Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The Russia-Ukraine Conflict refers to the ongoing political and military disputes between Russia and Ukraine that escalated significantly in 2014 and further intensified in 2022. The conflict originated from Ukraine’s shift towards Western integration and its desire to join European structures, contrasted with Russia’s interest in maintaining influence over Ukraine. Key events include Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, which followed Ukraine’s Euromaidan protests and the ousting of the pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych. This led to pro-Russian separatist movements in Eastern Ukraine, resulting in an armed conflict in the Donbas region. The situation escalated dramatically in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, leading to widespread international condemnation, sanctions against Russia, and military and humanitarian support for Ukraine. The conflict has had significant geopolitical implications, affecting security, energy policies, and international relations across Europe and beyond.