Timeline of Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Yanukovych Government Falls
February 22, 2014
Ukrainian parliament votes to remove pro-Russian President Yanukovych following massive protests in Kyiv (Euromaidan Revolution). Yanukovych flees to Russia, marking a major shift in Ukrainian politics. The crisis was triggered by his refusal to sign an EU Association Agreement.
Russian Annexation of Crimea
March 18, 2014
Russia formally annexes Crimea following a referendum widely considered illegitimate by the international community. This action prompts the first round of Western sanctions against Russia and severely deteriorates Russia-Ukraine relations. Russia claims the move protects ethnic Russians, while the West views it as a violation of Ukrainian sovereignty.
Donbas Conflict Erupts
April 15, 2014
Pro-Russian separatists launch armed rebellions in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions, establishing self-proclaimed "people's republics." Ukraine responds with an "anti-terrorist operation." The conflict results in over 14,000 deaths between 2014-2022 and creates a major humanitarian crisis.
MH17 Shoot Down
July 17, 2014
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 is shot down over Donbas, killing all 298 passengers and crew. International investigators later conclude that a Russian-supplied Buk missile system, provided to separatist forces, was responsible. The incident draws widespread international condemnation of Russia and separatist forces.
Minsk Agreements Signed
February 12, 2015
Ukraine, Russia, OSCE, and separatist representatives sign the Minsk agreements, mediated by Germany and France, aimed at ending the Donbas conflict. The agreements include provisions for ceasefire, heavy weapons withdrawal, constitutional reform, and special status. However, the agreements are never fully implemented.
Zelenskyy Elected President
April 21, 2019
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a former comedian, wins Ukrainian presidency by a landslide, promising to end the Donbas conflict and fight corruption. His election marks a new era in Ukrainian politics, transitioning from his role in TV series "Servant of the People" to facing unprecedented real-world challenges.
Russian Military Build-up
April 1, 2021
Russia begins massive military build-up along Ukrainian borders, raising international concerns. Despite Russian claims of military exercises, Western intelligence warns of invasion preparations. This deployment is seen as a precursor to the 2022 full-scale invasion.
Recognition of Separatist Regions
February 21, 2022
Putin signs decree recognizing independence of Donetsk and Luhansk "People's Republics" and signs "friendship treaties" with them. This effectively ends the Minsk peace process and paves way for full invasion. Western nations respond with new sanctions against Russia.
Russian Full-Scale Invasion
February 24, 2022
Russia launches full-scale military invasion of Ukraine from multiple directions. Putin terms it a "special military operation" aimed at "demilitarization" and "denazification" of Ukraine. This marks Europe's largest military operation since WWII and a new phase in the conflict.
Fall of Kherson
March 2, 2022
Russian forces capture Kherson, the first major Ukrainian city to fall. The strategic city controls water supply to Crimea and access to the Black Sea coast. Russians establish military administration and attempt to implement ruble currency and Russian education system.
Bucha Massacre Revealed
April 3, 2022
Following Russian withdrawal from Kyiv region, evidence of mass civilian casualties is discovered in Bucha, including bodies in streets, mass graves, and torture chambers. These atrocities shock the international community and are widely considered evidence of war crimes.
Azovstal Surrender
May 17, 2022
After 82 days of resistance, Ukrainian defenders in Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant surrender. This marks complete Russian control of Mariupol and establishes a land corridor from Crimea to mainland Russia. The Azovstal defense becomes a symbol of Ukrainian resistance.
Kharkiv Counteroffensive
September 11, 2022
Ukrainian forces launch successful counteroffensive in Kharkiv region, recapturing over 6,000 square kilometers of territory, including the strategic hub of Izium. The operation demonstrates Ukrainian tactical flexibility and effectiveness of Western weapons.
Russian Annexation Claims
September 30, 2022
Russia unilaterally announces annexation of four Ukrainian regions - Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia - despite not fully controlling these territories. Putin holds ceremony in Moscow signing "accession treaties." International community overwhelmingly rejects these claims.
Liberation of Kherson
November 11, 2022
Russian forces withdraw from west bank of Dnipro River, Ukrainian forces liberate Kherson city. This marks a major victory for Ukraine, recapturing the only regional capital taken by Russia. The liberation significantly boosts Ukrainian morale and exposes Russian strategic vulnerabilities.
Western Tank Commitments
January 5, 2023
France, Germany, and US pledge modern main battle tanks to Ukraine, including Leopard 2, Abrams, and Leclerc tanks. This marks a significant escalation in Western military aid, breaking previous restrictions on heavy offensive weapons delivery.
Fall of Bakhmut
May 21, 2023
After nearly 10 months of intense fighting, Russian forces (primarily Wagner Group) claim full control of Bakhmut. The city, though of limited strategic value, becomes a symbol of attrition warfare. The battle results in massive casualties and near-complete destruction of the city.
Kakhovka Dam Collapse
June 6, 2023
Nova Kakhovka dam suffers catastrophic breach, causing massive flooding in downstream Dnipro River areas. Thousands evacuated, severe environmental damage reported. Ukraine accuses Russia of deliberately destroying dam, while Russia denies responsibility and blames Ukraine.
Wagner Rebellion
June 23, 2023
Wagner Group leader Prigozhin launches rebellion, accusing Russian military leadership of incompetence and marching towards Moscow. The mutiny ends after 24 hours through Belarusian mediation. The incident exposes serious divisions within Russian military and political system.
Ukrainian Counteroffensive
June 29, 2023
Ukraine launches long-anticipated counteroffensive in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk directions, attempting to sever Russian land corridor in the south. Progress is slow against dense Russian minefields and defensive fortifications, showing advantages of modern defensive systems.
Advance into Kursk
August 6, 2024
Ukrainian forces make surprise advance into Russia's Kursk region, marking first significant Ukrainian territorial gains in Russian proper. The operation aims to divert Russian forces and create negotiating leverage. Russia forced to redeploy troops from other fronts.
EU Membership Talks Begin
March 1, 2024
European Union formally opens accession negotiations with Ukraine, marking a major step in Ukraine's Western integration. The decision comes after extensive reforms in anti-corruption and judicial systems, though full membership is expected to take years.
US-Ukraine Aid Suspension
March 3, 2025
Following failed diplomatic talks between President Trump and Zelenskyy, the US Congress votes to temporarily suspend military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine. The decision creates strategic uncertainty and prompts European allies to increase their support commitments.