Russia-Ukraine War: Timeline of Events as the Conflict Approaches a Month
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is approaching the month mark. Tensions came to a head on February 21 when Vladimir Putin formally recognized the independence of two pro-Russian regions (Donetsk and Luhansk) in Ukraine.
Here’s a month-long timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine
On February 24, Vladimir Putin announced a special military campaign against Ukraine in a televised speech. The Russian president has long been opposed to Ukraine’s close ties to the West and to reports of its possible entry into NATO. Under this pretext, Putin invades the Eastern European nation with the aim of “demilitarization and denazification”.
On the same day, explosions can be heard in various parts of Ukraine, including Kiev, Kharkov and Mariupol. A Russian warship attacks Snake Island as Ukrainian soldiers bravely refuse to surrender. The historic and inactive Chernobyl nuclear power plant is occupied by Russian troops.
On February 25, Russian troops march towards the Ukrainian capital as Russia vetoes a UN Security Council resolution demanding it withdraw from Ukraine. The next day, Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelensky refuses an offer from the United States to evacuate him and his family from the country.
The first round of talks between Ukraine and Russian officials on the Belarus-Ukraine border will take place on February 28, but they will be dissolved after an agreement could not be reached.
On March 1, satellite images show a 65-kilometer convoy of Russian tanks and troops outside the capital Kiev. Naveen Shekharappa, an Indian medical student studying in Kharkiv, is killed by Russian shelling.
On March 2, the United Nations General Assembly will pass a non-binding resolution condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and demanding a full withdrawal. Both India and China abstained from voting.
On March 8, the United States of America will impose a complete ban on all Russian energy imports, with several global brands such as McDonalds, Visa, MasterCard and Starbucks suspending operations in Russia.
On March 11, Russia calls for a ceasefire to allow civilians to leave the cities of Kiev, Kharkov, Mariupol, Chernihiv and Sumy. However, Ukraine and the West accuse Russia of failing to honor the ceasefire.
On March 15, the prime ministers of the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovenia will travel to Kiev to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky also argues that NATO is not a good option for Ukraine. Over the next few days, President Joe Biden labels Vladimir Putin a war criminal. The International Court of Justice in The Hague also orders Russia to suspend the invasion of Ukraine, which the country refuses to comply with.
Last week, the United Nations released a report saying that 10 million people — more than a quarter of Ukraine’s population — have been displaced. Volodymyr Zelensky also addresses the United States Congress, urging them to establish a no-fly zone over Ukraine to prevent Russian bombing of their cities.
