The Full-Scale Invasion: How Russia's War on Ukraine Began on February 24, 2022.

The Buildup to a Full-Scale War

According to Novyny.live: The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, was the culmination of years of aggression by the Kremlin, beginning with the 2014 annexation of Crimea. In the immediate lead-up, Moscow formally recognized the so-called 'L/DNR' territories on February 21, and Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the Minsk agreements null and void on February 22. These actions served as a direct prelude to the major military assault that commenced just two days later. This invasion marked the largest conventional military attack on a European state since World War II.

The Initial Assault: Russia's Attack Vectors on February 24

At approximately 5:30 AM on February 24, 2022, Ukraine declared martial law as the first Russian missiles struck Kyiv. In the following days, intense fighting erupted on the northern and western approaches to the capital. Simultaneously, in the south, Russian units advanced through the Perekop and Chongar areas. Within the first week of the war, Russian forces seized parts of the Kyiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and Kherson regions. The battle for control of Kyiv itself continued until April 1, 2022.

The Battle for Kyiv

From the very first days, Ukrainian military personnel and civilians mounted a fierce resistance against the aggressor. A defiant retort from a Ukrainian border guard on Snake Island became an iconic symbol of the nation's resolve:

"Russian warship, go f*** yourself!"

International Support in the First Month of War

Throughout February 2022, a coalition of Western nations began providing substantial military aid to Ukraine. Key supporters in this initial critical phase included:

• The United States
• The United Kingdom
• Canada
• Estonia
• Lithuania
• Poland

This rapid international assistance proved to be a crucial factor in Ukraine's ability to withstand the initial Russian onslaught.

The events that unfolded from the start of 2022 represent a tragic milestone in Ukraine's history, a war that has claimed tens of thousands of Ukrainian lives while demonstrating the nation's unwavering determination to defend its freedom and sovereignty.

Russia's 2022 invasion not only triggered large-scale warfare but also acted as a catalyst for a fundamental shift in Europe's geopolitical landscape. The robust Western response, encompassing military aid and severe sanctions against Russia, reflects a global condemnation of the aggression, the consequences of which will shape regional dynamics for years to come. As the international community continues to monitor the situation and support Ukraine's resilience, efforts to find a path toward a just and durable peace remain paramount.