Russia-Ukraine conflict

The Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea, a region previously part of Ukraine, citing historical ties. This move was widely condemned by Ukraine and the international community, leading to sanctions against Russia. The conflict escalated into a war in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian separatists declared independence. Tensions have persisted due to geopolitical interests, with Ukraine seeking closer ties to the West and NATO, while Russia aims to maintain influence in the region. The conflict intensified further with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, leading to significant military and humanitarian crises.