Blogger Siarhei Tsikhanouski, a prominent Belarusian political prisoner, was released after five years, attributed to diplomatic efforts linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Ukraine.
Browsing: Russia-Ukraine crisis
Russia-Ukraine crisis
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, marking a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War, which began in 2014 following the Ukrainian Revolution of Dignity.
The invasion triggered Europe’s largest refugee crisis since WW2, with millions leaving the country and millions more displaced.
Russia invades Ukraine 2022
In 2014, at the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war, Russia annexed Crimea and Russian-backed separatists seized part of the south-eastern Donbas region of Ukraine, sparking a regional war there.
In 2022, Russia began a large military build-up along its Ukrainian border – over 190,000 armed troops. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin had continued to deny Russia was planning an invasion until shortly before the invasion.
In a broadcast shortly before the invasion, Putin espoused irredentist views, questioned Ukraine’s right to statehood and falsely claimed the country was being governed by neo-Nazis. Putin also claimed NATO constitutes a threat to Russia’s national security by expanding eastward since the early 2000s, which NATO disputed. Russia demanded NATO cease expansion and bar Ukraine from ever joining. The UK, USA and allies all accused Russia of planning to attack or invade Ukraine, Russian officials and state media continued to deny it up until 23 February 2022.
The invasion began on 24 February – Putin announced it was a “special military operation” to “demilitarise and denazify” Ukraine. Russia then started missiles and airstrikes across Ukraine as well as a large ground invasion from multiple directions.
The invasion has been widely condemned by the international community.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine hasn’t gone entirely to plan as the Russians underestimated the Ukrainian people’s will to fight for their country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed an agreement to establish a special tribunal with the Council of Europe to prosecute Russian leaders for the war in Ukraine, emphasising the importance of holding them accountable.
Sir Keir Starmer announced the UK’s intention to boost defence, security, and resilience spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, despite critics labelling the move as “smoke and mirrors” with no immediate cash promises.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy warns that Vladimir Putin may attack a NATO country within five years to test the alliance, although he believes Putin is not currently ready for immediate action.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met King Charles at Windsor Castle prior to discussions with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer regarding defence strategies against Russia.
A large-scale assault overnight targeted Kyiv and surrounding areas, with Russia deploying over 350 drones and 16 missiles.
NATO ambassadors from all 32 member states approved a new spending pledge to increase defence budgets to 5% of GDP by 2035, amid concerns over threats from Russia and China.
The Kremlin deems regime change in Iran as “unacceptable” and warns that the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would have severe global repercussions.
Cliff Notes Kellogg’s, Coca-Cola and Brewdog beer on Russian shelves despite sanctions Kellogg’s cornflakes, Bonne Maman jam, Kent Crisps, Brewdog beer… these are the items…
Russian missile and drone strikes in Kyiv killed 14 individuals, including a 62-year-old US citizen, and injured at least 44 others, resulting in significant destruction of residential buildings.
Russia and Ukraine conduct a fourth POW swap in a week, with both sides remaining silent on the number of prisoners involved.
Over 1,000 Ukrainian bodies were returned to Kyiv following a prisoner-of-war exchange, with many reported to have been held since 2022.
Ukraine conducted a large-scale drone operation targeting over 40 Russian bomber aircraft at multiple bases, showcasing a significant breach of Russian national defences.
Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately” begin ceasefire negotiations following a two-hour conversation with Vladimir Putin, though details on how this differs from ongoing talks in Turkey remain unclear.
Donald Trump plans to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine with Vladimir Putin after Russia’s recent drone assault, which reportedly involved 273 drones over multiple regions.
Russia conducted its largest drone attack on Ukraine since the war began, firing 273 drones across multiple regions, surpassing previous records.
Cliff Notes – Russians in Kursk speak up Ongoing Fear and Uncertainty: Residents express continuous fear from drones and potential military threats, highlighting a lack…
The EU rejects Russia’s announced ceasefire as a mere ploy to improve relations with Washington, stating that Russia could halt hostilities immediately.
Cliff Notes – Donald Trump says Russia and Ukraine should now meet Donald Trump claims that Russia and Ukraine are “very close to a deal,”…
Ukraine’s military has targeted the base of the 448th Russian missile brigade, which was responsible for a recent missile strike on Sumy that resulted in 35 fatalities and over 119 injuries, including children.
Friedrich Merz, likely Germany’s next chancellor, condemned the recent Russian missile strike in Sumy that killed at least 34, labelling it a “deliberate and calculated war crime.”
Ksenia Karelina, a US-Russian citizen, was jailed in Russia for 12 years after her £40 donation to a Ukrainian charity was deemed treasonous.
Cliff Notes – Defence chiefs meet in Kyiv Defence chiefs from the UK, Ukraine, and France convened in Kyiv to strategise the structure and composition…
Emmanuel Macron expressed concerns over Russia’s tendency to reinterpret ceasefire agreements, following a recent tentative deal involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia concerning strikes in the Black Sea region.
President Zelenskyy calls for renewed pressure on Russia after a drone attack resulted in seven deaths, highlighting the urgent need to end the conflict.