We break down Russia’s invasion of Ukraine so you can better understand the ongoing crisis.
Russia has invaded Ukraine, and if you don’t already know about it, this article should help you out. As a young person it can be difficult to follow and understand ‘hard-news’ at times, so here is some information to help you understand the politics that got us here.
Why did Russia Invade Ukraine?
Russia has a long and complicated history with Ukraine. The two used to form part of the Soviet Union until it dissolved in 1991, after which Ukraine became independent. In the years since, Ukraine has grown closer to the West, with talks of the country joining the EU and NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation - a military alliance of 30 countries) — something Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, strongly opposes.
The generally accepted timeline of the "current" Russian military conflict with Ukraine began in 2014, when Ukrainian rebels overthrew then-president Viktor Yanukovych, after he rejected a deal for Ukraine to become further integrated into the EU. In response, Russia, who backed Yanukovych, and feared a loss of influence in Ukraine in his absence, invaded and annexed Crimea from the country.
The Russo-Ukrainian War has since continued in (and for) the Donbas region, which consists of two Ukrainian oblasts (states), Donetsk and Luhansk, both of which border Russia. A number of attempts at cease-fires have been made since, with both countries signing the Minsk II agreements in 2015, though its terms were never fully implemented.
How did it Start?
In late 2021, Russia began moving troops to the border of Ukraine, with over 90,000 troops stationed there by the end of November. Russian military exercises continued over the next few months, while Putin requested restrictions on NATO activity in eastern Europe. His request was denied. During this time the Kremlin (the name used to refer to the Russian government) repeatedly insisted there were no plans to invade.
On 24th February, 2022, Putin announced he would begin a “special military operation” in eastern Ukraine, subsequently invading the country. Almost immediately explosions were heard across the country, and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared martial law (temporary rule by military authority in a given area).
What’s Happened Since?
Since the conflict began, over 3 million refugees have fled Ukraine, and there have been upwards of 1,500 estimated civilian casualties. Estimates on numbers of military casualties on both sides vary wildly; Ukraine may have lost between 1,300 and 4,000 soldiers, while Russia may have lost as many as 10,000, though their official estimate is just under 500. Zelenskyy remains on the front lines with the Ukrainian troops in Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital.
A number of countries have widely condemned the invasion, with numerous economic sanctions being placed on Russia and its officials, and many companies moving business out of the country. As of now, no EU or NATO countries have declared any military action against Russia, though have provided various military and monetary supplies to Ukraine. Any attempt at other counties to join the war would likely escalate the conflict significantly.
As of 28th March, conflict continues. A new round of peace talks will begin this week in Turkey between the two countries, with Zelenskyy saying he would be willing to consider Ukraine adopting a neutral status in Europe, a move which would be favourable to Russia. The Ukrainian capital of Kyiv remains under Ukraine's control, with the General Staff of Ukraine's Military claiming Russia has suffered heavy losses in the capital. There is reportedly now a "significant decrease in the intensity" of Russian troops currently entering Ukraine.
How Can You Help?
It’s easy to look at the ongoing conflict and wonder if there’s anything you could be doing to help out those affected by the invasion. We’ve compiled a few ways that you can help support Ukraine from the UK, both big and small.
Firstly, use Ukrainian spellings for words. That’s Kyiv instead of Kiev, or Ukraine instead of the Ukraine. That may not seem like much, but it’s a small symbolic step towards separating Ukraine from its Soviet past, and is a simple way of showing some solidarity.
Join a protest — or organise your own. Earlier this month, hundreds of people gathered in London to protest the conflict in Ukraine and petition the British government to do more to help. Getting involved in this kind of activism is a great way to push the government to impose stronger sanctions, and also to show your support. Just remember to stay safe, and check out our article on organising a peaceful protest if you’re planning on starting your own.
Lastly, look into ways you can directly donate to help Ukraine. UNICEF and the Red Cross are both accepting monetary donations to help refugees fleeing Ukraine and those still trapped there, as is the Ukrainian charity Voices of Children. Other charities like the Sunflower of Peace provide direct medical support to Ukraine’s military, and many local drives have taken place to gather food and supplies to send out. Look out for local opportunities to provide your support — whatever you can give will make a difference.
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