Invasion of Ukraine by Russia starting on 24 February 2022 / derivate of Russo-Ukraine Conflict by Rr016 / CC BY-SA 4.0
Last week began the official start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Although this conflict is geographically far away from us, it has a front-row seat on news platforms and social media channels across the world.
Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine began last Thursday, with bombing and missiles being launched at major cities such as Kyiv.
Explosion in #Kharkiv city of #Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/T4Is80wJzG
— Nikhil Choudhary (@NikhilCh_) February 24, 2022
BREAKING: Kharkiv, Ukraine right now.#Ukraina #Russia pic.twitter.com/lWOgRWhIPL
— Live Conflict (@LiveConflict) February 24, 2022
Explosions and gunfire have been heard throughout the capital and surrounding cities since then, while most of the civilian population has begun evacuation.
Удар по складам в Сватово pic.twitter.com/wwTDl4Fu9L
— Елена КyZнецова (@Neringa285) February 24, 2022
Air raid sirens as refugee convoy hits traffic on outskirts of Kyiv. This is very, very real now. pic.twitter.com/XzPK7BpCqj
— Max Hunder (@Max_Hunder) February 24, 2022
A Russian military convoy near Kyiv has been sighted via satellite and appears to be more than 40 miles long.
Although Ukraine has met Russia’s invasion with stiff resistance, it’s unclear how long they will physically be able to hold out.
Delegations from both sides held a talk earlier this week at the border of Belarus, with no agreements upon completion other than to continue discussing options.
Russian troops have been steadily pushing forward, taking over small military bases and other major locations.
Western countries have immediately begun placing the largest sanctions ever recorded on Russian banks and the economy.
Several sporting tournaments have since been canceled, and Russian teams have been suspended from international soccer matches – including the qualifiers for the 2022 world cup.
Other countries have come to Ukraine’s support such as Australia which sent a $50 million support package – including missiles and additional non-lethal aid. Japan, Sweden, and other countries have also announced that they are sending support relief packages to Ukraine, as a sign of solidarity against Russia.
Neutral Switzerland has announced that they would also adopt the EU’s sanctions against Russia, including freezing assets.
Bordering countries have been dealing with a massive influx of refugees, and finding shelter, food, and sanction has been difficult. Brazil recently announced that they will be offering humanitarian passports for Ukrainian refugees, and travel company Airbnb announced that they will be allowing free short-term stay to Ukrainian refugees as a way of supporting them.
How long in the making has this war been? The short answer – it’s been a long time coming.
Russia has long been eyeing Ukraine as a political power move, to take over the country and gain more power in status – with the goal of reinstating a Soviet regime within Russia.
Ukraine has shown interest in joining the EU or NATO and integrating into the larger Western powers, which is not something that Putin wants. Although there are no signs of this being likely, he still did what he could to keep Ukraine away from any possibility of power and independence.
Follow for additional updates on the story.
