Timeline: three years of Russia-Ukraine war

Summary

The Russia-Ukraine war has evolved over three years, marked by intense military clashes and shifting diplomatic efforts. Key moments include Russia’s failed attempts to seize Kyiv, Ukraine’s counteroffensive, and Russia's illegal annexation of occupied regions. The international community has been deeply involved, with countries like the US and Turkey mediating talks. Despite the growing toll of casualties and destruction, global powers continue to push for peace talks. However, Ukraine insists on being a direct participant in negotiations, while Russia maintains its aggressive stance, leading to a complicated and uncertain path to resolution.

Takeaways

• 😀 Russia's invasion of Ukraine has escalated into a prolonged conflict, lasting over three years with no signs of Moscow backing down.
• 😀 Ukraine remains steadfast in its resistance, despite Russian efforts to capture major cities and strategic regions like Kyiv and Mariupol.
• 😀 International diplomatic efforts, especially by the U.S. and Turkey, have played a significant role in mediating deals and prisoner exchanges.
• 😀 President Trump's administration has initiated talks to end the war, aiming to bring the conflict closer to a resolution, though Ukraine insists on being part of the process.
• 😀 Russia has faced accusations of committing atrocities, including the Bucha massacre, but denies such claims.
• 😀 Despite territorial setbacks, Ukraine has successfully recaptured key regions like Kharkiv and continues to push back Russian forces.
• 😀 The conflict has drawn broader international involvement, including the U.S. providing military aid to Ukraine, such as advanced air defense systems.
• 😀 Russia's controversial annexation of Ukrainian territories, through staged referendums, has further fueled the global condemnation of its actions.
• 😀 Military operations have resulted in significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, especially in Ukrainian cities like Kyiv and Mariupol.
• 😀 Ongoing high-level talks, including a key meeting in Riyadh, have centered on finding a diplomatic solution, though Ukraine's exclusion from some discussions remains contentious.

Q & A

What triggered the war between Russia and Ukraine?

The war began with Russia launching a special military operation in Ukraine, aiming to take control of major cities, including the capital, Kiev. The conflict escalated after Ukraine launched a counteroffensive.

How has the international community reacted to Russia's actions in Ukraine?

The international community, including Ukraine and Europe, has strongly condemned Russia's actions, particularly its annexation of Ukrainian regions through illegal referendums and the accusations of war crimes such as the massacre in Bucha.

What role has Turkey played in the conflict?

Turkey has acted as a mediator, facilitating a deal to unblock grain supplies stuck in Ukrainian ports, thus preventing a global food security crisis. Additionally, Turkish President Erdogan has met with Ukrainian President Zelensky to discuss Ukraine's NATO membership.

How did the conflict affect global energy supplies?

The conflict caused significant disruptions in global energy supplies, with Russia's invasion leading to the damage of Nord Stream gas pipelines, resulting in skyrocketing gas prices across Europe.

What is the significance of the US’s involvement in the war?

The United States has played a crucial role by providing substantial military aid to Ukraine, including ammunition, armored vehicles, and air defense systems. US President Biden made a surprise visit to Ukraine to demonstrate support for the country.

What is the current status of Ukraine's counteroffensive efforts?

Ukraine's counteroffensive has faced challenges, with Ukrainian President Zelensky admitting that it has not achieved the desired results, despite reclaiming significant territories such as the Northeastern Kharkiv region.

What were the key turning points in the war between Russia and Ukraine?

Key turning points include Russia’s failure to capture Kiev, the recapture of Ukrainian territories like Kharkiv, Russia’s annexation of four regions, and significant battles like the siege of Mariupol and the capture of Bakhmut by Wagner forces.

What role has the Wagner group played in the war?

The Wagner group, a private military organization, claimed control of the eastern city of Bakhmut and later staged a mutiny against Russia’s military leadership. Its actions have added complexity to the war.

How has the war affected the civilian population in Ukraine?

The war has caused severe humanitarian crises, with mass civilian casualties, particularly in towns like Bucha, where hundreds of bodies were found in mass graves. Ukrainian civilians have also faced significant displacement and destruction of infrastructure.

What is the significance of the peace talks being mediated by high-level delegations?

Peace talks, including those involving high-level delegations from Russia and the US, are crucial in finding a way to end the war. However, Ukrainian President Zelensky has condemned talks excluding Ukraine, stressing that any resolution should include Ukrainian participation.