Russia launched a large-scale military invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced what he called a special military operation shortly before Russian forces entered Ukrainian territory and missile and air strikes were reported in multiple parts of the country.
Russian military operations began from several directions, including areas bordering Russia, Belarus, and Russian-controlled Crimea. Strikes and fighting were reported near Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mariupol, Odesa, and other Ukrainian cities. Belarus allowed Russian forces to operate from its territory during the initial offensive.
The invasion expanded a conflict that had existed since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and fighting began between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Before the February 2022 invasion, Russia had positioned large numbers of troops near Ukraine while diplomatic negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine, the United States, NATO members, and European governments continued.
Ukraine declared martial law and mobilized its armed forces in response to the invasion. President Volodymyr Zelensky remained in Kyiv as Ukrainian forces resisted Russian advances. Russia initially advanced into several regions but failed to capture Kyiv during the opening phase of the war and later withdrew its forces from northern Ukraine.
The invasion resulted in extensive international sanctions against Russia and major changes in European security, energy markets, military spending, and international trade. The United Nations General Assembly later adopted resolutions condemning Russia's actions and calling for the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory.
