The Russia-Ukraine war, one of the most consequential conflicts of the 21st century, has evolved from a regional crisis into a full-scale war with global ramifications. Below is a detailed timeline of key events, from the initial Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014 to the ongoing battles in 2024.
Prelude to War (2014–2021)
February–March 2014: Russia Annexes Crimea
- Feb 20–27, 2014: Pro-Russian protests erupt in Crimea following Ukraine’s Euromaidan Revolution, which ousted pro-Moscow President Viktor Yanukovych.
- Feb 27: Masked Russian troops (called “little green men”) seize Crimea’s parliament and strategic sites.
- March 16: A disputed referendum is held, with Russia claiming 97% support for annexation.
- March 18: Russia formally annexes Crimea, triggering Western sanctions.
April 2014: War in Donbas Begins
- April 6–12: Pro-Russian separatists seize government buildings in Donetsk and Luhansk, declaring “People’s Republics.”
- April 13: Ukraine launches an Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) against the rebels.
- July 17: Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 is shot down over Donbas, killing 298 people. Investigations later confirm a Russian-supplied Buk missile was used.
2014–2021: Frozen Conflict & Minsk Agreements
- Sep 2014 & Feb 2015: The Minsk I and Minsk II agreements are signed, attempting (but failing) to end the fighting.
- 2014–2021: Low-intensity war continues, with 14,000+ deaths by 2022.
2022: Full-Scale Invasion and Ukrainian Resistance
February 2022: Russia Launches Full Invasion
- Feb 21: Russia recognizes the “independence” of Donetsk and Luhansk and sends in troops.
- Feb 24: Full-scale invasion begins with attacks on Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Mariupol.
- Feb 25–28: Battle of Hostomel Airport (near Kyiv) – Ukrainian forces repel Russian airborne troops.
- Feb 27: Putin puts nuclear forces on high alert, raising global fears of escalation.
March–April 2022: Russian Advances Stall
- March 2: Kherson falls—the first major Ukrainian city captured.
- March 16: Mariupol theater bombing kills 600+ civilians.
- April 8: Bucha massacre discovered—450+ civilians executed by Russian troops.
- April 14: Russian cruiser Moskva sinks after Ukrainian missile strike.
May–September 2022: Ukraine Strikes Back
- May 16: Last Ukrainian defenders in Mariupol surrender after the Azovstal siege.
- Sep 6–12: Kharkiv counteroffensive—Ukraine recaptures 6,000 sq km in a lightning assault.
- Nov 9–11: Russia withdraws from Kherson City, a major Ukrainian victory.
2023: Grinding Attrition and Failed Offensives
January–May 2023: Battle of Bakhmut
- Wagner Group mercenaries lead brutal assaults, capturing the city in May 20 after 8+ months of fighting.
- Estimated 100,000+ casualties on both sides.
June–October 2023: Ukraine’s Counteroffensive
- June 4: Offensive begins in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk.
- Aug 28: Ukraine liberates Robotyne, but fails to reach Tokmak or Melitopol.
- Heavy losses on both sides—Ukraine’s gains are smaller than expected.
Winter 2023–2024: Stalemate and Missile Wars
- Russia intensifies airstrikes on Ukrainian cities, targeting energy infrastructure.
- Ukraine strikes Crimea and Russian warships, degrading Moscow’s Black Sea Fleet.
2024: Russian Gains and Western Aid Delays
January–April 2024: Russia Advances in Donbas
- Feb 17: Avdiivka falls after months of brutal fighting.
- March–May: Russia makes slow gains near Chasiv Yar and Kupiansk.
May–July 2024: Ukraine Stabilizes Frontlines
- F-16 jets finally arrive but in limited numbers.
- U.S. aid resumes after months of Congressional delays.
Current Situation (Mid-2024)
- Russia holds ~18% of Ukraine, including Crimea, Donbas, and parts of Kherson/Zaporizhzhia.
- No major breakthroughs—war remains a battle of attrition.
Conclusion: A War with No End in Sight
From Crimea’s annexation to the bloody battles of 2024, the Russia-Ukraine war has defied predictions. While Ukraine has prevented a Russian victory, it has not yet expelled all occupiers. The conflict’s future hinges on:
- Western military aid
- Russia’s willingness to keep sacrificing troops
- Potential Ukrainian breakthroughs in 2025
One thing is certain: this war has already reshaped Europe’s security landscape—and its final chapter remains unwritten.