Here is an overview of the major events that have unfolded thus far in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine:

The conflict in Ukraine has been ongoing for 500 days, resulting in extensive casualties, mass displacement, widespread destruction, and the looming threat of a larger conflict between Russia and NATO.

Key Events:

February 2022:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a “special military operation” in Ukraine, moving forces from the north, east, and south.
• The operation was justified as an effort to demilitarize and denazify Ukraine, protect ethnic Russians, prevent Ukraine’s NATO membership, and maintain Russia’s sphere of influence.
• Ukraine and the international community condemned Russia’s actions as an illegal act of aggression against a sovereign nation.
• Russian forces rapidly advanced towards Kyiv, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted his presence and authority through a video message.

March 2022:

• Russia claimed control of the southern city of Kherson and further advanced into the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, including the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
• Moscow announced the withdrawal of its forces from Kyiv and other areas, redirecting their focus to the Donbass region, where Russia-backed separatists had been in conflict with Ukrainian forces since the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014.

April 2022:

• Following the Russian pullback from Kyiv, allegations of atrocities emerged, with evidence of mass graves and civilian casualties in the town of Bucha.
• Intense battles took place in Mariupol, resulting in significant damage from Russian airstrikes and artillery bombardment.
• The Russian missile cruiser Moskva, flagship of the Black Sea Fleet, was struck by Ukrainian missiles and sank.

May 2022:

• Ukrainian defenders of the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol surrendered after enduring a lengthy siege, resulting in the loss of Ukrainian control over the Azov coast.
• Finland and Sweden submitted their applications to join NATO, dealing a blow to Russia’s opposition to the alliance’s expansion.

June 2022:

• Ukraine received additional Western weapons, including US-supplied HIMARS multiple rocket launchers.
• Russian troops withdrew from Snake Island, off the coast of Odesa, which they had seized earlier in the conflict.

July 2022:

• Russia and Ukraine, with mediation from Türkiye and the United Nations, reached an agreement to resolve the blockade of grain supplies in Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, alleviating a threat to global food security.

August 2022:

• Explosions targeted an airbase, power substation, and ammunition depots in Crimea.
• Darya Dugina, daughter of Russian nationalist ideologist Alexander Dugin, was assassinated in Moscow, with Russia blaming Ukraine for the incident.

September 2022:

• Ukrainian forces launched a surprise counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region, forcing Russians to retreat from extensive territories.
• “Referendums” were held in several Ukrainian regions, with all voting in favor of joining Russia.
• Russia officially annexed these regions in a ceremony held at the Kremlin.

October 2022:

• Ukraine targeted the bridge connecting Crimea to Russia’s mainland, while Russia conducted missile strikes on Ukrainian power plants and infrastructure.

November 2022:

• Russia withdrew from the city of Kherson due to a Ukrainian counteroffensive.

December 2022:

• Ukraine employed drones to target bases in Russian territory, exposing gaps in Russian defenses.

January 2023:

• Ukrainian missile strikes hit Makiivka, resulting in casualties among Russian soldiers.
• Russia claimed to have captured Soledar, while Ukraine targeted Bakhmut.

February 2023:

• US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Kyiv.

March 2023:

• Putin threatened to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus in response to increased Western support for Ukraine.

April 2023:

• Intense fighting for Bakhmut continued, with Russia making gradual gains.

May 2023:

• The Wagner Group claimed control of Bakhmut.

June 2023:

• The Wagner Group leader orchestrated an armed rebellion and agreed to relocate to Belarus, resulting in a halt to the insurgent operation.

July 2023:

• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy visited Türkiye, where Turkish President Erdogan supported Ukraine’s NATO aspirations and urged peace talks with Russia.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has had far-reaching consequences, affecting the lives of countless individuals and generating geopolitical tensions. The future remains uncertain as efforts to seek a resolution continue amidst ongoing hostilities.