Live history: Russian invasion of Crimeea in 2014

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2014 was a clear violation of international law and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that form the cornerstone of the modern world order. The annexation of Crimea and the support provided to separatist rebels in Eastern Ukraine represent a deliberate attempt by the Russian government to undermine the independence and stability of its neighbor.

This aggression is particularly concerning in light of the increasing authoritarianism of the Russian regime. By using military force to achieve its goals, the Russian government is sending a message that it is willing to flout international norms and use brute force to achieve its objectives. This undermines the stability of the region and sets a dangerous precedent for other countries that may be tempted to use similar tactics to achieve their own ends.

It is important that the international community take a strong stand in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This means imposing economic sanctions and other forms of diplomatic pressure on Russia, as well as providing financial and military support to the Ukrainian government as it seeks to defend its territory and maintain its independence.

In conclusion, the Russian invasion of Ukraine represents a threat to the stability of the region and a challenge to the norms of international law. It is the responsibility of the international community to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and to use all available means to pressure Russia to respect the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

By Roman Dnipro - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

In 2022, February, Russia launched a massive invasion of Ukraine, wanting to overthrow the legal political power in Kiev. In the first days of the war, the Russians reached the outskirts of Kiev, but the phenomenal resistance of the Ukrainians forced them to withdraw in the following months and wage a war of positions, far from the Ukrainian capital. As of May 2023, the Russians continue to control territories in the Ukrainian districts of Luhansk and Donbas, as well as part of southeastern Ukraine. Crimea continues to be occupied by the Russians. Through an internationally unrecognized referendum, the Russians claim to have annexed this Black Sea peninsula.

Animated map of Russia's invasion of Ukraine through 5 December 2022 (click to play animation)
Map By Immanuelle, Cdjp1, Bacon Noodles & Physeters - <Own work</span> derived from File:2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.svg, originally by Viewsridge. Itself derivate of Russo-Ukraine Conflict (2014-present).svg by Rr016. Missile attacks source: BNO News. Territorial control source: ISW. Template:Russo-Ukrainian War detailed map, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link