Ukraine War: Comprehensive Overview

Amna Jamal

Warfare has always dominated human civilizational history, whether for expanding territory, resources, conquests, or simply as a show of power and strength. The major conflict of the 21st century is the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, in which Ukraine is asking for freedom, while Russia seeks expansion of authority and influence.

“In February 2022, President Putin announced a ‘special military operation,’ launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.”

In 2014, Russian troops, who were not officially part of the army, took over Crimea, which is part of Ukraine. Later that year, a referendum was conducted in Crimea, where the people decided whether they wanted to join Russia. Following the vote, Crimea became part of Russia, but this move was declared unlawful by most countries.

In eastern Ukraine, Russian-backed troops supported protests by people demanding independence from Ukraine, creating serious challenges for Kyiv. As a result, the eastern region of Ukraine was divided into two self-proclaimed entities: the “Donetsk People’s Republic” and the “Luhansk People’s Republic.” These were recognized by President Putin but declared internationally illegal under Ukrainian law. Russia then took control of the Donbas region, sending troops it described as “peacekeepers.”

Initially, Russia sought to capture key areas of Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv and strategic sites such as Hostomel Airport. In 2022, President Putin announced a “special military operation,” and Russia fully invaded Ukraine, bombing major cities. In response, President Volodymyr Zelensky declared martial law, and eligible civilians joined the army to resist. Due to strong Ukrainian counterattacks, Russia failed to take control of Kyiv. More than 14,000 people had died in the conflict by this stage.

In March 2022, Russia bombarded the Drama Theatre in Mariupol, killing nearly 600 people. Around 4 million Ukrainians became homeless and migrated to countries such as Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, creating a major humanitarian crisis. In April, Russia bombed hospitals, schools, and homes, leaving civilians displaced. Massacres were reported in Irpin and Bucha, where, after Russian withdrawal, Ukrainians discovered the bodies of their loved ones.

“Civilian massacres in Irpin and Bucha, uncovered after Russian withdrawal, further highlighted the brutality of the invasion.”

Russia also suffered setbacks, including the sinking of its flagship warship, the Moskva. In response, world leaders imposed strong sanctions on Russia, cutting it off from the international banking system. Major countries, including the UK, Canada, and the US, banned Russian aircraft from their airspace. Ukraine, on the other hand, gained international support, secured EU candidate status, and strengthened NATO cohesion, contrary to Putin’s goal of limiting NATO’s expansion.

The US provided Ukraine with advanced weapons such as HIMARS rocket systems, enabling counterattacks. Ukraine destroyed Russian bridges near Kherson, struck the Wagner Group headquarters in Luhansk (killing about 100 mercenaries), and regained key territories, including Lyman and Izyum, through surprise offensives in the Kharkiv region.

Currently, Russia continues to bombard Ukrainian cities with rockets and drones, causing civilian casualties. Unlike in 2022, Ukraine now faces difficulties as direct Western military support has declined, with aid shifting toward financial and logistical assistance. Russia has consolidated control over parts of eastern and southern Ukraine, while Ukraine struggles to regain occupied territories through counteroffensives.

To conclude, war always brings severe destruction and suffering, affecting not only the warring countries but also the world. Russia aims to fully invade Ukraine and expand its territory, while Ukraine seeks the complete withdrawal of Russian troops in its struggle for survival, freedom, and sovereignty. Diplomatic talks have yielded no results. Russia’s invasion clearly violates international law, prompting strong sanctions and trade restrictions by Western nations.

“Western nations imposed sweeping sanctions, cutting Russia off from global banking systems and banning its aircraft from their airspace.”

The conflict has become global in scope, disrupting food supplies as Ukraine, one of the largest exporters of sunflower oil, wheat, and corn, can no longer meet international demand. This has affected global markets and food security. Ultimately, the war challenges international law, undermines stability, and remains unresolved, posing one of the greatest global challenges of sovereignty and governance in the modern era.

The author is a student of International Relations at Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad. The keen interest of the author lies in public policy and global governance. Her work engages with themes of diplomacy, governance, and the evolving dynamics of global affairs.