On February 24, 2022, the planet woke up in a fresh reality erstwhile the Russian Federation launched an invasion of Ukraine, escalating a conflict lasting since 2014. This day will be remembered as the beginning of a fresh era in global relations, an era in which safety and stableness are threatened by aggression and carrying arms.
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, non-military guarantees and 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, attempting to take Kiev and establish a pro-Russian government. Despite their first successes, Russian troops encountered strong opposition from the Ukrainian army and the mobilisation of society.
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 UN data, more than 8,000 civilians have been killed and more than 13,000 injured since the invasion of Ukraine began. Moreover, over 5.5 million Ukrainians were forced to leave their homes, of which more than 3.5 million found shelter in Europe. The material losses are over $100 billion, which is simply a immense increase compared to erstwhile years.
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. However, despite difficulties and hard conditions, people in Ukraine and around the planet do not give up. They proceed to fight for freedom, sovereignty and the right to live in peace.
Continued here:
Three years of war in Ukraine: humanitarian and political disaster
