Unpacking the Current Situation in Ukraine: A Comprehensive Overview
- Esther T
- May 28, 2024
- 0 min read
Updated: Jun 20, 2024
Russia Invades Ukraine, a Timeline of the Crisis
February 24, 2022: Russia launches full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The Lead up to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
December 1st, 1991: Ukraine becomes independent.
After the fall of the Soviet Union, Ukraine votes for independence. This notion is essentially unanimous amongst the people of Ukraine.
December 5th, 1994: The Budapest Memorandum is signed.
The document is signed following an agreement by part of Ukraine to transfer all nuclear weapons from the Cold War to the Russian federation. Ukraine subsequently becomes a non-nuclear power. The Budapest Memorandum is signed to the United States, England, and Russia, signifying a commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and right to its respective territory.
November-December 2004: The Orange Election overturns election results.
Presidential election between Viktor Yushchenko, a western-oriented candidate, and Viktor Yanukovych, who was supported by Russia, creates great controversy. Initially, Yanukovych is declared victorious. However, the election is considered corrupt by many, and supporters of the other candidate protest by wearing orange in the streets. Orange was Yushchenko’s campaign color. Ultimately, protesters influence a re-vote in which Yushchenko is declared the winner of the election.
April 3rd, 2008: Russia fights Ukrainian NATO membership.
A heated NATO summit debate commences regarding extending an invite to Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin opposes a Ukrainian membership, making his opinions very clear to NATO leaders, he even allegedly tells President George W. Bush that Ukraine is “not even a real nation-state.” NATO does not offer Ukraine a MAP.
November 2013-February 2014: Euromaidan protests influence change in government
President Yanukovych, (who ran for president a second time and was victorious in 2010), begins to orient Ukraine in the Russian direction as opposed to attempting to orient Ukraine towards the EU. Sparking widespread controversy, protests ensue. Protests across the country center at Maiden Square in Kyiv. 130 civilians are killed. Yanukovych flees to Russia. New leadership commits the government towards a more European Union orientation.
February 2014-March 2014: Russia seizes Crimea.
International outrage ensues Russia’s seizing of Crimea, a Ukrainian Peninsula, in the aftermath of the Euromaidan protests. Russian troops occupy significant sites within the peninsula. Troops wear military uniforms with Russian insignias excluded. The European Union and the United Nations condemn the annexation.
April 21st, 2019: Volodymyr Zelenskyy is elected as president in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy’s campaign commits itself to promoting ending the war with Russia-backed separatists in Ukraine, and reducing corruption within the Ukrainian government.
December 2021: Putin demands security guarantees.
Putin deploys increasing troops near the Ukrainian border. Putin claims that the Ukrainian people and the Russian people are “one people.” Tens of thousands of Russian troops are deployed to the borders and Putin issues demands to NATO and the USA. He also demands Ukraine never be admitted to NATO. This request was rejected by President Biden.
February 21st, 2022: Russia recognizes breakaway Ukrainian regions as Sovereign
Previously, Donetsk and Luhansk broke away from Ukraine, under the leadership of Russian-backed terrorists. Putin recognizes these territories as independent states, and he sends troops to “keep the peace.”
February 24th, 2022: Russia launches a full-scale invasion on Ukraine.
Comments