2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine

The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, also known as the Russo-Ukrainian War, began on 24 February 2022 when Russian forces launched a full-scale military offensive against Ukraine. The invasion marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two countries, which had been simmering since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Background

The roots of the conflict can be traced back to the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, which led to Ukraine gaining independence. Since then, Ukraine has sought closer ties with the West, including the European Union (EU) and NATO, much to Russia’s displeasure, as it views Ukraine as part of its sphere of influence.

In 2014, Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine following a controversial referendum, and also supported separatist rebels in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. These actions led to a sharp deterioration in relations between the two countries and the imposition of sanctions on Russia by Western nations.

Prelude to the Invasion

In the months leading up to the invasion, Russia began amassing troops and military equipment along the Ukrainian border, raising concerns among Western nations about a potential invasion. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation, including talks between the leaders of the United States, Russia, and European nations, failed to yield a breakthrough.

On 21 February 2022, Russia officially recognized the independence of the separatist-held regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine. This move was widely condemned by the international community as a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Invasion

On 24 February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” in Ukraine, effectively declaring war. Russian forces launched a multi-pronged invasion, targeting key military and government installations across the country.

The invasion began with a series of air and missile strikes on Ukrainian military infrastructure, followed by a ground offensive. Russian forces quickly seized control of key strategic locations, including the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and the port city of Kherson.

However, Ukrainian resistance proved to be stronger than expected, with Ukrainian forces launching counterattacks and civilians taking up arms to defend their country. The capital city of Kyiv, which was a key target for Russian forces, remained under Ukrainian control.

International Response

The international community widely condemned the Russian invasion, with many countries imposing economic sanctions on Russia and providing military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution condemning the invasion and demanding an immediate withdrawal of Russian forces. The resolution was supported by 141 countries, with only five countries (Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea, Russia, and Syria) voting against it.

The United States, the European Union, and other Western nations imposed a series of sanctions on Russia, targeting its financial institutions, oligarchs, and key sectors of the economy. These sanctions aimed to cripple the Russian economy and pressure Putin to end the invasion.

Impact on Ukraine

The invasion had a devastating impact on Ukraine, with thousands of civilians killed or wounded and millions displaced. The conflict caused widespread destruction of infrastructure, including homes, schools, and hospitals.

The war also had a severe economic impact on Ukraine, with the country’s GDP expected to contract by 45% in 2022. The conflict disrupted Ukraine’s agricultural sector, which is a key driver of the economy, and also led to a sharp increase in defense spending.

India’s Response

India, which has historically had close ties with Russia, has taken a cautious approach to the conflict. While India has called for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue, it has refrained from openly condemning Russia’s actions.

India’s stance has been influenced by several factors, including its dependence on Russian military equipment, its desire to maintain strategic autonomy, and its concerns about the growing influence of China in the region.

However, India has also provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, including medicines and other essential supplies. India also evacuated over 22,000 of its nationals from Ukraine through “Operation Ganga,” one of the largest evacuation missions in its history.