On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” against Ukraine in a televised address.

Around the same time, missiles, artillery, and air attacks started raining down on Ukraine as the Russian forces moved towards Kyiv, the capital city.

In Putin’s televised address, he said Russia has no plans to occupy Ukraine and that the action was justified after the United States of America (USA) and its allies from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) expanded the alliance along Russia’s borders.

“To anyone who would consider interfering from the outside, if you do,you will face consequences greater than any you have faced in history. All relevant decisions have been taken. I hope you hear me,”  Putin said as he warned other countries planning to interfere.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared Martial Law across Ukraine after the first wave of strikes from Russia. 

“Putin has launched a full-scale war against Ukraine. Strikes continue on peaceful Ukrainian cities. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend and win. The world can and must stop Putin. It’s time to act,” Zelensky said.

Western leaders have responded to the actions of Russia, with USA President Joe Biden accusing Putin of choosing a “premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering”.

As of February 26, the number of refugees from Ukraine who have crossed to Poland, Hungary, Romania, and other countries is 368,000 according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

According to Viktor Liashko, head of the Ukrainian health ministry, 198 civilians have been killed and 1,115 people were wounded, including 33 children.