The conflict in Ukraine

Overview

On 24 February 2022, Russia launched what it called a “special military operation” in Ukraine. Russian forces crossed into the country from Belarus in the north, Russia in the east and Crimea in the south. Seemingly in response to the “aggressive” actions of NATO, Russia has said that its aim is to “de-militarise and de-nazify” Ukraine. Prior to the Russian invasion, there had already been eight years of conflict in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian Government forces and Russian-backed separatists.

Over a period of nearly four years, Russian forces have been conducting a full-scale assault on the country, including targeting population centres and critical civilian infrastructure. In October 2022 Russia moved to annex Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts, even though those regions are not totally under Russian control. Belarus, North Korea and Iran have been providing Russia with direct military support.

Ukraine’s allies and partners have condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine and have been providing military and financial support. Investigations into possible war crimes committed in Ukraine, including investigations by the International Criminal Court, are underway. An “unprecedented” package of Western-led sanctions has also been imposed on Russia.

Since the end of February 2022, the UN Refugee Agency estimates that millions of refugees have fled Ukraine.

Efforts to secure a ceasefire and long-term peace agreement continue.