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The Story

Tomorrow marks 100 days since Russia invaded Ukraine. 

How did we get here?

Russia and Ukraine were both part of the Soviet Union. Tensions date back to the ‘90s when Ukrainians voted to become independent. But the Kremlin has described Ukraine and Russia as “one people.” Then in 2014, Ukrainians voted out their pro-Russian president, and Russia annexed Crimea. Fast forward to Feb 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” in Ukraine and attacked the country by air, land, and sea. Now, the UN says more than 4,000 civilians have been killed, more than 14 million have been displaced, and countless buildings and homes destroyed. Here’s where things stand today: 

Russia’s push: The Kremlin’s been putting its all into trying to take control of eastern Ukraine and hold about 20% of Ukraine’s territory. After weeks of fighting, Russian troops took hold of Mariupol. Recently, Russia’s been focusing on Sievierodonetsk — a key city in Ukraine’s Donbas region. The mayor says Russia now controls most of the city. And since the beginning of the invasion, Putin has put his nuclear forces on watch. Still, Russia has suffered major blows. Ukrainian troops have destroyed a large amount of its weaponry and NATO estimates up to 15,000 Russian troops have been killed. 

Ukraine’s defense: Many thought Ukraine would fall quickly, considering Russia’s military. (Ukraine has close to 200,000 active troops while Russia has close to 1 million.) But the country is going strong. Civilians set up militias to fend off Russian troops. Meanwhile, Ukrainian soldiers are holding down the fort — blowing up bridges to hold off Russian troops all while the Kremlin continues its disinformation campaign. And then there’s the…

Int’l response: The EU and US have rallied around Ukraine. Poland and much of Europe have opened its borders to Ukrainian refugees. President Biden and Congress have signed off on $40 billion in aid for Ukraine. The conflict has Finland and Sweden submitting apps to join NATO. And traditionally neutral Switzerland issuing sanctions. Meanwhile, dozens of countries have put in place restrictions — from oil bans to major economic sanctions — to isolate Russia from the West and wreak havoc on its economy. And the ICC is investigating the Kremlin for possible war crimes. As for Russia’s ally…there’s Belarus. 

Will the war end?

Russian forces don’t seem ready to de-escalate. A few countries like Turkey, Germany, and France have pushed for peace talks with little success. Putin has called it a “dead-end situation” and promised Russia would achieve its “noble” goals in Ukraine. Some worry Russian aggression could get worse and even leak into China and Taiwan’s tensions.

theSkimm

Russia’s invasion into Ukraine is the largest attack in Europe since World War II. The war has killed thousands, left much of the world on edge, and has created a ripple effect across the world's economy. And it doesn't appear to be ending anytime soon.