Since the conflict in Ukraine began on Feb. 24 less than a year ago, there have been several developments. These include over 9,000 sanctions against Russia and significant shifts in territories, troops and more. What’s happened so far…
Feb. 24 – The largest invasion in Europe since World War II began with numerous videos of the invasion flooding online, including one video collage. Videos depict missile strikes, explosions, panic and military vehicles arriving in Ukraine.
According to an anonymous senior U.S. military official, Russia opened with a barrage of over 100 ballistic, cruise and surface-to-air missiles and 75 medium and heavy bombers, leaving dozens dead.
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March 1 – A Russian bombardment strikes Babyn Yar, one of the largest WWII mass graves in Europe. According to Nazi records, 33,771 Jews were killed over two days.
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March 23 – Oklahoma Christian University students studying abroad in Vienna, Austria, encountered a packed train of Ukrainian refugees as they returned from their regularly-scheduled trip to the Auschwitz concentration camp.
John Osbourne, Director of International Programs at Oklahoma Christian, said the students were witnessing history in a unique context.
“They’re there. They’re not just seeing it – we’re all seeing it – but they’re experiencing it and that’s the significant difference,” Osbourne said.
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Aug. 12 – Since March, Zaporizhzhia has been shelled multiple times and was attacked by Russian rocket launchers in July. Sitting in Southeast Ukraine, it is Europe’s largest nuclear power plant and would be “bigger than Chernobyl,” according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
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Sep. 2 – Reportedly falling from a hospital window, Ravi Maganov, chairman of Lukoil, Russia’s biggest private company, became the latest of several Russian energy oligarchs to die under odd conditions.
In April, both Sergei Protosenya and Valislav Avayev died with their families, one in Spain, the other in Moscow. Former Lukoil tycoon Alexander Subbotin died of heart failure in May after reportedly seeking alternative treatment from the shaman.
Lukoil’s board also did not support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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Sep. 15 – By mid-September, counter-offensives against Russian-occupied territories to the south, east and north-east allegedly reclaimed more than 3,000 square miles.
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Sep. 16 – Russia and China’s presidents talk with China appearing to set boundaries. This motion was possibly motivated by Russia’s retreat, following a swift counter-offensive from Ukraine.
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Sep. 23 – Putin announces intent to mobilize 300,000 military reservists, leading to many leaving the country altogether, although some did join of their own accord. Putin also made veiled nuclear threats.
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Sep. 30 – Russia announces plan to formally annex – or add to one’s territory via appropriation – four different areas of Ukraine: Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.
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Oct. 8 – In Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, parts of the Kerch Strait Bridge – the only bridge connecting Russia to Russia-occupied Crimea – is destroyed in an explosion. Putin retaliates with several missile strikes across various targets, including a playground.
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What kind of impact has this had? NPR points to six significant figures.
Over 13 million Ukrainians have been displaced. Tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians may have died. At their peak, Russia has occupied 20% of Ukraine. Countries have pledged billions in military aid. Ukraine’s economy could shrink by 45%. Ukrainians people have also played a part, raising over $500 million through various means.
A writer and artist created “St Javelin,” a meme of a Virgin Mary-like woman holding a rocket launcher after the U.S. gave Ukraine anti-tank missiles. The meme became a brand which raised over $3 million in merchandise to help Ukraine.
One Ukrainian TV show host requested his fans to help him buy a $5 million dollar drone – he raised over $50 million. Ukraine’s National Bank has received over $500 million in donations while some people have done bake sales, some even profiting close to $1,000 dollars.
If considering a donation, click here for St Javelin’s website, or click here for more information about the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
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