The world has been riveted by the attacks upon Ukrainian democracy and world peace by Russian forces. Here's what has happened.

To learn more, visit the links attached to each of the subheadings.

Timeline

October 2021

Although it may seem shocking, Russia had already started preparing for the invasion in early October. 5 months before the rest of the world was able to see what Putin had planned, troops and other weapons were being moved closer to the border.

An aerial view of Russian military forces encamped near Ukraine

December 2021

After millions of weapons had piled up on the Russia/Ukraine border, Putin's government advised the US and other countries in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to remove their military influence out of Eastern Europe. The countries refused and even threatened economic and trade issues with Putin if he attempted to invade Ukraine. In an attempt to fortify Ukraine from Russian attack, the US sent over weapons and other military equipment.

February 21, 2022

Putin sent troops to Donetsk and Luhansk, both largely separatist regions, to "keep the peace".

February 24, 2022

Russia began its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, conducting airstrikes and attacks on many cities, following Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy's speech on the breaking of diplomatic ties with Russia. In response, Ukraine's supporters, the West, announced economic sanctions that would inhibit Russia's involvement in the global trade economy.

After a Ukrainian airport is bombed, firefighters arrive to put out the fires

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Impact on Citizens

Not only have more than 900 civilians lost their lives to the crisis, but those left behind face great economic and health struggles. Most citizens have been forced to move into underground bomb shelters, and others have made the difficult decision to leave their homeland to find refuge in neighboring countries.

Those left behind have little medical care due to hospitals and other infrastructure being destroyed by airstrikes. In addition, there is a lot of economic struggle due to unemployment and lack of secure food and money sources. Many Ukrainians were also encouraged to take up arms in order to individually defend their nation.

Ukrainian citizens huddle together in a railway station-turned bomb shelter

International Response

Many European nations, as well as the US, have welcomed refugees, with Poland being the most welcoming at 1.8 million refugees. In terms of military aid, the US has sent an assistance package worth $800 million dollars, which includes a variety of military weaponry.

World Peace

Russia's attacks on Ukraine are a strategic move to gain an advantage when it comes to international diplomacy. The resources, trade, and connections to Russia make Ukraine a tempting target. In light of the attacks, many have worried about the onslaught of a "World War 3".

As far as we know, many countries are treading light when it comes to dealing with Putin because of the known nuclear arsenal that he controls. Because of that, no-fly zones would likely not be implemented, as they would certainly propel countries into the next World War. However, the future remains uncertain when it comes to conflict.

If you would like to contribute to the aid effort, here are a few links to where your donations would help Ukraine in these challenging times:

• https://donate.redcrossredcrescent.org/ua/donate/~my-donation?_cv=1
• https://help.rescue.org/donate-fr/ukraine-crisis?initialms=ws_modl_fy22_ukraine_mmus&ms=ws_modl_fy22_ukraine_mmus
• https://my.care.org/site/Donation2?df_id=31071&mfc_pref=T&31071.donation=form1&s_src=172220UCFM00&s_subsrc=FY22UkraineCrisisFundMO