that the Mariupol garrison had "fulfilled its combat mission" and that final evacuations from the Azovstal steel factory had begun. The military said that 264 service members were evacuated to Olenivka under Russian control, while 53 of them who were "seriously injured" had been taken to a hospital in Novoazovsk also controlled by Russian forces. Following the evacuation of Ukrainian personnel from Azovstal, Russian and DPR forces fully controlled all areas of Mariupol. The end of the battle also brought an end to the Siege of Mariupol. Russia press secretary Dmitry Peskov said Russian President Vladimir Putin had guaranteed that the fighters who surrendered would be treated "in accordance with international standards" while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an address that "the work of bringing the boys home continues, and this work needs delicacy—and time." Some prominent Russian lawmakers called on the government to deny prisoner exchanges for members of the Azov Regiment.
Fall of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk
Main article: Battle of Donbas (2022–present) Further information: Battle of Popasna, Kramatorsk railway station attack, Battle of Sievierodonetsk (2022), and Battle of LysychanskA Russian missile attack on Kramatorsk railway station in the city of Kramatorsk took place on 8 April, reportedly killing at least 52 people and injuring as many as 87 to 300. On 11 April, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine expected a major new Russian offensive in the east. American officials said that Russia had withdrawn or been repulsed elsewhere in Ukraine, and therefore was preparing a retraction, resupply, and redeployment of infantry and tank divisions to the southeastern Ukraine front. Military satellites photographed extensive Russian convoys of infantry and mechanised units deploying south from Kharkiv to Izium on 11 April, apparently part of the planned Russian redeployment of its northeastern troops to the southeastern front of the invasion.
On 18 April, with Mariupol almost entirely overtaken by Russian forces, the Ukrainian government announced that the second phase of the reinforced invasion of the Donetsk, Luhansk and Kharkiv oblasts had intensified with expanded invasion forces occupying of the Donbas.
On 22 May, the BBC reported that after the fall of Mariupol, Russia had intensified offensives in Luhansk and Donetsk while concentrating missile attacks and intense artillery fire on Sievierodonetsk, the largest city under Ukrainian control in Luhansk province.
On 23 May, Russian forces were reported entering the city of Lyman, fully capturing the city by 26 May. Ukrainian forces were reported leaving Sviatohirsk. By 24 May, Russian forces captured the city of Svitlodarsk. On 30 May, Reuters reported that Russian troops had breached the outskirts of Sievierodonetsk. By 2 June, The Washington Post reported that Sievierodonetsk was on the brink of capitulation to Russian occupation with over 80 per cent of the city in the hands of Russian troops. On 3 June, Ukrainian forces reportedly began a counter-attack in Sievierodonetsk. By 4 June, Ukrainian government sources claimed 20% or more of the city had been recaptured.
On 12 June, it was reported that possibly as many as 800 Ukrainian civilians (as per Ukrainian estimates) and 300–400 soldiers (as per Russian sources) were besieged at the Azot chemical factory in Severodonetsk. With the Ukrainian defences of Severodonetsk faltering, Russian invasion troops began intensifying their attack upon the neighbouring city of Lysychansk as their next target city in the invasion. On 20 June it was reported that Russian troops continued to tighten their grip on Severodonetsk by capturing surrounding villages and hamlets surrounding the city, most recently the village of Metelkine.
On 24 June, CNN reported that, amid continuing scorched-earth tactics being applied by advancing Russian troops, Ukraine's armed forces were ordered to evacuate the Severodonetsk; several hundred civilians taking refuge in the Azot chemical plant were left behind in the withdrawal, with some comparing their plight to that of the civilians at the Azovstal steel works in Mariupol in May. On 3 July, CBS announced that the Russian defence ministry claimed that the city of Lysychansk had been captured and occupied by Russian forces. On 4 July, The Guardian reported that after the fall of the Luhansk oblast, that Russian invasion troops would continue their invasion into the adjacent Donetsk Oblast to attack the cities of Sloviansk and Bakhmut.
Kharkiv front
Main article: Battle of Kharkiv (2022) Further information: Russian occupation of Kharkiv OblastOn 14 April, Ukrainian troops reportedly blew up a bridge between Kharkiv and Izium used by Russian forces to redeploy troops to Izium, impeding the Russian convoy.
On 5 May, David Axe writing for Forbes stated that the Ukrainian army had concentrated its 4th and 17th Tank Brigades and the 95th Air Assault Brigade around Izium for possible rearguard action against the deployed Russian troops in the area; Axe added that the other major concentration of Ukraine's forces around Kharkiv included the 92nd and 93rd Mechanised Brigades which could similarly be deployed for rearguard action against Russian troops around Kharkiv or link up with Ukrainian troops contemporaneously being deployed around Izium.
On 13 May, BBC reported that Russian troops in Kharkiv were being retracted and redeployed to other fronts in Ukraine following the advances of Ukrainian troops into surrounding cities and Kharkiv itself, which included the destruction of strategic pontoon bridges built by Russian troops to cross over the Seversky Donets river and previously used for rapid tank deployment in the region.
Kherson-Mykolaiv front
Further information: 2022 Kherson counteroffensive, 2022 bombing of Odesa, and 2022 Transnistria attacks See also: Russian occupation of Kherson OblastMissile attacks and bombardment of the key cities of Mykolaiv and Odesa continued as the second phase of the invasion began. On 22 April 2022, Russia's Brigadier General Rustam Minnekayev in a defence ministry meeting said that Russia planned to extend its Mykolaiv–Odesa front after the siege of Mariupol further west to include the breakaway region of Transnistria on the Ukrainian border with Moldova. The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine called this plan imperialism and said that it contradicted previous Russian claims that it did not have territorial ambitions in Ukraine and also that the statement admitted that "the goal of the 'second phase' of the war is not victory over the mythical Nazis, but simply the occupation of eastern and southern Ukraine." Georgi Gotev of EURACTIV noted on 22 April that Russian occupation from Odesa to Transnistria would transform Ukraine into a landlocked nation with no practical access to the Black Sea. Russia resumed its missile strikes on Odesa on 24 April, destroying military facilities and causing two dozen civilian casualties.
Explosions destroyed two Russian broadcast towers in Transnistria on 27 April that had primarily rebroadcast Russian television programming, Ukrainian sources said. Russian missile attacks at the end of April destroyed runways in Odesa. In the week of 10 May, Ukrainian troops began to dislodge Russian forces from Snake Island in the Black Sea approximately 200 kilometres (120 mi) from Odesa. Russia said on 30 June 2022 that it had withdrawn its troops from the island, once their objectives had been completed.
On 23 July, CNBC reported a Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian port of Odesa, swiftly condemned by world leaders amid a recent UN- and Turkish-brokered deal to secure a sea corridor for exports of grains and other foodstuffs. On 31 July, CNN reported significantly intensified rocket attacks and bombing of Mykolaiv by Russians, which also killed Ukrainian grain tycoon Oleksiy Vadaturskyi.
Zaporizhzhia front
See also: Russian occupation of Zaporizhzhia OblastRussian forces continued to fire missiles and drop bombs on the key cities of Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia. Russian missiles destroyed the Dnipro International Airport on 10 April 2022. On 2 May, the UN, reportedly with the cooperation of Russian troops, evacuated about 100 survivors from the siege of Mariupol to the village of Bezimenne near Donetsk, from whence they would move to Zaporizhzhia. On 28 June, Reuters reported that a Russian missile attack on the city of Kremenchuk northwest of Zaporizhzhia detonated in a public mall and caused at least 18 deaths. France's Emmanuel Macron called it a "war crime."
Ukrainian nuclear agency Energoatom called the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant "extremely tense", although it was still operated by its Ukrainian staff. As many as 500 Russian soldiers controlled the plant; Kyiv's nuclear agency said they were shelling nearby areas and storing weapons and "missile systems" there. Almost the entire country went on air raid alert. "They already shell the other side of the river Dnipro and the territory of Nikopol," Energoatom president Pedro Kotin said. Russia agreed on 19 August to allow IAEA inspectors access to the Zaporizhzhia plant after a phone call from Macron to Putin. As of July 2023, however, access to the plant remained limited and required extensive negotiation.
Russia reported that 12 attacks with explosions from 50 artillery shells had been recorded by 18 August at the plant and the company town of Enerhodar. Tobias Ellwood, chair of the UK's Defence Select Committee, said on 19 August that any deliberate damage to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant that could cause radiation leaks would be a breach of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, under which an attack on a member state of NATO is an attack on them all. US congressman Adam Kinzinger said the following day that any radiation leak would kill people in NATO countries, an automatic activation of Article 5.
Shelling hit coal ash dumps at the neighbouring coal-fired power station on 23 August, and the ash was on fire on 25 August. The 750 kV transmission line to the Dniprovska substation, the only one of the four 750 kV transmission lines still undamaged and cut by military action, passes over the ash dumps. At 12:12 p.m. on 25 August, the line was cut off due to the fire, disconnecting the plant and its two operating reactors from the national grid for the first time since its startup in 1985. In response, backup generators and coolant pumps for reactor 5 started up, and reactor 6 reduced generation.
Incoming power was still available across the 330 kV line to the substation at the coal-fired station, so the diesel generators were not essential for cooling reactor cores and spent fuel pools. The 750 kV line and reactor 6 resumed operation at 12:29 p.m., but the line was cut by fire again two hours later. The line, but not the reactors, resumed operation again later that day. On 26 August, one reactor restarted in the afternoon and another in the evening, resuming electricity supplies to the grid. On 29 August 2022, an IAEA team led by Rafael Grossi went to the plant to investigate. Lydie Evrard and Massimo Aparo were also on the team. No leaks had been reported at the plant before their arrival, but shelling had occurred days before.
Russian annexations and occupation losses (6 September – 11 November 2022)
For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (29 August – 11 November 2022).On 6 September 2022, Ukrainian forces launched a surprise counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region, beginning near Balakliia, led by General Syrskyi. An emboldened Kyiv launched a counteroffensive 12 September around Kharkiv successful enough to make Russia admit losing key positions and for The New York Times to say that it dented the image of a "Mighty Putin". Kyiv sought more arms from the West to sustain the counteroffensive. On 21 September 2022, Vladimir Putin announced a partial mobilisation and Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu said 300,000 reservists would be called. He also said that his country would use "all means" to "defend itself." Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Zelenskyy, said that the decision was predictable and that it was an attempt to justify "Russia's failures." British Foreign Office Minister Gillian Keegan called the situation an "escalation", while former Mongolian president Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj accused Russia of using Russian Mongols as "cannon fodder."
Russian annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts
Main article: Russian annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia oblastsIn late September 2022, Russian-installed officials in Ukraine organised referendums on the annexation of the occupied territories of Ukraine. These included the Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic in Russian-occupied Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine, as well as the Russian-appointed military administrations of Kherson Oblast and Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Denounced by Ukraine's government and its allies as sham elections, the elections' official results showed overwhelming majorities in favour of annexation.
On 30 September 2022, Vladimir Putin announced the annexation of Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts in an address to both houses of the Russian parliament. Ukraine, the United States, the European Union and the United Nations all denounced the annexation as illegal.
Zaporizhzhia front
See also: Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant crisis and Zaporizhzhia residential building airstrikeAn IAEA delegation visited the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant on 3 September, and on 6 September reported damage and security threats caused by external shelling and the presence of occupying troops in the plant. On 11 September, at 3:14 a.m., the sixth and final reactor was disconnected from the grid, "completely stopping" the plant. Energoatom said that preparations were "underway for its cooling and transfer to a cold state."
In the early hours of 9 October 2022, Russian Armed Forces carried out an airstrike on a residential building in Zaporizhzhia, killing 13 civilians and injuring 89 others.
Kherson counteroffensive
Main articles: 2022 Kherson counteroffensive and Liberation of KhersonOn 29 August, Zelenskyy advisedly vowed the start of a full-scale counteroffensive in the southeast. He first announced a counteroffensive to retake Russian-occupied territory in the south concentrating on the Kherson-Mykolaiv region, a claim that was corroborated by the Ukrainian parliament as well as Operational Command South.
On 4 September, Zelenskyy announced the liberation of two unnamed villages in Kherson Oblast and one in Donetsk Oblast. Ukrainian authorities released a photo showing the raising of the Ukrainian flag in Vysokopillia by Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian attacks also continued along the southern frontline, though reports about territorial changes were largely unverifiable. On 12 September, Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian forces had retaken a total of 6,000 square kilometres (2,300 sq mi) from Russia, in both the south and the east. The BBC stated that it could not verify these claims.
In October, Ukrainian forces pushed further south towards the city of Kherson, taking control of 1,170 square kilometres (450 sq mi) of territory, with fighting extending to Dudchany. On 9 November, defence minister Shoigu ordered Russian forces to leave part of Kherson Oblast, including the city of Kherson, and move to the eastern bank of the Dnieper. On 11 November, Ukrainian troops entered Kherson, as Russia completed its withdrawal. This meant that Russian forces no longer had a foothold on the west (right) bank of the Dnieper.
Kharkiv counteroffensive
Main article: 2022 Kharkiv counteroffensive Retained by UkraineRetaken by Ukraine
Occupied by Russia
Map of the Kharkiv front as of 24 December 2024
Ukrainian forces launched another surprise counteroffensive on 6 September in the Kharkiv Oblast near Balakliia led by General Syrskyi. By 7 September, Ukrainian forces had advanced some 20 kilometres (12 mi) into Russian occupied territory and claimed to have recaptured approximately 400 square kilometres (150 sq mi). Russian commentators said this was likely due to the relocation of Russian forces to Kherson in response to the Ukrainian offensive there. On 8 September, Ukrainian forces captured Balakliia and advanced to within 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) of Kupiansk. Military analysts said Ukrainian forces appeared to be moving towards Kupiansk, a major railway hub, with the aim of cutting off the Russian forces at Izium from the north.
On 9 September, the Russian occupation administration of Kharkiv Oblast announced it would "evacuate" the civilian populations of Izium, Kupiansk and Velykyi Burluk. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said it believed Kupiansk would likely fall in the next 72 hours, while Russian reserve units were sent to the area by both road and helicopter. On the morning of 10 September, photos emerged claiming to depict Ukrainian troops raising the Ukrainian flag in the centre of Kupiansk, and the ISW said Ukrainian forces had captured approximately 2,500 square kilometres (970 sq mi) by effectively exploiting their breakthrough. Later in the day, Reuters reported that Russian positions in northeast Ukraine had "collapsed" in the face of the Ukrainian assault, with Russian forces forced to withdraw from their base at Izium after being cut off by the capture of Kupiansk.
By 15 September, an assessment by UK's Ministry of Defence confirmed that Russia had either lost or withdrawn from almost all of their positions west of the Oskil river. The retreating units had also abandoned various high-value military assets. The offensive continued pushing east and by 1 October, Ukrainian Armed Forces had liberated the key city of Lyman.
Winter stalemate, attrition campaign and 1st military surge (12 November 2022 – 7 June 2023)
For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (12 November 2022 – 7 June 2023). Further information: Russian Winter Offensive in Ukraine (2022–2023), Battle of Vuhledar, and Battle of Marinka (2022–2023)After the end of the twin Ukrainian counteroffensives, the fighting shifted to a semi-deadlock during the winter, with heavy casualties but reduced motion of the frontline. Russia launched a self-proclaimed winter offensive in eastern Ukraine, but the campaign ended in "disappointment" for Moscow, with limited gains as the offensive stalled. Analysts variously blamed the failure on Russia's lack of "trained men", and supply problems with artillery ammunition, among other problems. Near the end of May, Mark Galeotti assessed that "after Russia's abortive and ill-conceived winter offensive, which squandered its opportunity to consolidate its forces, Ukraine is in a relatively strong position."
On 7 February, The New York Times reported that Russians had newly mobilised nearly 200,000 soldiers to participate in the offensive in the Donbas, against Ukraine troops already wearied by previous fighting. The Russian private military company Wagner Group took on greater prominence in the war, leading "grinding advances" in Bakhmut with tens of thousands of recruits from prison battalions taking part in "near suicidal" assaults on Ukrainian positions.
In late January 2023, fighting intensified in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. In nearby southern parts of Donetsk Oblast, an intense, three-week Russian assault near the coal-mining town of Vuhledar was called the largest tank battle of the war to date, and ended in disaster for Russian forces, who lost "at least 130 tanks and armored personnel carriers" according to Ukrainian commanders. The British Ministry of Defence stated that "a whole Russian brigade was effectively annihilated."
Battle of Bakhmut
Main article: Battle of BakhmutFollowing defeat in Kherson and Kharkiv, Russian and Wagner forces focused on taking the city of Bakhmut and breaking the half year long stalemate that prevailed there since the start of the war. Russian forces sought to encircle the city, attacking from the north via Soledar. After taking heavy casualties, Russian and Wagner forces took control of Soledar on 16 January 2023. By early February 2023, Bakhmut was facing attacks from north, south and east, with the sole Ukrainian supply lines coming from Chasiv Yar to the west.
On 3 March 2023, Ukrainian soldiers destroyed two key bridges, creating the possibility for a controlled fighting withdrawal from eastern sectors of Bakhmut. On 4 March, Bakhmut's deputy mayor told news services that there was street fighting in the city. On 7 March, despite the city's near-encirclement, The New York Times reported that Ukrainian commanders were requesting permission from Kyiv to continue fighting against the Russians in Bakhmut.
On 26 March, Wagner Group forces claimed to have fully captured the tactically significant Azom factory in Bakhmut. Appearing before the House Committee on Armed Services on 29 March, General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reported that, "for about the last 20, 21 days, the Russia have not made any progress whatsoever in and around Bakhmut." Milley described the severe casualties being inflicted upon the Russian forces there as a "slaughter-fest."
By the beginning of May, the ISW assessed that Ukraine controlled only 1.89 square kilometres (0.73 sq mi) of the city, less than five percent. On 18 May 2023, The New York Times reported that Ukrainian forces had launched a local counteroffensive, taking back swathes of territory to the north and south of Bakhmut over the course of a few days. On 20 May 2023, the Wagner Group claimed full control over Bakhmut, and a victory in the battle was officially declared by Russia the next day, following which Wagner forces retreated from the city in place of regular Russian units.
2023 Ukrainian counteroffensives (8 June 2023 – 1 December 2023)
For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (8 June 2023 – 31 August 2023) and Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (1 September – 30 November 2023). Further information: 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensiveIn June 2023, Ukrainian forces gradually launched a series of counteroffensives on multiple fronts, including Donetsk Oblast, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and others. On 8 June 2023, counteroffensive efforts focused near settlements such as Orikhiv, Tokmak, and Bakhmut. However, counteroffensive operations faced stiff resistance from Russia, and the American think tank Institute for the Study of War described the Russian defensive effort as having "an uncharacteristic degree of coherency." By 12 June, Ukraine reported its fastest advance in seven months, claiming to have liberated several villages and advanced a total of 6.5 km. Russian military bloggers also reported that Ukraine had taken Blahodatne, Makarivka and Neskuchne, and were continuing to push southward. Ukraine continued to liberate settlements over the next few months, raising the Ukrainian flag over the settlement of Robotyne in late August.
On 24 June, the Wagner Group launched a brief rebellion against the Russian government, capturing several cities in western Russia largely unopposed before marching towards Moscow. This came as the culmination of prolonged infighting and power struggles between Wagner and the Russian Ministry of Defence. After about 24 hours, the Wagner Group backed down and agreed to a peace deal in which Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin would go into exile in Belarus, and his forces would be free from prosecution. On 27 June, the UK's Ministry of Defence reported that Ukraine were "highly likely" to have reclaimed territory in the eastern Donbas region occupied by Russia since 2014 among its advances. Pro-Russian bloggers also reported that Ukrainian forces had made gains in the southern Kherson Oblast, establishing a foothold on the left bank of the Dnipro river.
In August, The Guardian reported that Ukraine had become the most mined country in the world, with Russia laying millions of mines attempting to thwart Ukraine's counteroffensive. The vast minefields forced Ukraine to extensively de-mine areas to allow advances. Ukrainian officials reported shortages of men and equipment as Ukrainian soldiers unearthed five mines for every square metre in certain places.
Following Russia pulling out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the conflict on the Black Sea escalated with Ukraine targeting Russian ships. On 4 August, Ukrainian security service sources reported that the Russian landing ship Olenegorsky Gornyak had been hit and damaged by an unmanned naval drone. Video footage released by Ukraine's security services appeared to show the drone striking the ship, with another video showing the ship seemingly listing to one side. On 12 September, both Ukrainian and Russian sources reported that Russian naval targets in Sevastopol had been struck by unconfirmed weaponry, damaging two military vessels, one of them reportedly a submarine. Ukraine also reported that several oil and gas drilling platforms on the Black Sea held by Russia since 2015 had been retaken.
In September 2023, Ukrainian intelligence estimated that Russia had deployed over 420,000 troops in Ukraine.
On 21 September, Russia began missile strikes across Ukraine, damaging the country's energy facilities. On 22 September, the US announced it would send long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, despite the reservations of some government officials. The same day, the Ukrainian Main Directorate of Intelligence launched a missile strike on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol, Crimea, killing several senior military officials.
In mid-to-late October 2023, Ukrainian marines—partly guided by defecting Russian troops—crossed the Dnipro River (the strategic barrier between eastern and western Ukraine), downstream of the destroyed Kakhovka Dam, to attack the Russian-held territory on the east side of the river. Despite heavy losses due to intense Russian shelling and aerial bombardment, disorganisation, and dwindling resources, Ukrainian brigades invading the Russian-held side of the river continued to inflict heavy casualties on Russian forces well into late December.
On 1 December 2023, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Ukrainian counter-offensive was not successful, citing slower than expected results. Zelenskyy also stated that it will be easier for Ukraine to regain the Crimean peninsula than the Donbas region in the east of the country, because the Donbas is heavily militarised and there are frequent pro-Russian sentiments. In December 2023, multiple international media outlets described the Ukrainian counteroffensive as having failed to regain any significant amount of territory or meet any of its strategic objectives.
Battle of Avdiivka
Main article: Battle of Avdiivka (2023–2024)In October 2023, it was reported that there was a growth of mutinies among Russian troops due to the large number of losses in Russian offensives around Avdiivka with a lack of artillery, food, water and poor command also being reported. By November, British intelligence said that recent weeks had "likely seen some of the highest Russian casualty rates of the war so far."
On 17 February 2024, Russia captured Avdiivka, a longtime stronghold for Ukraine that had been described as a "gateway" to nearby Donetsk. ABC News stated that Russia could use the development to boost morale with the war largely at a stalemate close to its second anniversary. Described by Forbes journalist David Axe as a pyrrhic Russian victory, the Russian 2nd and 41st Combined Arms Armies ended up with 16,000 men killed, tens of thousands wounded and around 700 vehicles lost before seizing the ruins of Avdiivka.
Ukraine's shortage of ammunition caused by political deadlock in the US Congress and a lack of production capacity in Europe contributed to the Ukrainian withdrawal from Avdiivka, and was "being felt across the front" according to Time. The shortage resulted in Ukraine having to ration its units to fire only 2,000 rounds per day, compared to an estimated 10,000 rounds fired daily by Russia.
Russian offensives and Ukrainian incursion (April 2023 – present)
See also: Eastern Ukraine campaign § Russian spring and summer campaign (April 2024–present) For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (1 December 2023 – 31 March 2024), Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (1 April 2024 – 31 July 2024), and Timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (1 August 2024 – present).Russian spring and summer offensives
Main articles: Battle of Ocheretyne and 2024 Kharkiv offensiveOn 10 May 2024, Russia began a renewed offensive in Kharkiv Oblast. Russia managed to capture a dozen villages, and Ukraine had evacuated more than 11,000 people from the region since the start of the offensive by 25 May. Ukraine said on 17 May that its forces had slowed the Russian advance, and by 25 May Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian forces had secured "combat control" of areas where Russian troops entered the northeastern Kharkiv Oblast. Russian officials meanwhile said that they were "advancing in every direction" and that the goal was to create a "buffer zone" for embattled border regions. The White House said on 7 June that the offensive had stalled and was unlikely to advance further.
Following the Russian success in the battle of Avdiivka, their forces advanced northwest of it to form a salient, and by mid-April 2024 reached the settlement of Ocheretyne, capturing it in late April and further expanding the salient in the succeeding months. Russian forces also launched an offensive towards the city of Chasiv Yar in early April, a strategically important settlement west of Bakhmut, and by early July had captured its easternmost district. Another offensive in the direction of the city of Toretsk was launched on 18 June, with the goal of capturing the city, and according to Ukrainian military observer and spokesperson Nazar Voloshyn, flanking Chasiv Yar from the south. Russian forces advanced to expand the salient northwest of Avdiivka in July, and on 19 July, made a breakthrough allowing them to begin advancing towards the operationally significant city of Pokrovsk.
Ukrainian offensive into Russia
Main article: 2024 Kursk offensiveOn 6 August 2024, Ukraine launched their first direct offensive into Russian territory, the largest of any pro-Ukrainian incursion since the invasion's inception, into the bordering Kursk Oblast. The main axis of the initial advance centred in the direction of the town of Sudzha, located 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from the border, which was reported by President Zelenskyy to have been captured on 15 August. Ukraine, taking advantage of the lack of experienced units and defenses along the border with Kursk Oblast, was able to quickly seize territory in the opening days of the incursion. The incursion caused Russia to divert thousands of troops from occupied Ukrainian territory to counter the threat, though not from Donetsk Oblast.
Fall of Vuhledar, Russian Donbas advances
Main articles: 2024 Velyka Novosilka offensive, Battle of Kurakhove, Battle of Toretsk, Battle of Pokrovsk, and Battle of Chasiv YarRussian troops continued advancing in eastern Ukraine, notably at a faster pace than prior to the Kursk offensive, including towards the strategically important city of Pokrovsk, where their number of forces had instead been increased.
In late August 2024, Russian forces seized the city of Novohrodivka, southeast of Pokrovsk, bringing them within 8 kilometres of the city, while capturing Krasnohorivka and Ukrainsk, near Pokrovsk and west of Donetsk city, in early September. In late September, a Russian assault on the long-held city of Vuhledar began, leading to its fall on 1 October. Ukraine's 72nd Mechanised Brigade had defended the city for over two years, and said that the Russians had suffered "numerous losses" as they stormed the elevated city. Following the Russian capture, the city with a pre-war population of about 14,000 was described as a "sprawling ruin".
On 30 October, Ukrainian Major General Dmytro Marchenko was reported to have said "our front has crumbled" due to a dwindling ammunition supply, problems with military recruitment, and poor leadership. He said Zelensky's victory plan was too heavily focused on seeking more Western support. Briefings from Western officials had also become more pessimistic about Ukraine's military situation.
Battlespaces
Further information: Northern Ukraine campaign, Eastern Ukraine campaign, and Southern Ukraine campaignCommand
Further information: Order of battle for the Russian invasion of UkraineThe supreme commanders-in-chief are the heads of state of the respective governments: President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. Putin has reportedly meddled in operational decisions, bypassing senior commanders and giving orders directly to brigade commanders.
US general Mark Milley said that Ukraine's top military commander in the war, commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, "has emerged as the military mind his country needed. His leadership enabled the Ukrainian armed forces to adapt quickly with battlefield initiative against the Russians." Russia began the invasion with no overall commander. The commanders of the four military districts were each responsible for their own offensives.
After initial setbacks, the commander of the Russian Southern Military District, Aleksandr Dvornikov, was placed in overall command on 8 April 2022, while still responsible for his own campaign. Russian forces benefited from the centralisation of command under Dvornikov, but continued failures to meet expectations in Moscow led to multiple changes in overall command:
- commander of the Eastern Military District Gennady Zhidko (Eastern Military District, 26 – 8 May October 2022)
- commander of the southern grouping of forces Sergei Surovikin (early October 2022 – 11 January 2023)
- commander-in-chief of the Russian Armed Forces Valerii Gerasimov (from 11 January 2023)
Russia has suffered a remarkably large number of casualties in the ranks of its officers, including 12 generals.
Missile attacks and aerial warfare
Main article: Aerial warfare in the Russian invasion of Ukraine See also: List of aircraft losses during the Russo-Ukrainian WarAerial warfare began the first day of the invasion. Dozens of missile attacks were recorded across both eastern and western Ukraine, reaching as far west as Lviv.
By September 2022, the Ukrainian air force had shot down about 55 Russian warplanes. In mid-October, Russian forces launched missile strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure, intended to knock out energy facilities. By late November, hundreds of civilians had been killed or wounded in the attacks, and rolling blackouts had left millions without power.
In December 2022, drones launched from Ukraine allegedly carried out several attacks on Dyagilevo and Engels air bases in western Russia, killing 10 and heavily damaging two Tu-95 aircraft.
Crimea attacks
Main article: Crimea attacks (2022–present)On 31 July 2022, Russian Navy Day commemorations were cancelled after a drone attack reportedly wounded several people at the Russian Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol. On 9 August 2022, large explosions were reported at Saky Air Base in western Crimea. Satellite imagery showed at least eight aircraft damaged or destroyed. Initial speculation attributed the explosions to long-range missiles, sabotage by special forces or an accident; Ukrainian general Valerii Zaluzhnyi claimed responsibility on 7 September.
The base is near Novofedorivka, a destination popular with tourists. Traffic backed up at the Crimean Bridge after the explosions with queues of civilians trying to leave the area. A week later Russia blamed "sabotage" for explosions and a fire at an arms depot near Dzhankoi in northeastern Crimea that also damaged a railway line and power station. Russian regional head Sergei Aksyonov said that 2,000 people were evacuated from the area. On 18 August, explosions were reported at Belbek Air Base north of Sevastopol. On the morning of 8 October 2022 the Kerch Bridge, linking occupied Crimea to Russia, partially collapsed due to an explosion. On 17 July 2023, there was another large explosion on the bridge.
Russian attacks against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure
Main articles: Russian strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure (2022–present) and Attacks on civilians in the Russian invasion of UkraineSince fall of 2022, Russia has carried out waves of strikes on Ukrainian electrical and water systems. On 6 October the Ukrainian military reported that 86 Shahed 136 kamikaze drones had been launched by Russian forces in total, and between 30 September and 6 October Ukrainian forces had destroyed 24 out of 46 launched in that period. On 8 October, it was announced that General of the Army Sergey Surovikin would be commanding all Russian forces in Ukraine on the strength of his novel air assault technique.
On 16 October 2022, The Washington Post reported that Iran was planning to supply Russia with both drones and missiles. On 18 October the US State Department accused Iran of violating Resolution 2231 by selling Shahed 131 and Shahed 136 drones to Russia, agreeing with similar assessments by France and the United Kingdom. Iran denied sending any arms to Russia for the Ukraine war. On 22 October France, Britain and Germany formally called for a UN investigation. On 1 November, CNN reported that Iran was preparing to send ballistic missiles and other weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine.
On 15 November 2022, Russia fired 85 missiles at the Ukrainian power grid, causing major power outages in Kyiv and neighboring regions.
On 21 November, CNN quoted an intelligence assessment that Iran had begun to help Russia produce Iran-designed drones in Russia. A 29 December New York Times report stated that the US was working to "choke off Iran's ability to manufacture the drones, make it harder for the Russians to launch the unmanned "kamikaze" aircraft and—if all else fails—to provide the Ukrainians with the defenses necessary to shoot them out of the sky."
On 31 December, Putin in his New Year address called the war against Ukraine a "sacred duty to our ancestors and descendants" as missiles and drones rained down on Kyiv.
On 10 March 2023, The New York Times reported that Russia had used new hypersonic missiles in a massive missile attack on Ukraine. Such missiles are more effective in evading conventional Ukrainian anti-missile defences that had previously proved useful against Russia's conventional, non-hypersonic missile systems.
The strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure were part of Russia's 'Strategic Operation for the Destruction of Critically Important Targets' (SODCIT) military doctrine, said the UK Defense Ministry, intended to demoralize the population and forcing the Ukrainian leadership to capitulate. According to the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), "Russian strikes had cumulatively destroyed 9 gigawatts (GW) of Ukraine's domestic power generation by mid-June 2024. Peak consumption during the winter of 2023 was 18 GW, which means that half of Ukraine's production capacity has been destroyed."
On 8 July 2024, Russia used a Kh-101 missile to kill at least two people and injure at least 16 people at the Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv. Also hit the same night were facilities in Pokrovsk and Kryvyi Rih. At least 20 civilians were killed in Kyiv that night.
Naval blockade and engagements
Main article: Naval warfare in the Russian invasion of Ukraine See also: List of ship losses during the Russo-Ukrainian WarUkraine lies on the Black Sea, which has ocean access only through the Turkish-held Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits. On 28 February, Turkey invoked the 1936 Montreux Convention and sealed off the straits to Russian warships that were not registered to Black Sea home bases and returning to their ports of origin. It specifically denied passage through the Turkish Straits to four Russian naval vessels. On 24 February, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine announced that Russian Navy ships had begun an attack on Snake Island. The guided missile cruiser Moskva and patrol boat Vasily Bykov bombarded the island with deck guns. The Russian warship identified itself and instructed the Ukrainians on the island to surrender. Their response was "Russian warship, go fuck yourself!" After the bombardment, a detachment of Russian soldiers landed and took control of Snake Island. Russia said on 26 February that US drones had supplied intelligence to the Ukrainian navy to help it target Russian warships in the Black Sea. The US denied this.
By 3 March, Ukrainian forces in Mykolaiv scuttled the frigate Hetman Sahaidachny, the flagship of the Ukrainian navy, to prevent its capture by Russian forces. On 14 March, the Russian source RT reported that the Russian Armed Forces had captured about a dozen Ukrainian ships in Berdiansk, including the Polnocny-class landing ship Yuri Olefirenko. On 24 March, Ukrainian officials said that a Russian landing ship docked in Berdiansk—initially reported to be the Orsk and then its sister ship, the Saratov—was destroyed by a Ukrainian rocket attack. In March 2022, the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) sought to create a safe sea corridor for commercial vessels to leave Ukrainian ports. On 27 March, Russia established a sea corridor 80 miles (130 km) long and 3 miles (4.8 km) wide through its Maritime Exclusion Zone, for the transit of merchant vessels from the edge of Ukrainian territorial waters southeast of Odesa. Ukraine closed its ports at MARSEC level 3, with sea mines laid in port approaches, pending the end of hostilities.
The Russian cruiser Moskva, the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet, was, according to Ukrainian sources and a US senior official, hit on 13 April by two Ukrainian Neptune anti-ship cruise missiles, setting the ship afire. The Russian Defence Ministry said the warship had suffered serious damage from a munition explosion caused by a fire, and that its entire crew had been evacuated. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby reported on 14 April that satellite images showed that the Russian warship had suffered a sizeable explosion onboard but was heading to the east for expected repairs and refitting in Sevastopol. Later the same day, the Russian Ministry of Defence stated that the Moskva had sunk while under tow in rough weather. On 15 April, Reuters reported that Russia launched an apparent retaliatory missile strike against the missile factory Luch Design Bureau in Kyiv where the Neptune missiles used in the Moskva attack were manufactured and designed. On 5 May, a US official confirmed that the US gave "a range of intelligence" (including real-time battlefield targeting intelligence) to assist in the sinking of the Moskva.
On 1 June, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov asserted that Ukraine's policy of mining its own harbours to impede Russian maritime aggression had contributed to the food export crisis, saying: "If Kyiv solves the problem of demining ports, the Russian Navy will ensure the unimpeded passage of ships with grain to the Mediterranean Sea." On 30 June 2022, Russia announced that it had withdrawn its troops from the island in a "gesture of goodwill." The withdrawal was later confirmed by Ukraine.
On 26 December 2023, Ukraine's air force attacked the Russian landing ship Novocherkassk docked in Feodosia. Ukraine said it was destroyed—unlikely to sail again. Russian authorities confirmed the attack, but not the loss, and said two attacking aircraft were destroyed. Independent analysts said the ship's loss could hamper future Russian attacks on Ukraine's coast. On 31 January 2024, Ukrainian sea drones struck the Russian Tarantul-class corvette Ivanovets in the Black Sea, causing the ship to sink. Two weeks later on 14 February, the same type of Ukrainian sea drones struck and sank the Russian landing ship Tsezar Kunikov.
Ukrainian resistance
Main article: Ukrainian resistance during the Russian invasion of Ukraine See also: 2022 protests in Russian-occupied Ukraine and Fabian strategyUkrainian civilians resisted the Russian invasion by volunteering for territorial defence units, making Molotov cocktails, donating food, building barriers like Czech hedgehogs, and helping to transport refugees. Responding to a call from Ukravtodor, Ukraine's transportation agency, civilians dismantled or altered road signs, constructed makeshift barriers, and blocked roadways. Social media reports showed spontaneous street protests against Russian forces in occupied settlements, often evolving into verbal altercations and physical standoffs with Russian troops. By the beginning of April, Ukrainian civilians began to organise as guerrillas, mostly in the wooded north and east of the country. The Ukrainian military announced plans for a large-scale guerrilla campaign to complement its conventional defence.
People physically blocked Russian military vehicles, sometimes forcing them to retreat. The Russian soldiers' response to unarmed civilian resistance varied from reluctance to engage the protesters, to firing into the air, to firing directly into crowds. There have been mass detentions of Ukrainian protesters, and Ukrainian media has reported forced disappearances, mock executions, hostage-taking, extrajudicial killings, and sexual violence perpetrated by the Russian military. To facilitate Ukrainian attacks, civilians reported Russian military positions via a Telegram chatbot and Diia, a Ukrainian government app previously used by citizens to upload official identity and medical documents. In response, Russian forces began destroying mobile phone network equipment, searching door-to-door for smartphones and computers, and in at least one case killed a civilian who had pictures of Russian tanks.
As of 21 May 2022, Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine had 700,000 service members on active duty fighting the Russian invasion. Ukraine withdrew soldiers and military equipment back to Ukraine over the course of 2022 that had been deployed to United Nations peacekeeping missions like MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Foreign involvement
Main article: Foreign involvement in the Russian invasion of UkraineSupport for Ukraine
Further information: List of military aid to Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian War, International sanctions during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and International Legion (Ukraine)In response to the invasion, many countries have supplied military aid to Ukraine including weaponry, equipment, training, and logistical support. Western and other countries imposed limited sanctions on Russia in the prelude to the invasion and applied new sanctions when the invasion began, intending to cripple the Russian economy; sanctions targeted individuals, banks, businesses, monetary exchanges, exports, and imports.
Military assistance has mostly been co-ordinated through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, whose more than fifty countries include all 32 member states of NATO. From January 2022 to January 2024, $380 billion in aid to Ukraine was tracked by the Kiel Institute. European countries have provided the most aid in total (military, financial and humanitarian), while the United States has provided the most military assistance to Ukraine, and has set aside $175 billion to help the country. Most of the US military aid has been old American weaponry and equipment from reserve stockpiles, while most of the US funding earmarked for Ukraine stays in the US economy and supports US industries, subsidizing the manufacture of weapons and military equipment. The US was producing 14,000 155 mm shells monthly in early 2023 and planned to increase production to 90,000 shells per month by 2025. Sending troops to Ukraine was ruled out by the US and other countries in the early days of the invasion. President Emmanuel Macron of France later said in 2024 that sending troops was a possibility.
NATO members such as Germany reversed policies against providing offensive military aid to support Ukraine, and the European Union co-ordinated the supply of military aid for the first time. Estonia and Denmark have provided the most military aid as a share of GDP. Bulgaria supplied Ukraine with over one third of the ammunition needed in the early phase of the invasion and a plurality of needed fuel. In September 2023, Poland said it would cease sending arms to Ukraine after a dispute between the two countries over grain. Although India has maintained a neutral stance in the conflict, reports indicate that artillery shells produced by Indian manufacturers were sold to European countries and then diverted to Ukraine. Indian officials have not intervened despite objections from Russia.
The Russian government has threatened retaliation against countries supplying military aid to Ukraine, and said it meant NATO was waging a "proxy war" against Russia. However, Russia's government has not followed through on its threats, despite most of its "red lines" being crossed. President Putin said that if military aid stopped, Ukraine would not survive for long.
Support for Russia
North Korea
According to the US, North Korea has supplied Russia with ballistic missiles and launchers although US authorities did not mention the specific models. Based on debris left by missiles on 30 December 2023 attacks against Ukrainian targets show parts common to KN-23, KN-24 and KN-25 missiles. In October 2024, Ukraine and South Korea claimed that North Korean engineers had been deployed to the battlefield to help with the launch of these missiles, and had suffered some casualties.
Later the same month, a White House spokesperson said that the United States was "concerned" about reports that North Korean soldiers were fighting for Russia in Ukraine. A day later, Zelensky announced that Ukrainian intelligence believed there were 10,000 North Korean troops preparing to join Russian forces on the front line. However, the North Korean government rejected these claims and stated that none of their soldiers were fighting for Russia.
The US later said it had seen evidence that North Korea had sent 3,000 soldiers to Russia for possible deployment to Ukraine, determining that the soldiers had been transported from North Korea by ship in early-to-mid October and were undergoing training at three military bases in eastern Russia. The US added that the alleged North Korean deployment could be further evidence that the Russian military was having problems with manpower. On 28 October, NATO chief Mark Rutte confirmed earlier Ukrainian intelligence that North Korean troops had been deployed to Kursk oblast to support Russia against the 2024 Kursk Offensive, and the Pentagon reported an increased number of 10,000 North Korean soldiers sent to train in Russia and fight in the war.
On 7 November, the Ukrainian defence minister reported that North Korean troops had been engaged in battle. On 13 November, both the US State Department and South Korea confirmed that North Korean troops had begun engaging in combat against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. However, the Pentagon could not confirm the claims. On 24 November, the Ukrainian chief of general staff confirmed that North Korean troops have been engaged in battle. On 2 December the Pentagon stated that it has no evidence of North Korean troops engaged in combat, but noted that North Korean soldiers had been integrated into Russian units. A representative of the Ukrainian intelligence directorate confirmed that North Korean troops have been integrated into Russian units held in reserve but said that North Korean troops are unlikely to be engaged in combat on the front line and are still engaged in training; however, the presence of North Korean troops in Kursk is seen as enabling Russia in its fighting against Ukraine. On 16 December, the US confirmed that North Korean troops had been killed and injured in combat in Russia's Kursk oblast. By 18 December, the number of killed and wounded North Korean soldiers had reportedly reached "a couple hundred", while South Korea reported 100 North Koreans dead and 1000 injured. Zelenskyy also showcased footage which he said showed Russian troops burning the faces of killed North Korean soldiers in an attempt to conceal their prescence on the battlefield.
Belarus
Belarus has allowed Russia to use its territory to stage part of the invasion, and to launch Russian missiles into Ukraine. Belarus airspace was used by Russia, including for radar early warning and control missions, until 2023, when a Russian Beriev A-50 surveillance plane was damaged by drones. Because of its active involvement, Belarus is considered a co-belligerent (but not a co-combatant) in this invasion, as contrasted to non-belligerent states, which have "a wide range of tools available to non-belligerent actors without reaching the threshold of warfighting".
Others
In June 2023, US military intelligence suggested Iran was providing both Shahed combat drones and production materials to develop a drone manufactory to Russia. In February 2024, a Reuters report indicated that Iran sent ballistic missiles to the Russian military. According to the US and Ukraine, Iranian troops have been stationed in Crimea to assist Russia in launching drone attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. The Institute for the Study of War assessed that these are likely Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) or IRGC-affiliated personnel. Iran has denied sending arms to Russia for use against Ukraine.
Politico reported in March 2023 that Chinese state-owned weapons manufacturer Norinco shipped assault rifles, drone parts, and body armor to Russia between June and December 2022, with some shipments via third countries including Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. According to the United States, Chinese ammunition has been used on battlefields in Ukraine. In May 2023, the European Union identified that Chinese and UAE firms were supplying weapon components to Russia. In April 2024, China was reported to have supplied Russia with geospatial intelligence, machine tools for tanks, and propellants for missiles. In September 2024, Reuters reported documents indicating Russia had established a weapons programme in China to develop and produce long-range attack drones, with assistance from local specialists, for use in the invasion of Ukraine.
Russia imports sensitive electronics, machinery, auto parts, and defense equipment from India. Trade like oil sales has surged since 2022, boosting revenue for Russian state-owned companies. To bypass sanctions and manage its currency surplus, Russia pays in rupees, supporting both civilian and military needs.
Casualties
Further information: Casualties of the Russo-Ukrainian War § Russian invasion of Ukraine (2022–present), and List of deaths during the Russian invasion of UkraineRussian and Ukrainian sources have both been said to inflate the casualty numbers for opposing forces and downplay their own losses for the sake of morale. Leaked US documents say that "under-reporting of casualties within the system highlights the military's 'continuing reluctance' to convey bad news up the chain of command." Russian news outlets have largely stopped reporting the Russian death toll. Russia and Ukraine have admitted suffering "significant" and "considerable" losses, respectively.
The numbers of civilian and military deaths have been as always impossible to determine precisely. Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that neither it nor independent conflict monitors were able to verify Russian and Ukrainian claims of enemy losses and suspected that they were inflated. On 12 October 2022, the independent Russian media project iStories, citing sources close to the Kremlin, reported that more than 90,000 Russian soldiers had been killed, seriously wounded, or gone missing in Ukraine.
While combat deaths can be inferred from a variety of sources, including satellite imagery of military action, measuring civilian deaths can be more difficult. On 16 June 2022, the Ukrainian Minister of Defence told CNN that he believed that tens of thousands of Ukrainians had died, adding that he hoped the total death toll was below 100,000. By the end of June 2024, about 20,000 Ukrainians had lost limbs. In the destroyed city of Mariupol alone, Ukrainian officials believe that at least 25,000 have been killed, and bodies were still being discovered in September 2022. The mayor said over 10,000 and possibly as many as 20,000 civilians died in the siege of Mariupol and that Russian forces had brought mobile cremation equipment with them when they entered the city. Researcher Dan Ciuriak from C. D. Howe Institute in August 2022 estimates the number of killed Mariupol civilians at 25,000, and an investigation by AP from the end of 2022 gives a number of up to 75,000 killed civilians in Mariupol area alone. AFP says that "a key gap in casualty counts is the lack of information from Russian-occupied places like the port city of Mariupol, where tens of thousands of civilians are believed to have died". According to a recent study by Human Rights Watch and two other organizations, there were at least 8,034 excess deaths in Mariupol between March 2022 and February 2023. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reports similar issues and believed that the true civilian casualty numbers were significantly higher than it has been able to confirm.
In the Russian military during the invasion, Russia's ethnic minorities have been suffering disproportionately high casualties. In October 2022, the Russian regions with the highest death tolls were Dagestan, Tuva and Buryatia, all minority regions. In February 2024, six out of ten Russian regions with the highest mortality rates in Ukraine were located in Siberia and the far east, and ethnic minorities continuing outsized casualty rates prompted analysts to warn that the situation will lead to long-term destructive impacts on these communities. According to Western officials, about 1,200 Russian soldiers were killed or wounded in Ukraine every day in May and June 2024, which climbed to 1,500 killed or wounded daily by November 2024, when 45,690 casualties were estimated that month. Newsweek estimated that on the bloodiest day in November 2024 the ratio of killed Russian men (1,950) exceeded the average daily male birth rate in Russia (1,836). Latvia-based news outlet Meduza estimated that up to 140,000 Russian soldiers had died in the war by the end of June 2024.
The Russian invasion became the deadliest European war in the last 80 years, surpassing the death toll of the Bosnian War. Ukrainian average mortality rate was 8.7/1000 people in 2020, and jumped to 18.6/1000 in 2024, whereas Russia's mortality rate that same year was 14/1000, ranking them as #1 and #9, respectively, on the list of countries with the highest mortality rates. In August 2024, Haaretz estimated 172,000 people had died in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In September 2024, the Wall Street Journal reported that there were now one million Ukrainians and Russians who were killed or wounded. The Journal took note of how the number of casualties impacts the two countries' shrinking prewar populations.
Numbers | Time period | Source | |
---|---|---|---|
Ukrainian civilians | 12,340 killed, 27,836 wounded | 24 February 2022 – 10 December 2024 | United Nations (OHCHR) |
Ukrainian forces (NGU) | 501 killed, 1,697 wounded | 24 February 2022 – 12 May 2022 | National Guard of Ukraine |
Ukrainian forces (ZSU) | 43,000 killed | 24 February 2022 – 8 December 2024 | Office of the President of Ukraine |
Ukrainian forces | 59,955 killed (incl. non-combat, confirmed by names) |
24 February 2022 – 6 November 2024 | UALosses project |
Russian forces (DPR/LPR excluded) |
84,761 killed (conf. by names) | 24 February 2022 – 20 December 2024 | BBC News Russian and Mediazona |
Russian forces (Donetsk & Luhansk PR) |
21,000–23,500 killed | 24 February 2022 – 30 September 2024 | BBC News Russian |
Numbers | Time period | Source | |
---|---|---|---|
Ukrainian civilians | 12,000 killed (confirmed), 28,000 captive | 24 February 2022 – 17 June 2024 | Ukrainian government |
1,911 killed, 6,834 wounded (in DPR/LPR areas) |
17 February 2022 – 12 August 2024 | DPR and LPR | |
13,287 killed, 19,464 injured | 24 February 2022 – 23 February 2023 | Benjamin J. Radford et al. | |
Ukrainian forces | 80,000 killed, 400,000 wounded | 24 February 2022 – before September 2024 | WSJ citing confidential Ukrainian estimate |
57,500+ killed, 250,000+ wounded | 24 February 2022 – 10 October 2024 | United States estimate | |
Russian forces | 115,000 killed, 500,000 wounded | 24 February 2022 – 10 October 2024 | US estimate |
404,700–564,000 killed and wounded | 24 February 2022 – 18 October 2024 | BBC News Russian | |
776,090+ killed and wounded | 24 February 2022 – 23 December 2024 | Ukrainian MoD estimate | |
700,000 killed and wounded | 24 February 2022 – 10 November 2024 | UK Ministry of Defence estimate |
Prisoners of war
See also: Casualties of the Russo-Ukrainian War § Prisoners of war, and Treatment of prisoners of war in the Russian invasion of UkraineOfficial and estimated numbers of prisoners of war (POW) have varied. On 24 February, Oksana Markarova, Ukraine's ambassador to the US, said that a platoon of the 74th Guards from Kemerovo Oblast had surrendered, saying they were unaware that they had been brought to Ukraine and ordered to kill Ukrainians. Russia claimed to have captured 572 Ukrainian soldiers as of 2 March 2022, while Ukraine said it held 562 Russian soldiers as of 20 March. It also released one soldier for five of its own and exchanged another nine for the detained mayor of Melitopol.
On 24 March 2022, 10 Russian and 10 Ukrainian soldiers, as well as 11 Russians and 19 Ukrainian civilian sailors, were exchanged. On 1 April, 86 Ukrainian servicemen were exchanged for an unknown number of Russian troops. The Independent on 9 June 2022 cited an intelligence estimate of more than 5,600 Ukrainian soldiers captured, while the Russian servicemen held prisoner fell from 900 in April to 550 after several prisoner exchanges.
A 25 August 2022 report by the Humanitarian Research Lab of the Yale School of Public Health identified some 21 filtration camps for Ukrainian "civilians, POWs, and other personnel" in the vicinity of Donetsk oblast. Imaging of one camp, Olenivka prison, found two sites featuring disturbed earth consistent with "potential graves." Kaveh Khoshnood, a professor at the Yale School of Public Health, said: "Incommunicado detention of civilians is more than a violation of international humanitarian law—it represents a threat to the public health of those currently in the custody of Russia and its proxies." Conditions described by freed prisoners include exposure, insufficient access to sanitation, food and water, cramped conditions, electrical shocks and physical assault.
In late 2022, as Russian casualties exceeded 50,000, the Russian army introduced barrier troops. The U.K. defence ministry stated that these are units that threaten to shoot their own retreating soldiers in order to compel offensives. In March 2023, Russian soldiers filmed a video addressed to President Putin where they stated that after suffering casualties, they attempted to return to their headquarters but their superiors denied them evacuation. They stated that barrier troops were placed behind them threatening to "destroy them". In particular, Storm-Z units have been reported to be "kept in line" by barrier troops.
In March 2023, UN human rights commissioner Volker Türk reported that more than 90% of the Ukrainian POWs interviewed by his office, which could only include those who were released from Russia, said in Russia "they were tortured or ill-treated, notably in penitentiary facilities, including through so-called – it is an awful phrase – 'welcoming beatings' on their arrival, as well as frequent acts of torture throughout detention."
In April 2023, several videos started circulating on different websites purportedly showing Russian soldiers beheading Ukrainian soldiers. Zelenskyy compared Russian soldiers to "beasts" after the footage was circulated. Russian officials opened an investigation of the footage shortly thereafter.
War crimes and attacks on civilians
Main articles: War crimes in the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Attacks on civilians in the Russian invasion of UkraineDuring the invasion, the Russian military and authorities have been responsible for deliberate attacks against civilian targets (including strikes on hospitals and on the energy grid), massacres of civilians, abduction and torture of civilians, sexual violence, forced deportation of civilians, and torture and murder of Ukrainian prisoners of war. They have also carried out many indiscriminate attacks in densely populated areas, including with cluster bombs. According to Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of the Ukrainian intelligence, Russia before the start of the invasion of Ukraine had created 'execution lists' of Ukrainian teachers, journalists, scientists, writers, priests, politicians and was preparing for a genocide of Ukrainians, also the plans included locations of mass graves and mobile crematoriums.
According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), by December 2023, about 78% of confirmed civilian casualties had been killed in Ukrainian-controlled territory, while 21% had been killed in Russian-occupied territory.
The UN Human Rights Office reports that Russia is committing severe human rights violations in occupied Ukraine, including arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, torture, crackdown on protests and freedom of speech, enforced Russification, indoctrination of children, and suppression of Ukrainian language and culture. Ukrainians have been coerced into taking Russian passports and becoming Russian citizens. Those who refuse are denied healthcare and other rights, and can be imprisoned as a "foreign citizen". Ukrainian men who take Russian citizenship are drafted to fight against the Ukrainian army.
Russian forces have reportedly used banned chemical weapons at least 465 times during the war, usually as tear gas grenades. The use of tear gas is banned by international Chemical Weapons Convention and considered a chemical weapon if applied by military forces during warfare. In April 2024, a Daily Telegraph investigation concluded that "Russian troops are carrying out a systematic campaign of illegal chemical attacks against Ukrainian soldiers".
In March 2024, the United Nations issued a report saying Russia may have executed more than 30 recently captured Ukrainian prisoners of war over the winter months. The UN Human Rights Office verified three incidents in which Russian servicemen executed seven Ukrainian servicemen. According to the same report, 39 of 60 released Ukrainian prisoners of war also "disclosed that they had been subjected to sexual violence during their internment, including attempted rape, threats of rape and castration, beatings or the administration of electric shocks to genitals, and repeated forced nudity, including during interrogations and to check for tattoos."
Abduction of Ukrainian children
Main article: Child abductions in the Russo-Ukrainian WarIn June 2024, an investigation by the Financial Times identified four Ukrainian children on a Russian government-linked adoption website that had been abducted from state care homes. The children's Ukrainian background was not mentioned. One child was shown with a new Russian name and age that differed from their Ukrainian documents, another was shown using a Russian version of their Ukrainian name. 17 additional matches identified by the Financial Times on the adoption website were also confirmed as Ukrainian children in a recent New York Times investigation. Ukrainian authorities estimate that nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly taken from occupied territories to Russia since the full-scale invasion began. Wayne Jordash, president of humanitarian law firm Global Rights Compliance, described forcibly transferring or deporting children as war crimes, adding that when done as part of a widespread or systematic attack on a civilian population, Russia is also committing crimes against humanity.
International arrest warrants
Further information: International Criminal Court arrest warrants for Russian figuresThe International Criminal Court (ICC) opened an investigation into possible crimes against humanity, genocide and war crimes. On 17 March 2023 the ICC issued a warrant for Putin's arrest, charging him with individual criminal responsibility in the abduction of children forcibly deported to Russia. It was the first time that the ICC had issued an arrest warrant for the head of state of a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (the world's five principal nuclear powers). Moscow has denied any involvement in war crimes, a response Vittorio Bufacchi of University College Cork says "has bordered on the farcical," and its contention that the images coming out of Bucha were fabricated "a disingenuous response born by delusional hubris, post-truth on overdrive, (that) does not merit to be taken seriously." Even the usually fractured United States Senate came together to call Putin a war criminal.
One of several efforts to document Russian war crimes concerns its repeated bombardment of markets and bread lines, destruction of basic infrastructure and attacks on exports and supply convoys, in a country where deliberate starvation of Ukrainians by Soviets the Holodomor still looms large in public memory. Forcible deportation of populations, such as took place in Mariupol, is another area of focus, since "forced deportations and transfers are defined both as war crimes under the Fourth Geneva Convention and Protocol II and Article 8 of the Rome Statute—and as crimes against humanity—under Article 7 of the Rome Statute. As both war crimes and crimes against humanity, they have several mechanisms for individual accountability, the International Criminal Court and also, at the individual state level, universal jurisdiction and Magnitsky sanctions legislation.
The ICC also issued arrest warrants for military officials Sergey Kobylash, Viktor Sokolov, Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov.
Impacts
Humanitarian impact
Main article: Humanitarian impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine Further information: World food crises (2022–present)The humanitarian impact of the invasion has been extensive and has included negative impacts on international food supplies and the 2022 food crises. An estimated 6.6 million Ukrainians were internally displaced by August 2022, and about the same number were refugees in other countries. The invasion has devastated the cultural heritage of Ukraine, with over 500 Ukrainian cultural heritage sites, including cultural centres, theatres, museums, and churches, affected by "Russian aggression." Ukraine's Minister of Culture called it cultural genocide. Deliberate destruction and looting of Ukrainian cultural heritage sites in this way is considered a war crime.
The Russian attacks on civilians, causing mass civilian casualties and displacement, have been characterised as genocide and democide. On 15 September 2023, a UN-mandated investigative body presented their findings that Russian occupiers had tortured Ukrainians so brutally that some of their victims died, and forced families to listen as they raped women next door. The commission has previously said that violations committed by Russian forces in Ukraine, including the use of torture, may constitute crimes against humanity.
A report by Physicians for Human Rights described Russian violence against the Ukrainian health care system as being a prominent feature of Russia's conduct during the war, documenting 707 attacks on Ukraine's health care system between 24 February and 31 December 2022. Such attacks are considered war crimes.
Refugee crisis
Main articles: Ukrainian refugee crisis and Transnational repression by RussiaThe war caused the largest refugee and humanitarian crisis in Europe since the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s; the UN described it as the fastest growing such crisis since World War II. As Russia built up military forces along the Ukrainian border, many neighbouring governments and aid organisations prepared for a mass displacement event in the weeks before the invasion. In December 2021, the Ukrainian defence minister estimated that an invasion could force three to five million people to flee their homes.
In the first week of the invasion, the UN reported over a million refugees had fled Ukraine; this subsequently reached over eight million by 31 January 2023. On 20 May 2022, NPR reported that, following a significant influx of foreign military equipment into Ukraine, a significant number of refugees were seeking to return to regions in Ukraine which were relatively isolated from the invasion front in southeastern Ukraine. However, by 3 May, another 8 million people were displaced inside Ukraine.
Most refugees were women, children, elderly, or disabled. Most male Ukrainian nationals aged 18 to 60 were denied exit from Ukraine as part of mandatory conscription, unless they were responsible for the financial support of three or more children, single fathers, or were the parent/guardian of children with disabilities. Many Ukrainian men, including teenagers, opted to remain in Ukraine voluntarily to join the resistance.
According to the UN High Commission for Refugees as of 13 May 2022, there were 3,315,711 refugees in Poland, 901,696 in Romania, 594,664 in Hungary, 461,742 in Moldova, 415,402 in Slovakia, and 27,308 in Belarus, while Russia reported it had received over 800,104 refugees. By 13 July 2022, over 390,000 Ukrainian refugees had arrived in the Czech Republic, where the average refugee was a woman accompanied by one child. These refugees were twice as likely to have a college degree as the Czech population as a whole. Turkey has been another significant destination, registering more than 58,000 Ukrainian refugees as of 22 March 2022. The EU invoked the Temporary Protection Directive for the first time in its history, granting Ukrainian refugees the right to live and work in the EU for up to three years. Britain has accepted 146,379 refugees, as well as extending the ability to remain in the UK for 3 years with broadly similar entitlements as the EU, three years residency and access to state welfare and services.
According to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Russia has engaged in "massive deportation" of over 1.3 million Ukrainian civilians, potentially constituting crimes against humanity. The OSCE and Ukraine have accused Russia of forcibly moving civilians to filtration camps in Russian-held territory, and then into Russia. Ukrainian sources have compared this policy to Soviet-era population transfers and Russian actions in the Chechen War of Independence. For instance, as of 8 April 2022, Russia claimed to have evacuated about 121,000 Mariupol residents to Russia. Also, on 19 October, Russia announced the forced deportation of 60,000 civilians from areas around the line of contact in Kherson oblast. RIA Novosti and Ukrainian officials said that thousands were dispatched to various centres in cities in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine, from which people were sent to economically depressed regions of Russia. In April, Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council secretary Oleksiy Danilov said that Russia planned to build "concentration camps" for Ukrainians in western Siberia, and likely planned to force prisoners to build new cities in Siberia.
Long-term demographic effects
Both Russia and Ukraine faced the prospect of significant population decline even before the war, having among the lowest fertility rates worldwide and considerable emigration. It is the first time that two countries with an average age above 40 have gone to war against each other. Russia had a fighting-age (18- to 40-year-old) male population more than four times higher than Ukraine's and slightly higher birth rates, while the willingness to fight was more pronounced in Ukraine.
Several sources have pointed out that the war is considerably worsening Ukraine's demographic crisis, making significant shrinking very likely. A July 2023 study by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies stated that "regardless of how long the war lasts and whether or not there is further military escalation, Ukraine is unlikely to recover demographically from the consequences of the war. Even in 2040 it will have only about 35 million inhabitants, around 20% fewer than before the war (2021: 42.8 million) and the decline in the working-age population is likely to be the most severe and far-reaching." The study took different scenarios, from a "best case" (end of the war in 2023 without much further escalation) to a "worst case" (end of the war in 2025 with further escalation) into account. Flight from war affected especially the southern and eastern regions and especially educated women of child-bearing age and their children. With an estimate of more than 20% of refugees not returning, study author Maryna Tverdostup concluded that long-term shrinking will significantly impair the conditions for reconstruction.
The war in Ukraine and the associated emigration, lower birth rates and war-related casualties further deepened the demographic crisis of Russia. Many commentators predict that the situation will be worse than during the 1990s. The UN is projecting that the decline that started in 2021 will continue, and if current demographic conditions persist, Russia's population would be 120 million in fifty years, a decline of about 17%.
Since February 2022, hundreds of thousands of Russians have emigrated; estimates range from 370,000 to over 820,000. Combined with mobilisation, this possibly removed roughly half a million to one million working-age males from Russia's population. Studies report that this will have a demographic effect, especially in Russia, that lasts much longer than the conflict, and Putin's time in office.
According to BBC:
They come from different walks of life. Some are journalists like us, but there are also IT experts, designers, artists, academics, lawyers, doctors, PR specialists, and linguists. Most are under 50. Many share western liberal values and hope Russia will be a democratic country one day. Some are LGBTQ+. Sociologists studying the current Russian emigration say there is evidence that those leaving are younger, better educated and wealthier than those staying. More often they are from bigger cities.
According to Johannes Wachs, "The exodus of skilled human capital, sometimes called brain drain, out of Russia may have a significant effect on the course of the war and the Russian economy in the long run." According to a survey, around 15 percent of those who left returned to Russia, either permanently or to settle their affairs.
In November 2023, at the World Russian People's Council, Putin urged Russian women to have eight or more children amid increasing Russian casualties in the invasion.
In July 2024, Chief of the General Staff of the British Army Roland Walker said that with the current way of fighting, it would take Russia five years to control the four oblasts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia that Russia claims as its own, and it would cost Russia from 1.5 to 1.8 million casualties. He said there are "no winners" in Russia's invasion, adding "it is an utter devastation for both sides and lost generations."
Environmental impact
Main article: Environmental impact of the Russian invasion of UkraineBased on a preliminary assessment, the war has inflicted USD 51 billion in environmental damage in Ukraine; according to a report by the Yale School of the Environment, some 687,000 tons of petrochemicals have burned as a result of shelling, while nearly 1,600 tons of pollutants have leaked into bodies of water. Hazardous chemicals have contaminated around 70 acres of soil, and likely made agricultural activities temporarily impossible. Around 30% of Ukraine's land is now littered with explosives and more than 2.4 million hectares of forest have been damaged.
According to Netherlands-based peace organisation PAX, Russia's "deliberate targeting of industrial and energy infrastructure" has caused "severe" pollution, and the use of explosive weapons has left "millions of tonnes" of contaminated debris in cities and towns. In early June 2023, the Kakhovka Dam, under Russian occupation, was damaged, causing flooding and triggering warnings of an "ecological disaster."
The Ukrainian government, international observers and journalists have described the damage as ecocide. The Ukrainian government is investigating more crimes against the environment and ecocide (a crime in Ukraine). Zelenskyy has met with prominent European figures (Heidi Hautala, Margot Wallstrom, Mary Robinson and Greta Thunberg) to discuss the environmental damage and how to prosecute it.
According to an investigation by NGL Media published in April 2024, Russia has completely destroyed over 60,000 hectares of Ukrainian forests. The investigation stated that long-term ecological consequences may include lowering of the groundwater level, reduction of biodiversity, worsening of air quality, fire outbreaks, and rivers and ponds drying up.
Nuclear risk
Main article: Nuclear risk during the Russian invasion of UkraineSenior Russian politicians—including Putin, Sergey Lavrov, and Dmitry Medvedev—have made statements widely seen as nuclear blackmail. They have implied that Russia may use nuclear weapons if certain "red lines" are crossed, such as helping Ukraine to strike back at Russia itself.
Four days into the invasion, Putin put Russia's nuclear forces on high alert, raising fears that Russia could use tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine. In April, Putin "seemed to hint at the use of nuclear weapons against any nation that directly intervenes", and Sergei Lavrov said there was a "real" danger of a third world war. CIA director William Burns said that "desperation" in the face of defeat could lead Putin to order a nuclear strike. In September, the United States warned Russia's government that the country would suffer "catastrophic" consequences if it used nuclear weapons against Ukraine. Addressing the United Nations, President Biden accused Putin of making "overt, reckless and irresponsible" nuclear threats and said Russia would not win a nuclear war: "A nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought". In March 2023, Putin announced plans to install Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.
By 2024, most of the Russian government's "red lines" had been crossed without nuclear weapons being used in response.
The invasion had an impact on Ukraine's nuclear power plants. Russian forces seized Chernobyl on the first day, leading to a huge spike in radiation levels. Russia also seized Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest in Europe. The plant has been damaged by shelling, Russian military equipment has been placed there, and safety protocols have been breached, leading to a nuclear safety crisis. Ukraine described the crisis as nuclear terrorism by Russia. In response to what he called "completely irresponsible actions", Zelenskyy suggested that there should be outside control over Russia's nuclear plants. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued stark warnings and said it was the first time a military conflict occurred amid nuclear plants. It called for a demilitarized zone around Zaporizhzhia NPP.
Economic impact
Main article: Economic impact of the Russian invasion of UkraineUkraine
Ukrainian Minister of Economic Development and Trade Yulia Svyrydenko announced that for 2022 Ukraine had a 30.4% loss in their GDP. The International Monetary Fund predicted that Ukraine's gross domestic product (GDP) would suffer a decrease from a minimum of 10% to a maximum of 35%; the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development also predicted that the invasion would cause a 20% decrease of Ukraine's GDP. However, the Ukrainian statistics service said that the GDP of Ukraine in 2023 grew by 5.3%.
Ukraine began issuing war bonds on 1 March 2022, and the following day the Ukrainian government announced that they had raised 6.14 billion hryvnias. A ban was placed in May 2022 by the European Commission on grain sales in the countries of: Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia with the only exception being if they were transiting through those countries with the ban being lifted in September 2023.
The war has caused a major humanitarian crisis in Ukraine: the United Nations Development Programme calculated in March 2022 that a prolonged conflict would cause 30% of the Ukrainian population to fall below the poverty line, while a further 62% would be at risk of also falling into poverty within a year.
Russia
The Russian economic ministry said that for 2022 the GDP contracted by 2.1% and for 2023 Russia's government said the GDP grew by 3.6%.
A price cap was placed on Russian oil by the Group of 7 (G7) at US$60 on 5 December 2022. The United States banned all imports of Russian oil on 8 March 2022. The European Union placed an embargo on oil products from Russia on 5 February 2023. Other countries that embargoed Russian oil were: Canada, United Kingdom and Australia. Russia itself issued a ban on foreign diesel sales starting on 21 September 2023, before being lifted on 6 October.
On 27 April 2024, it was reported that Russia was planning increases in personal income taxes and corporate taxes to help pay for the war.
Peace efforts
Main article: Peace negotiations in the Russian invasion of UkrainePeace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine took place on 28 February, 3 March, and 7 March 2022, on the Belarus–Ukraine border, with further talks held on 10 March in Turkey and a fourth round of negotiations beginning 14 March.
On 13 July that year, Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said that peace talks were frozen and Ukraine must first recover the seized territories in the east before negotiations can begin. On 19 July, Deputy head of the Russia's Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, said: "Russia will achieve all its goals. There will be peace – on our terms."
In September 2022, after the Russian annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts of Ukraine, Zelenskyy announced that any Ukrainian talks with Putin were "impossible", but left the door open to talks with Russia or a future Russian president. In December that year, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that before there are peace talks, Ukraine must accept Russian sovereignty over the provinces it claimed to have annexed. Ukraine's counter proposal was for Moscow to return occupied Ukrainian land and pay war damages. In January 2023, Kremlin spokesman Peskov said that "there is currently no prospect for diplomatic means of settling the situation". In May 2023, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said peace negotiations were "not possible at this moment", saying that Russia and Ukraine were "absorbed in this war" and each "convinced that they can win."
In June 2023, Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov said that the peace plans presented by China, Brazil and Indonesia are attempts at mediation on behalf of Russia, adding "this sort of mediation currently doesn't fit for us at all, because they aren't impartial." He said that Ukraine was willing to accept China as a mediator only if Beijing could convince Russia to withdraw from all the territories it had occupied.
In December 2023, The New York Times reported that Putin has been signaling through intermediaries since at least September 2022 that "he is open to a ceasefire that freezes the fighting along the current lines". This has been received with skepticism by Ukrainians and their country's supporters, with criticism that it could be an insincere, opportunistic public relations ploy by Russia that would give it time to rebuild its weakened army before renewing the offensive. Such concerns have been raised since 2022. In May 2024, Kremlin sources said that Putin wanted to avoid unpopular steps such as further nationwide mobilization and increased war spending.
As of 2024, Ukraine's peace terms are that Russia withdraw its troops, that Russian leaders be prosecuted for war crimes, and that Ukraine have security guarantees. Russia's terms are that Russia must keep all the land it occupies, that it also be given all of the provinces that it claims but does not fully control, and that Ukraine end plans to join NATO.
Several Western-based analysts say that allowing Russia to keep the land it seized would "reward the aggressor while punishing the victim" and set a dangerous precedent. They predict that this would allow Russia to re-arm and encourage it "to continue its imperialist campaign of expansionism" against its other neighbors, and embolden other expansionist regimes to invade other countries. Zelenskyy commented: "It's the same thing Hitler did, when he said 'give me a part of Czechoslovakia and it'll end here'." Leo Litra of the European Council on Foreign Relations pointed out that allowing Russia to annex Crimea in 2014 did not stop further Russian aggression. Opinion polls show that the majority of Ukrainians oppose giving up any of their country for peace. Orysia Lutsevych of Chatham House points out that "calls for Ukraine to become 'neutral' because this will remove Russia's incentive for aggression ignore the fact that Ukraine was already neutral when first attacked in 2014".
International reactions
Main article: Reactions to the Russian invasion of Ukraine See also: Protests against the Russian invasion of UkraineThe invasion received widespread international condemnation from governments and intergovernmental organisations. On 2 March 2022 and on 23 February 2023, 141 member states of the UN General Assembly voted for a resolution saying that Russia should immediately withdraw. Seven, including Russia, voted against the measure. Political reactions to the invasion included new sanctions imposed on Russia, which triggered widespread economic effects on the Russian and world economies. Sanctions forced Russia to reorient its oil exports to non-sanctioning countries such as India, rely more on LNG (which was not subject to European Union sanctions), and shift its coal exports from Europe to Asia. Most European countries cancelled nuclear cooperation with Russia.
Over seventy sovereign states and the European Union delivered humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and nearly fifty countries plus the EU provided military aid. Economic sanctions included a ban on Russian aircraft using EU airspace, a ban of certain Russian banks from the SWIFT international payments system, and a ban on certain Russian media outlets. Reactions to the invasion have included public response, media responses, peace efforts, and the examination of the legal implications of the invasion.
Some countries, particularly in the Global South, saw public sympathy or outright support for Russia, due in part to distrust of US foreign policy. Protests and demonstrations were held worldwide, including some in Russia and parts of Ukraine occupied by Russia. Calls for a boycott of Russian goods spread on social media platforms, while hackers attacked Russian websites, particularly those operated by the Russian government. Anti-Russian sentiment against Russians living abroad surged after the invasion. In March 2022, Russian President Putin introduced prison sentences of up to 15 years for publishing "fake news" about Russian military operations, intended to suppress any criticism related to the war.
According to the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2023, 31 percent of the world's population live in countries that are leaning towards or supportive of Russia, 30.7 percent live in neutral countries, and 36.2 percent live in countries that are against Russia in some way.
A number of supranational and national parliaments passed resolutions declaring Russia to be a state sponsor of terrorism. By October 2022, three countries—Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia—had declared Russia a terrorist state. On 1 August, Iceland became the first European country to close its embassy in Russia as a result of the invasion of Ukraine.
The invasion prompted Ukraine, Finland and Sweden to officially apply for NATO membership. Finland became a member of NATO on 4 April 2023, followed by Sweden on 7 March 2024.
A documentary film produced during the siege of Mariupol, 20 Days in Mariupol, won the Oscar for best documentary in 2024.
See also
- List of invasions in the 21st century
- Outline of the Russo-Ukrainian War
- 2020s in military history
- List of conflicts in territory of the former Soviet Union
- List of conflicts in Europe
- List of interstate wars since 1945
- List of invasions and occupations of Ukraine
- List of ongoing armed conflicts
- List of wars between Russia and Ukraine
- List of wars: 2003–present
- Russian emigration following the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Red lines in the Russo-Ukrainian War
Notes
- ^ The Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic were Russian puppet states, having declared their independence from Ukraine in May 2014. In 2022, they received international recognition from each other, Russia, Syria and North Korea, and some other partially recognised states. On 30 September 2022, after a referendum, Russia declared that it had formally annexed both entities. They continue to exist as republics of Russia.
- North Korea has been widely reported to be supporting Russia with troops since October 2024.
- Belarus let Russia use its territory to launch the invasion and to launch missiles into Ukraine. See also: Belarusian involvement in the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- See § Foreign involvement for more details.
- Including military, paramilitary, and 34,000 separatist militias.
- See here for a detailed breakdown of civilian deaths by oblast, according to Ukrainian authorities.
- The DPR said 1,697 civilians were killed and 6,278 wounded between 1 January 2022 and 11 August 2024, of which 8 died and 23 were wounded between 1 January and 25 February 2022, leaving a total of 1,689 killed and 6,255 wounded in the period of the Russian invasion.
- Most likely, new cities meant new industrial cities in Siberia, the construction plans of which were announced by Shoigu in the fall of 2021.
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On Sunday ... "There is no invasion. There is no such plans," Antonov said.
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Nov. 28 – ... 'Russia has never hatched, is not hatching and will never hatch any plans to attack anyone,' Peskov said. ... 19 Jan – ... Ryabkov ... 'We do not want and will not take any action of aggressive character. We will not attack, strike, invade, quote unquote, whatever Ukraine.'
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Historically speaking, the idea that a dictator in another country decides who is a nation and who is not is known as imperialism.
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Noch nie haben zwei Nationen mit einem Durchschnittsalter von über 40 Jahren Krieg gegeneinander geführt. Noch nie haben zwei Nationen mit einem Kriegsindex von 0,7 miteinander die Waffen gekreuzt.
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Bibliography
- D'Anieri, Paul (23 March 2023). Ukraine and Russia. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-009-31550-0. OCLC 1350843759.
- Ramani, Samuel (13 April 2023). Putin's War on Ukraine: Russia's Campaign for Global Counter-Revolution. Hurst Publishers. ISBN 978-1-80526-003-5.
- Wallensteen, Peter (2023). Understanding Conflict Resolution. Los Angeles: SAGE. ISBN 9781529613209. OCLC 1370602224.
Further reading
- Borshchevskaya, Anna (2022). Putin's War in Syria. 50 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP, UK: I. B. Tauris. ISBN 978-0755634637
- D'Anieri, Paul (31 October 2019). Ukraine and Russia: From Civilized Divorce to Uncivil War. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-108-48609-5 – via Google Books.
- Harding, Luke. Invasion: The Inside Story of Russia's Bloody War and Ukraine's Fight for Survival. 2022. Vintage Press. ISBN 9780593685174
- Marples, David R., ed. (2022). The War in Ukraine's Donbas: Origins, Contexts, and the Future. Central European University Press. ISBN 978-9633865972.
- Menon, Rajan; Rumer, Eugene B. (6 February 2015). Conflict in Ukraine: The Unwinding of the Post–Cold War Order. MIT Press. ISBN 978-0-262-53629-5. OCLC 1029335958 – via Google Books.
- "The Cost of War to Ukraine". The Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies. Royal United Services Institute. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
- Schwirtz, Michael; Troianovski, Anton; Al-Hlou, Yousur; Froliak, Masha; Entous, Adam; Gibbons-Neff, Thomas (16 December 2022). "Putin's War: The Inside Story of a Catastrophe". The New York Times.
- Smith, Christopher M. (15 March 2022). Ukraine's Revolt, Russia's Revenge. Brookings Institution Press. ISBN 978-0-8157-3925-8. OCLC 1287616684 – via Google Books.
- Trofimov, Yaroslav (2024). Our Enemies Will Vanish. The Russian Invasion and Ukraine's War of Independence. Penguin Random House. ISBN 9780593655184.
- Watling, Jack; Reynolds, Nick (22 April 2022). Operation Z: The Death Throes of an Imperial Delusion (PDF) (Report). Royal United Services Institute.
- Wiegrefe, Klaus (15 February 2022). "NATO's Eastward Expansion: Is Vladimir Putin Right?". Der Spiegel. ISSN 2195-1349. Archived from the original on 15 February 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- Wood, Elizabeth A.; Pomeranz, William E.; Merry, E. Wayne; Trudolyubov, Maxim (15 December 2015). Roots of Russia's War in Ukraine. Columbia University Press. ISBN 978-0-231-80138-6. OCLC 1008637056 – via Google Books.
External links
- The UN and the war in Ukraine at the United Nations
- Think Tank reports on the invasion of Ukraine at the Council of the European Union
- Russian invasion of Ukraine at Google News
- Ukraine conflict updates at the Institute for the Study of War
- Interactive Map: Russia's Invasion of Ukraine at the Institute for the Study of War
- Interactive Time-lapse: Russia's War in Ukraine at the Institute for the Study of War
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