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The Russian Federation has launched a massive attack on Ukrainian territory, after weeks of tensions, failed diplomatic efforts, and a massive Russian military buildup.
Major military operations had begun on February 24, 2022, at night, two days after the Kremlin sent Russian troops to the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. In the middle of the night, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in a televised speech that he authorized a “special military operation” in the Donbas region, marking the official beginning of a direct armed conflict between Kyiv and Moscow.
While the United Nations Security Council began, President Putin announced an effective declaration of war on Kyiv, saying that his authorized military operation intention is “the demilitarization of Ukraine and the punishment of Nazi’s and criminals” asking the Ukrainian army and soldiers to lay down their weapons.
Putin also threatened any actor that might defend Ukraine, saying that “ those who try to prevent us will receive a military response, this response will lead to consequences that you have not encountered. We are ready for anything.” A few minutes after the speech, media and journalists started reporting explosions in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital.
On Tuesday, the signs in Ukraine became more ominous as time passed. The Russian military buildup kept increasing, the separatist regions in Eastern Ukraine asked for military assistance from Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelinsky made an impassionate speech rallying the Ukrainian people and confirming that the Kremlin had issued the order to invade Ukraine. At night, the entire Ukrainian airspace was closed, Kyiv was declared under martial law and a few hours after Russia’s military forces began its anticipated attack.
Ukraine has been at an effective war with pro-Russian separatist forces in the Donbas region, however, this announcement marks the beginning of a direct state of war between the states of Russia and Ukraine.
