Today, February 24, 2025, it has been 3 years since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. The date of February 24, 2022 became a turning point in past erstwhile the planet woke up in a fresh reality. The Russian Federation escalated the conflict that has continued since 2014, erstwhile Russia made the annexation of Crimea and supported separatists in Donbasa.
The roots of tensions between Russia and Ukraine date back to 2014, erstwhile Russia made annexation of Crimea and supported separatists in Donbasa. For subsequent years, the conflict continued at a low strength level, but crucial escalation occurred at the turn of 2021 and 2022. Russia has gathered crucial military forces on the border with Ukraine, demanding, among others, a warrant of NATO's indifference to the east and the withdrawal of the Alliance's forces from Central and east Europe. These demands were rejected by the West, which became an excuse for Moscow to launch armed action.
On the night of 23 and 24 February 2022, Russian president Vladimir Putin announced the launch of a "special military operation" aimed at "demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine". Shortly thereafter, Russian armed forces launched an attack from respective directions. Despite their first successes, Russian troops encountered strong opposition from the Ukrainian army and the mobilisation of society. The plan to take Kiev rapidly and establish a pro-Russian government failed.
The invasion met with unanimous condemnation by the global community. The European Union, the United States and another countries have imposed severe economic, political and diplomatic sanctions on Russia. Many countries provided military, humanitarian and financial support to Ukraine. global organisations, specified as the UN, have repeatedly called for the end of military action and respect for Ukraine's sovereignty.
The ongoing war resulted in massive human and material losses. Millions of Ukrainians were forced to leave their homes, seeking refuge in both another regions of the country and abroad. Many cities and villages were destroyed by war. Moreover, the conflict has affected global energy and food markets, leading to rising prices and economical instability in many countries.
According to UNHCR data, from the beginning of the invasion to November 2024, more than 8 million Ukrainians left their country, of which more than 4 million found shelter in Poland. Many of them found work and started a fresh life in Poland. However, according to planet Bank data, the conflict caused economical losses of over $100 billion.
Currently, 3 years after the invasion began, the fighting continues. Ukraine, supported by the global community, continues to defend its territory, seeking to recover occupied areas. Despite many attempts at mediation and negotiation, a lasting peace agreement has not yet been reached. The global community remains committed to seeking a solution to the conflict and to providing humanitarian assistance to the affected.
On February 24, 2022, he would stay in memory forever as a day that changed the course of history, recalling the fragileness of peace and the importance of global solidarity in the face of aggression.
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Three years of Russia's invasion of Ukraine: How did this happen and what were the consequences?
