Breaking down the Russo-Ukrainian war
Content warning: Article discusses violence, death, discrimination, and hate.
Armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine dates back to February 20, 2014, after Russia annexed Crimea, a Ukrainian peninsula. Approximately ten years later, on February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation,” launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine by land, air, and sea.
Cities across Ukraine were struck by Russian forces and about six million people have been displaced by the ongoing war. As of August 18, 2023, almost 500,000 Ukrainian and Russian troops have been killed or injured since the initial invasion.
In an emergency session on March 2, 2022, most members of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly voted in favour of a resolution calling on Russia to end the illegal use use of force in Ukraine and withdraw all troops.
In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, several countries have boycotted Russian products and economic sanctions were put in place to hinder the Russian economy. As of May 19, 2023, the United States and a number of its international allies, imposed additional sanctions on Russia as well as export controls.
Worldwide protests were also held in solidarity with Ukraine in countries like Japan, Iran, and Australia. Displaced Ukrainian refugees have been welcomed into various countries — including the United Kingdom, France, and Canada — and have since settled into new homes.
As the war disrupted global markets, food and gas prices have gradually increased, exacerbating the ongoing supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic. According to the UN, rising prices can also be attributed to inflation.
Protests not only occurred worldwide, but in Russia as well, with many citizens opposing the invasion. However, anti-war protestors could face a number of legal penalties, including fines and up to 15 years in prison. Following the invasion, anti-Russian sentiment, including anti-Russian hate speech and discrimination rose, across Europe.
Recently, Ukraine has reclaimed about half of the land that Russia had captured. While the conflict continues, Ukraine has increased the number of drone attacks on Russian property and Russia continues to resist Ukraine’s attempts to gain back their land.