Predictions of a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine came true in the early morning hours of Feb. 24. But What is the reason of this war? lets find out
Ukraine, known as the breadbasket of Europe, was one of the most populous and powerful republics in the former USSR as well as an agricultural staple until it declared independence in 1991.
But Russia has since kept a close eye on its neighbour to the West, while Ukrainians have found their independence to be tumultuous at times, with periods of protests and government corruption.
Ukraine's NATO ambition has been met with aggression from Russia, the council notes. Tensions came to a head in 2014 after Ukrainians ousted a Russia-aligned president.
Russia under the dubious claim of protecting ethnic Russians and Russian-speakers from Ukrainian persecution annexed the Crimea region of Ukraine in a move widely condemned internationally.
Russia started growing its military presence around Ukraine including in Belarus, a close Russian ally to the north of Ukraine in late 2021 under various pretences.
By December, tens of thousands of Russian troops were hovering on the border, virtually surrounding the country and stoking tensions that led to a call between Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden.
Fears escalated earlier this year as the number of Russian forces surrounding Ukraine increased. Biden and Putin have since talked again, but Putin denied any such facts
Beyond the concern around NATO and other demands related to weapons and transparency, Russia’s nature of expansion is also at play when it comes to Ukraine.