Russia vs Ukraine Factual Timeline

2014: Crimea Annexation & Donbas War

• February: Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych is ousted following the Euromaidan protests.

• March: Russia annexes Crimea after a widely disputed referendum. The U.S. and EU impose sanctions on Russia.

• April: Pro-Russian separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk declare independence, sparking the Donbas War.

• July: Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 is shot down over eastern Ukraine by Russian-backed separatists, killing 298 people.

• September & December: Ukraine and Russia sign the Minsk I & Minsk II agreements to halt fighting, but ceasefires collapse.

2015 - 2016: Continued Conflict & Ceasefire Violations

• January 2015: Ukrainian forces lose control of Donetsk International Airport after intense battles.

• February: The Minsk II agreement is signed, establishing a ceasefire and outlining peace measures.

• Throughout 2015 - 2016: Frequent skirmishes between Ukrainian forces and separatists continue despite ceasefire efforts.

2017 - 2018: Increased Western Support & Russian Aggression

• June 2017: The U.S. Senate expands sanctions on Russia over Ukraine and election interference.

• December 2017: The Trump administration approves lethal military aid to Ukraine, including Javelin anti-tank missiles.

• November 2018: Kerch Strait Incident – Russian forces seize three Ukrainian naval vessels and detain 24 sailors, escalating tensions.

2019: Zelensky Becomes President

• April 2019: Volodymyr Zelensky wins Ukraine’s presidential election in a landslide victory on an anti-corruption and peace-focused platform.

• September 2019: The Trump-Zelensky "quid pro quo" scandal erupts, leading to Trump’s first impeachment in the U.S.

2020: Escalation & Military Buildup

• July 2020: Ukraine and Russia agree to a new ceasefire, but fighting resumes within months.

• December 2020: Russia begins a massive troop buildup near Ukraine’s border, raising fears of a potential invasion.

2021: Pre-Invasion Tensions Mount

• Spring 2021: Russia deploys 100,000 troops near Ukraine’s borders but later withdraws some after diplomatic pressure.

• July 2021: Putin publishes an essay arguing that Ukraine is not a separate nation, signaling his expansionist intentions.

• November 2021: U.S. intelligence warns that Russia is planning a full-scale invasion.

• December 2021: Russia demands NATO halt expansion and refuses to recognize Ukraine’s sovereignty.

2022: Full-Scale Invasion and Initial Responses

• February 24: Russia launches a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, marking the largest European conflict since World War II.​

• March-April: Ukrainian forces successfully defend Kyiv, leading to a Russian withdrawal from northern Ukraine.​

• May: The strategic port city of Mariupol falls to Russian forces after a prolonged siege.​

• September: Russia announces the annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions, a move widely condemned by the international community.​

2023: Stalemate and Attritional Warfare

• June: Ukraine initiates a counteroffensive aiming to reclaim occupied territories; progress is limited due to fortified Russian defenses.​

• November: The front lines stabilize, with both sides engaging in trench warfare reminiscent of World War I.​

• Casualties: By the end of 2023, Ukrainian military casualties exceed 46,000, with civilian deaths estimated at over 12,340. ​axios.com

2024: Escalation and International Dynamics

• August: Ukrainian forces conduct incursions into Russia's Kursk region, signaling a shift in tactics. ​

• Late 2024: The U.S. administration under President Donald Trump initiates direct negotiations with Russia, causing unease among European allies and Ukraine. ​

• Economic Impact: Ukraine's total monetary losses are estimated at $499 billion by June 2024, with significant damage to commerce and industry sectors.​

2025: Ongoing Conflict and Diplomatic Efforts

• January: Over 10,000 North Korean troops, previously supporting Russian forces, are withdrawn after suffering high casualties. ​cfr.org

• February: As the war enters its third year, Russia maintains control over approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory. ​

• Diplomatic Developments: President Trump emphasizes the need for Ukraine to reclaim as much territory as possible in peace negotiations, while acknowledging that some concessions, such as abandoning NATO aspirations, may be necessary. ​nypost.com

This timeline highlights the major developments and ongoing challenges in the Russia-Ukraine conflict up to February 2025.

This Content was Generated by AI (OpenAI, ChatGPT) | 02.28.2025