This summary covers the significant events in Ukraine from 2014, when the Russo-Ukrainian War began, to the full-scale Russian invasion on February 24, 2022. It is structured with three levels of collapsible points for detail and includes key takeaways.
The crisis began with mass protests against President Viktor Yanukovych’s decision to abandon an EU association agreement, sparking a chain of events that led to his ousting and Russia’s initial military interventions.
In November 2013, Yanukovych suspended negotiations for an EU Association Agreement, opting instead for closer ties with Russia, prompting widespread protests in Kyiv’s Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti).
Hundreds of thousands gathered to demand European integration, establishing a protest camp in the Maidan, supported by opposition leaders.
Yanukovych’s administration, backed by Russia with economic incentives, attempted to suppress the protests, escalating tensions.
The protests turned violent as security forces clashed with demonstrators, culminating in a deadly crackdown.
In February 2014, Ukrainian security forces fired on Maidan protesters, killing scores and injuring hundreds, intensifying public outrage.
On February 22, 2014, parliament removed Yanukovych after he fled Kyiv, installing an interim pro-Western government.
Following Yanukovych’s ousting, Russia seized Crimea, marking the start of the Russo-Ukrainian War.
Russian forces without insignia (“little green men”) occupied key sites in Crimea, exploiting the post-revolution power vacuum.
On February 27, 2014, Russian troops captured Crimea’s parliament and airports, later confirmed as Russian personnel.
Ukrainian forces, surprised and outnumbered, largely surrendered as morale plummeted.
Russia formalized its control through a controversial referendum and subsequent annexation.
On March 16, 2014, a widely criticized referendum reported over 95% support for joining Russia, deemed illegitimate by the international community.
On March 18, 2014, Putin signed a treaty annexing Crimea, sparking global condemnation and sanctions.
Russia fueled a separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region, leading to years of fighting and failed peace efforts.
Pro-Russian separatists, backed by Russia, seized territory in Donetsk and Luhansk, declaring independence.
In April 2014, armed groups occupied government buildings, proclaiming the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics (DPR/LPR).
Russia provided weapons, fighters, and later direct military support, employing a hybrid warfare strategy.
The conflict saw intense fighting and diplomatic attempts to halt it, though ceasefires repeatedly failed.
Battles like Ilovaisk (August 2014) and Debaltseve (January–February 2015) saw heavy losses, with Russian troops intervening decisively.
The Minsk Agreements (September 2014 and February 2015) aimed for peace but were undermined by ongoing violations.
The war became a frozen conflict, with periodic flare-ups and a major Russian buildup in 2021–2022.
By 2016, fighting stabilized along a 420-km front line, displacing millions and killing over 14,000 by early 2022.
In late 2021, Russia amassed troops near Ukraine, signaling an impending escalation.
Russia’s preparations and diplomatic maneuvers set the stage for the February 24, 2022, invasion.
Russia deployed over 100,000 troops near Ukraine’s borders, raising alarm in the West.
In March–April 2021, Russia conducted exercises near Ukraine, later withdrawing some forces.
From December 2021, a larger, sustained buildup included troops from Russia’s east, signaling intent.
Russia issued ultimatums while Western leaders sought to deter invasion through sanctions and talks.
In December 2021, Putin demanded NATO cease expansion and remove forces from Eastern Europe.
The U.S. and NATO rejected core demands but offered negotiations, which failed to avert conflict.
Russia’s recognition of separatist republics and rhetoric foreshadowed the invasion.
On February 21, 2022, Putin recognized Donetsk and Luhansk as independent, deploying “peacekeepers.”
On February 24, 2022, Putin announced a “special military operation” to “demilitarize” Ukraine.