Looking back on key moments of the war in Ukraine

Conflict Overview - Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, 2022, marking the largest military action in Europe since World War II [1] - Initial Russian attempts to quickly capture Ukraine and incorporate it into Russia were unsuccessful due to Ukrainian resistance [1][3] - Despite halting the initial Russian advance, missile attacks against civilians continued [3] - Russia still occupies approximately 20% of Ukraine, including areas along the Black Sea and in the Donbas region [6] - A roughly 600-mile front line separates the two sides, with both sides utilizing drones extensively [6] Humanitarian Impact - The invasion led to a refugee crisis, with women and children fleeing Ukraine [1] - Ukrainians blew up a bridge to slow down the Russian advance, which made it extremely difficult for people to evacuate these areas [2] - Attacks on civilian areas, such as apartment complexes, were described as a terror campaign [4] - Many Ukrainians are still sleeping in subways due to ongoing missile and drone attacks [8] Military and Strategic Developments - Ukrainian forces rallied and halted the Russian advance at the gates of Kyiv [3] - Ukrainian forces pushed back the Russian advance, revealing evidence of atrocities committed by Russian troops in occupied areas [4][5] - An independent American study estimated Russian military losses at around 1 million dead and injured [7] - The conflict has evolved into a "drone war" due to shortages of artillery [6] Political and Geopolitical Implications - Ukraine's president chose to stay and fight despite offers of evacuation [3] - The conflict has garnered support for Ukraine from President Biden and European leaders [5] - Ukrainians recognize they may have to make territorial concessions, but they want to be involved in those decisions [9]