RUSSIA UKRAINE WAR HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND CURRENT SITUATION OF WAR IN VERY EASY STEPS
1. Soviet Era and Independence Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union until its dissolution in 1991. Following independence, Ukraine began to establish closer ties with the West, while Russia aimed to maintain influence over former Soviet states. 2. 2014 Annexation of Crimea Tensions escalated in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea after Ukraine’s pro-Russian president was ousted. This move followed a controversial referendum and was widely condemned by the international community. Armed conflict broke out in Eastern Ukraine, where Russian-backed separatists declared independence in Donetsk and Luhansk. 3. Full-Scale Invasion in 2022 On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, citing NATO expansion and alleged threats from Ukraine. The invasion marked the start of Europe’s largest military conflict since World War II. Russia targeted major cities, including Kyiv, but encountered strong Ukrainian resistance. 4. International Response The West responded with heavy s...