![]() In late 2021 and early 2022, fears heightened as satellite images revealed new Russian deployments of troops, tanks, artillery and other equipment cropping up in multiple locations, including near eastern Ukraine, Crimea and Belarus, where its forces were participating in joint drills with Moscow’s closest international ally. At least 150,000 Russian troops encircled the country on three sides, like a sickle, according to estimates from US and Ukrainian intelligence officials. ![]() ![]() The move came after months of speculation about what Moscow’s intentions were with the troops it had massed on the Ukrainian border. Several areas across Ukraine came under attack on Thursday morning after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the start of a “special military operation” and warned of bloodshed unless Ukrainian forces lay down their arms. So how did we get here? The picture on the ground is shifting rapidly, but here’s a breakdown of what we know. Russia’s attack on the country has also sparked an intense showdown between Western powers and Moscow. The escalation in a years-long conflict between the nations has now triggered the greatest security crisis in Europe since the Cold War. Now those troops are engaged in combat with Ukrainians for control of the country. Aris Messinis/AFP/Getty Imagesįrenzied diplomatic efforts early this year failed to avert the worst-case scenario. ![]() Black smoke rises from a military airport in Chuguyev near Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine, on Thursday. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |