Crisis · Europe
Russia's invasion of Ukraine
Eastern Europe · Since 24 February 2022 · Russia vs Ukraine
~500,000+
estimated casualties (killed + wounded, all sides) by 2025
6M+
refugees in Europe (UNHCR 2025)
$500B+
estimated reconstruction cost (World Bank 2023)
Background
Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and backed separatist forces in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, triggering a frozen conflict. On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the largest military offensive in Europe since World War II. The UN General Assembly passed a resolution condemning the invasion by 141 votes to 5. NATO members and the EU imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia and began supplying weapons, training and financial aid to Ukraine.
Feb 2014Russia annexes Crimea; conflict begins in Donbas
24 Feb 2022Russia launches full-scale invasion; UN General Assembly condemns (141–5)
Mar–Apr 2022Russian forces retreat from Kyiv region; Bucha massacre documented by UN
Sep 2022Russia annexes four Ukrainian oblasts; Ukraine launches Kharkiv counteroffensive
2023–2024Grinding attritional warfare; Ukraine receives F-16s and long-range missiles
2025–2026Frontlines stabilized in east; ceasefire negotiations stalled; over 500,000 casualties estimated
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