What led to Russia and Ukraine conflict

On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, marking a steep escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War, which had begun in 2014. The invasion has caused Europe's fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War II,^[17][18] with more than 6.7 million Ukrainians fleeing the country^[19] and a third of the population displaced.^[20][21]

2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
Part of the Russo-Ukrainian War
Military situation as of 31 May 2022    Controlled by Ukraine    Occupied by Russia   For a more detailed map, see the Russo-Ukrainian War detailed map
Date 24 February 2022 – present (3 months, 1 week and 1 day) Location Ukraine[c] Status Ongoing (list of engagements · control of cities · timeline of events)
Belligerents
Russia  Donetsk PR[a]  Luhansk PR[a] Supported by:  Belarus	Ukraine
Commanders and leaders
Vladimir Putin	Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Strength
Russia: ~175,000–190,000[12][13]  Donetsk PR: 20,000[14]  Luhansk PR: 14,000[14]	Ukraine: 196,600 (armed forces) 102,000 (paramilitary)[15]
Strength estimates are as of the start of the invasion. See also: Order of battle for the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
Casualties and losses
Reports vary widely. 4,031 civilians confirmed killed; number expected to be far higher (per OHCHR)[16] See Casualties and humanitarian impact for details.

At the start of the war in 2014, Russia invaded and annexed Crimea, and Russian-backed separatists seized part of the Donbas, the south-eastern region of Ukraine (consisting of Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts), sparking a regional war.^[22][23] In 2021, Russia began a large military build-up along its border with Ukraine, amassing up to 190,000 troops and their equipment. In a televised address shortly before the invasion, Russian president Vladimir Putin espoused irredentist views,^[24] challenged Ukraine's right to statehood,^[25][26] and falsely^[27] accused Ukraine of being governed by neo-Nazis who persecute the ethnic Russian minority.^[28] Putin also alleged that eastward expansion by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) threatens Russia's national security, something NATO has disputed.^[29] Russia demanded NATO stop expanding and permanently bar Ukraine from ever joining the alliance.^[30] Multiple nations accused Russia of planning to attack or invade Ukraine, which Russian officials repeatedly denied as late as 23 February 2022.^[34]

On 21 February 2022, Russia recognised the Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic, two self-proclaimed breakaway statelets in Donbas controlled by pro-Russian separatists.^[35] The following day, the Federation Council of Russia authorised the use of military force abroad, and Russian troops overtly entered both territories.^[36] The invasion began on the morning of 24 February,^[37] when Putin announced a "special military operation" to "demilitarise and denazify" Ukraine.^[38][39] Minutes later, missiles and airstrikes hit across Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv, shortly followed by a large ground invasion from multiple directions.^[40][41] Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy enacted martial law and a general mobilisation of all male Ukrainian citizens between 18 and 60, who were banned from leaving the country.^[42][43]