Russia vs Ukraine war

## Introduction

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing since 2014. The conflict began when Ukraine's then-president Viktor Yanukovych announced that he would not sign an Association Agreement with the European Union (EU). This sparked protests in Kiev, which eventually led to his ouster from power after he fled to Russia. Since then, Russia has annexed Crimea and backed separatists in eastern Ukraine who seek independence from Kiev's rule.

The Kremlin has used its military might in an attempt to destabilize Ukraine by supporting pro-Russian separatists fighting against Ukrainian forces in Donetsk Oblast and Luhansk Oblast. It also played a role in facilitating the annexation of Crimea by providing troops on the ground as well as equipment such as tanks that were used during operations against Ukrainian soldiers stationed there before Moscow took over control over this peninsula located just off mainland Europe's Black Sea coastline

## The Beginnings of the Conflict

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea. This was the first time since World War II that an European country had annexed territory from another European country.

Russia also began supporting separatists in Eastern Ukraine who wanted to break away from Ukraine. These separatists were called "rebels" by Russians and Ukrainians alike; they were fighting against the Ukrainian government because they wanted more autonomy for their region of Donbas (Donetsk Oblast).

## The Impact of the Conflict

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has had a significant impact on the people of Ukraine. It has also had an impact on the global political landscape, as well as the global economy.

The conflict began in 2014 when pro-Russian rebels took control over parts of eastern Ukraine. This was after President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted from power by protesters who wanted closer ties with Europe rather than Russia. The conflict escalated when Russian troops entered Crimea and annexed it into their country without approval from any world leaders or organizations like NATO or United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Since then, there have been many casualties on both sides including civilians killed by shelling during battles between Ukrainian forces against pro-Russian separatists in Donbass region near border with Russia; soldiers killed due to friendly fire incidents during military operations against insurgents; civilian deaths caused by landmines left behind after battles ended between government forces against anti government rebels etc...

## Russia's Role in the Conflict

Russia has been accused of supporting pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine, a charge that Russia denies. The Kremlin also denies that it invaded Crimea and annexed the peninsula in 2014.

Russia's role in the conflict is one of the most contentious issues between Moscow and Kiev; both sides have accused each other of violating international law, human rights abuses and war crimes.

## Western Countries' Response to the Conflict

The conflict has also led to increased tensions between Russia and Western countries. In response to Russia's annexation of Crimea, the United States and European Union have imposed sanctions on Russian individuals, companies and banks.\

In addition, NATO has sent additional troops to Eastern Europe as part of its Enhanced Forward Presence initiative. The goal is "to improve our collective defense" against Russia's "aggressive behavior," according to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

## The Impact of the Conflict on the Global Economy

The conflict has had a significant impact on Russia's economy. The country's currency, the ruble, has fallen in value and inflation is high. Russia has also been hit hard by Western sanctions that restrict its ability to borrow money from other countries and sell oil abroad.\

The ongoing conflict has disrupted trade routes between Ukraine and Europe, causing shortages of food products like dairy products and meat as well as basic necessities such as medicine or gasoline (gas). Damage to infrastructure in eastern Ukraine further disrupted economic activity there because many factories were forced to close down due to lack of power supply after electricity lines were damaged during fighting between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists

## Attempts at Peace Talks and Ceasefires

In the last few years, there have been several attempts at peace talks and ceasefires. In February 2015, representatives from Russia and Ukraine met in Minsk to discuss a ceasefire agreement that would end hostilities between their respective forces. This meeting resulted in an agreement that called for an immediate ceasefire between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian rebels fighting in eastern Ukraine; however, it did not include any provisions for withdrawing heavy weapons from the front lines or establishing a demarcation line between opposing sides.

The ceasefire was broken within hours of its signing when Ukrainian troops were attacked by rebel fighters near Donetsk International Airport on February 20th. The attack resulted in multiple casualties on both sides and prompted renewed fighting throughout Eastern Ukraine's Donbas region (where most of these clashes took place). In response to this violation of the Minsk Protocols' terms, leaders from France Germany Poland Russia Ukraine agreed upon another ceasefire agreement during talks held at Normandy Format meeting held in Paris on February 12th 2016; however again this attempt failed as clashes continued until late summer 2016 when both sides finally agreed upon another temporary truce known as "Minsk II"

## The Future of the Conflict

The conflict in Ukraine is not over. It is a tense situation, and it's unclear how it will be resolved.

In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine and continues to support rebels in eastern Ukraine. The United States has imposed sanctions against Russia for its actions in Ukraine and wants other countries to follow suit.

## Conclusion

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is a complex, multi-faceted issue with significant impact on people of Ukraine, the global political landscape and economy of Europe.