Putin's war on Ukraine, explained

Summary

The video script details Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, described by Putin as a 'special military operation.' It outlines the historical context, including Ukraine's struggle for independence and identity, and the geopolitical tensions leading to the conflict. The narrative covers the immediate aftermath of the invasion, including the global response, sanctions, and the ongoing fight for Ukraine's sovereignty.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Putin initiated what he called a 'special military operation', but it is widely recognized as a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
• 😨 The invasion has caused panic, hysteria, and tears among the Ukrainian population, with many seeking shelter in basements and metro stations.
• 🚔 Russian forces have entered Ukraine from multiple fronts, targeting cities including the capital, Kyiv, which has become Putin's main focus.
• 🏥 The conflict has resulted in hundreds of casualties and has forced over half a million Ukrainians to flee their homes.
• 🌍 This conflict is one of the largest wars in Europe since World War II, with significant implications for the political landscape of the continent.
• 🧭 Putin's desire to redraw Europe's map by force stems from his belief that Ukraine belongs to Russia, despite Ukraine's distinct language, culture, and political system.
• 🏛 Historically, Ukraine was part of the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union, but it has fought for its own identity and independence.
• 🛡 The post-WWII division of Europe into spheres of influence led to the formation of NATO and the Warsaw Pact, creating a long-standing ideological and military divide.
• 🔄 The end of the Cold War saw the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the emergence of independent countries, including Ukraine, which sought to distance itself from Russia's influence.
• 🔄 Ukraine's aspirations to join NATO and the EU have been met with resistance from Russia, leading to political upheaval and military conflict within Ukraine.
• 🛑 In response to the invasion, world leaders have condemned Russia's actions, and there have been global anti-war protests, including in Russia.
• 🛃 International reactions include the activation of NATO's response force for the first time and the imposition of severe economic sanctions against Russia.
• 💪 Despite the odds, Ukraine continues to resist and fight for its independence, with its people determined to protect their country.

Q & A

What did Putin refer to as a 'special military operation'?

Putin referred to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine as a 'special military operation'.

What was the situation in Ukraine following the invasion?

There was total panic, hysteria, and tears among the population. Many people were sheltering in basements and metro stations across Ukraine.

Which cities in Ukraine were under attack, including the capital?

All cities in Ukraine, including the capital, Kyiv, were under attack, with many becoming Putin's main targets.

How many casualties and displacements were there as a result of the invasion?

There have been hundreds of casualties and over half a million Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes.

Why is this conflict considered one of Europe’s largest wars since World War II?

This conflict is considered one of Europe’s largest wars since World War II due to its scale and the potential for reshaping political alliances and borders in the region.

What historical claims does Putin have on Ukraine?

Putin has long claimed that Ukraine belongs to Russia and that they are one people, despite Ukraine being a sovereign nation with its own language, culture, and political system.

What was the political status of Ukraine during the Soviet Union era?

Ukraine was a republic within the Soviet Union after briefly gaining independence following the Russian Revolution in 1917.

How did the end of the Cold War affect the political landscape of Europe?

The end of the Cold War led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the overthrow of communist governments in many countries, with the Soviet sphere of influence disappearing.

Why did Ukraine's refusal to sign an association agreement with the European Union in 2013 lead to protests?

The refusal to sign the agreement was seen as a move to strengthen ties with Russia rather than the European Union, sparking protests from those who wanted closer ties with Europe.

What was the international response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine?

World leaders condemned the invasion, anti-war protests broke out globally, neighboring nations opened their borders to Ukrainian refugees, and NATO activated its response force for the first time in history.

What measures are being taken by the international community to address the situation?

Countries are imposing harsh economic sanctions on Russia and providing military aid to support Ukraine, while also treading carefully due to Russia's nuclear capabilities.

Outlines

00:00

🏰 Full-Scale Invasion: Putin's Assault on Ukraine

The script details the onset of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, despite President Putin's description of it as a 'special military operation.' It paints a vivid picture of the chaos and fear experienced by the Ukrainian people, with cities under attack and hundreds of casualties. The historical context is provided, explaining Ukraine's struggle for independence from the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union, and its current status as a sovereign nation with a unique identity. The script also discusses the geopolitical tensions, particularly Ukraine's aspirations to join NATO, which have heightened Russia's aggressive actions.

05:02

🛡️ Escalation to War: International Response and Sanctions

This paragraph delves into the escalation of the conflict, with Russia's continued military buildup and eventual full-scale invasion in February 2022. It outlines Putin's demands to the West, the rejection of these by Western leaders, and the subsequent military and diplomatic responses. The narrative includes the recognition of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic by Russia, the state of emergency declared by Ukraine, and President Zelensky's appeal to the Russian people. The international condemnation of Russia's actions, the global anti-war protests, the opening of borders by neighboring countries, and the activation of NATO's response force are highlighted. The paragraph concludes with the cautious yet firm actions taken by the international community, including economic sanctions and military aid to Ukraine, amidst the threat of Russia's nuclear arsenal.

Keywords

💡Special Military Operation

This term is used by Vladimir Putin to describe the Russian incursion into Ukraine, which is in reality a full-scale invasion. It is a euphemism that downplays the severity of the situation. The script describes this as 'clearly a full scale invasion,' highlighting the discrepancy between the term used by Putin and the actual military action taking place.

💡Invasion

An invasion refers to the act of entering a country or region with a large military force in order to conquer it. In the context of the video, it is the act of Russia entering Ukraine with troops and tanks on all fronts, including the capital, Kyiv, which is a central point of conflict in the narrative.

💡Sovereignty

Sovereignty is the full right and power of a governing body to govern itself without any interference from outside sources. The video emphasizes Ukraine's sovereignty by mentioning its own language, culture, and political system, which are distinct from Russia's, despite historical ties and Putin's claims to the contrary.

💡NATO

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a military alliance that consists of North American and European countries. The script discusses NATO's expansion and its role in the geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West, particularly in relation to Ukraine's aspirations to join the alliance and the subsequent Russian aggression.

💡Cold War

The Cold War refers to the period of political and military tension between the Western Bloc (the United States and its NATO allies) and the Eastern Bloc (the Soviet Union and its allies) from the late 1940s to the early 1990s. The video script uses the Cold War as a historical backdrop to explain the current conflict, highlighting the ideological divide and military alliances that shaped Europe's landscape.

💡Soviet Union

The Soviet Union, also known as the USSR, was a socialist state that existed from 1922 to 1991, covering a large part of Eurasia. The script mentions the Soviet Union's historical control over Ukraine and its dissolution in 1991, which led to Ukraine and other republics gaining independence.

💡Ukrainian Independence

Ukrainian independence refers to the period when Ukraine became a self-governing nation, free from Soviet rule. The script discusses Ukraine's brief period of independence in 1917, its subsequent absorption into the Soviet Union, and its eventual declaration of independence in 1991, which marked the end of Soviet domination.

💡Geopolitical Tensions

Geopolitical tensions refer to the strain in relations between nations due to factors such as territory, power, and influence. The video script illustrates these tensions through the lens of Russia's actions towards Ukraine, NATO's expansion, and the historical context of the Cold War.

💡Economic Sanctions

Economic sanctions are commercial and financial penalties imposed by one or more countries on another country. In the video, sanctions are mentioned as a measure taken by the international community to pressure Russia to halt its invasion of Ukraine, aiming to 'slow Putin down' without resorting to military conflict.

💡Nuclear Arsenal

A nuclear arsenal refers to a country's stockpile of nuclear weapons. The script highlights Russia's possession of the world's largest nuclear arsenal and Putin's threats to use it, which adds a layer of complexity and danger to the conflict and the international response.

💡Humanitarian Crisis

A humanitarian crisis is a situation that exists when people's basic human rights have been violated on a large scale, as a result of war, persecution, or natural disaster. The script describes the displacement of over half a million Ukrainians and the sheltering in basements and metro stations, illustrating the severe impact of the conflict on civilians.

Highlights

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a 'special military operation', which is actually a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv, are under attack with people sheltering in basements and metro stations.

Hundreds of casualties have been reported and over half a million Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes.

This conflict is one of Europe's largest wars since World War II, with significant implications for the continent's political landscape.

Putin claims Ukraine belongs to Russia, viewing them as one people despite Ukraine's distinct language, culture, and political system.

Ukraine's history includes periods of independence and subjugation under the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union.

The end of the Cold War saw the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the emergence of independent countries, including Ukraine.

NATO's expansion and Ukraine's aspiration to join has heightened tensions with Russia, leading to military conflicts.

In 2013, Ukraine's decision not to sign an association agreement with the EU sparked mass protests and political upheaval.

Putin's annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk has destabilized Ukraine for years.

In late 2021, Russia amassed troops and military equipment near Ukraine's border, escalating the situation.

Putin's demands for NATO to stop expanding and move its borders away from Russia were rejected by Western leaders.

Russia's recognition of the independence of Donetsk People's Republic and Lugansk People's Republic was a pretext for military intervention.

Ukrainian President Zelensky appealed to the Russian people, emphasizing the human cost of war.

World leaders have condemned Russia's invasion, calling it barbaric and unjustifiable.

Anti-war protests have erupted globally, including in Russia, where participants face the risk of arrest.

NATO has activated its response force for the first time in history, and the US has sent additional troops to Eastern Europe.

The international community is imposing severe economic sanctions on Russia and providing military aid to Ukraine.

Ukraine continues to resist Russian forces, defending its independence and sovereignty.

Transcripts

[in Russian] "I have made the decision to carry out

a special military operation."

Putin called this a "special military operation".

But it's clear, this is a full scale invasion.

"There was total panic. Hysteria. Tears.'

"The flame was higher than the house."

"We're like, in a cellar."

"I'm not sure if it's like deep enough to help us to survive."

Russian troops and tanks have entered Ukraine on all fronts.

All these cities are under attack, including the capital of Kyiv

which has become Putin’s main target.

Many are sheltering in basements and metro stations across Ukraine.

There have been hundreds of casualties and over half a million Ukrainians

have been forced to flee their homes.

This is one of Europe’s largest wars since World War II.

Since then, Europe’s map has been shaped by political alliances.

But now, Putin wants to redraw Europe’s map by force.

Putin has long claimed Ukraine belongs to Russia and they are one people.

"We're not just close neighbors, we're one nation."

But Ukraine is a sovereign nation with its own language, culture, and political system.

And while the two countries do have a shared history

Ukraine has fought hard for its own identity.

Ukraine was part of the Russian Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries.

In 1917, the Russian Revolution brought down the empire

and the region spiraled into a civil war.

Ukraine briefly gained independence from Russian rule

but was quickly taken over by the newly created Soviet Union

as one of its first republics.

Over the next decade, the Soviet Union brutally expanded its control.

And by the end of WWII, it forged a sphere of influence over here.

While the west held its influence over here.

Essentially dividing Europe and marking the beginning of the Cold War.

The Soviet Union installed communist governments on their side

which were easy for them to control.

But the west developed into democracies with capitalist economies.

The deep ideological divide fueled distrust and tensions between the two sides.

And soon these spheres hardened into military alliances.

In 1949, these countries along, with the US and Canada

formed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO

and promised to defend each other from invasion.

A few years later, these countries joined the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact alliance.

And each side built up its military to protect itself from the other.

Europe remained this way for decades, until one side finally collapsed.

By late 1991, republics like Ukraine began declaring independence from Soviet domination.

The Soviet Union dissolved into 15 independent countries, including a much weaker Russia.

And the Soviet sphere of influence disappeared

as many countries overthrew their communist governments.

Even though the Cold War ended

the alliance on the other side of Europe was still going strong.

In fact, it was expanding.

In 1999, Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic joined NATO.

In 2004, seven more countries joined.

That moved NATO into the old Soviet sphere of influence.

Making NATO's border with Russia the longest it's ever been.

Belarus, Ukraine, and Georgia were now the last post-Soviet countries left

between Russia and NATO.

But Ukraine and Georgia both wanted to join NATO for a long time.

And that made them prime targets for Russia.

Ukraine became a NATO partner in 1994

which brought them a step closer to becoming a member.

"Ukraine will be in NATO."

"This is a historic event for our people."

And in 2013, they were going to sign an association agreement with the European Union.

But when it came time to sign the deal

Ukraine’s pro-Russian government refused.

Instead they chose to strengthen ties with Russia.

After the decision was announced, hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets

to demand the agreement be signed.

[chanting] Ukraine is Europe! Ukraine is Europe!

After months of peaceful protests, the Ukrainian president cracked down

and killed more than 100 people.

Sparking more protests which eventually drove the president out of office and the country.

This meant Putin would lose political influence over Ukraine.

So he decided to use force instead.

First, he invaded and annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula.

Then, Russia-backed separatists captured the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk

and declared them independent of Ukraine.

Since then, Ukraine has been locked in a conflict with Russia that has killed 14,000 people

and displaced nearly 2 million people.

For nearly eight years, Putin has held on to these regions

destabilizing Ukraine, and keeping it from moving closer to the west.

But in November 2021, Putin decided to go all in.

Satellite images showed at least 100,000 Russian troops and military equipment

piling up along the border of Ukraine.

Putin repeatedly denied any plans to invade.

But weeks later, he presented his demands to the west.

His main demand was that NATO stop expanding

and move its military borders back to where they were in 1997

away from Russia’s.

Western leaders rejected his demands.

Instead, they put forces on standby and reinforced their military presence in Eastern Europe.

Back at Ukraine’s border, Russian troops continued to gather.

And over here, along its border with Belarus, Russia began conducting huge military drills.

On February 21st, the threat of war became real.

"I consider it necessary to take a long-overdue decision

and to immediately recognize the independence

and sovereignty of the Donesk People's Republic

and the Lugansk People's Republic."

His troops immediately crossed the Ukrainian border into Russian-backed separatist regions

under the pretense of peacekeeping.

Ukraine announced a state of emergency

and President Zelensky made a direct appeal to the Russian people.

"A war will take away guarantees from everyone."

"No one will have security guarantees."

"Who will suffer the most? The people."

"Who doesn't want it the most? The people."

"Who can stop it? The people."

Hours later on February 24th

Putin launched a full-scale invasion in Ukraine.

World leaders have spoken out against Russia’s invasion.

“We condemn this barbaric attack and the cynical arguments to justify it."

“This hideous and barbaric venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure."

“Putin chose this war

and now he and his country will bear the consequences.”

Anti-war protests have broken out around the world.

Including in Russia, despite the risk of arrest.

Neighboring nations have opened their borders

as hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians attempt to flee.

NATO’s response force has been activated for the first time in history.

And the US has sent additional troops to eastern Europe.

But in many ways, the world is treading carefully.

Putin controls the world’s largest arsenal of nuclear weapons

and has already threatened anyone who might interfere.

"Whoever tries to stop us

should know that Russia's response will be immediate."

"And will lead to such consequences

that you have never faced in your history."

So countries around the world are imposing some of the harshest economic sanctions

to slow Putin down.

And sending tons of military aid to support Ukraine.

For now, Russian forces keep pushing deeper, but Ukraine is fighting back.

"We are all here protecting our independence, our country."

"And we are going to continue to do so."