1 year of Russia-Ukraine war – 10 things to know
A year ago today, Russia did the unthinkable and launched the largest ground war since WWII. Early predictions were that they'd take Ukraine quickly, but that hasn't been the case. Here's a look at 10 key facts of this war...
“When you attack us, you will see our faces. Not our backs, but our faces.” – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and misguided belief that he’d conquer the country in three days shows the very real and explosive danger of the male ego.
We’re now one year on, and despite all the Russian atrocities, Ukraine is still standing. Here are 10 things to know one year after the war began.
1. Despite top analysts’ predictions that Ukraine’s resistance would fall in a few days, their military has managed to face down the Russians and hold the line along the Donbas region.
2. The United States offered to evacuate Zelensky from Kyiv but the president showed his resolve by stating: “I need ammunition, not a ride”. His attitude has set the tone for this ‘David takes on Goliath’ war with his soldiers following suit.
3. The president’s resolve has been reinforced by military aid in the form of Western hardware that is much more modern and impactful.
While not a NATO member, foreign troops have not been sent to help defend Ukraine, but the weaponry has allowed for more agility that the Russians haven’t been able to out-manoeuvre.
4. Despite initially anticipating taking Ukraine in three days, Putin soon found his military flailing, prompting his order of a call-up of 300 000 soldiers. The result was the mass fleeing of Russia’s young men from the country in an effort to avoid the draft.
5. Following in the footsteps of so many war-hungry dictatorships, the Kremlin has spewed propaganda from the start to justify its actions. For the war on Ukraine, they spread falsehoods about Nazis running the country and Russia waging war as a mere defence tactic.
6. One of the biggest setbacks for Ukraine at the moment is its need for ammunition. They’re fighting with a dire need for large-calibre munitions to take on the Russian artillery and rockets.
7. US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Monday, during which time Zelensky indicated that he hoped the war would be over by the end of 2023.
8. The Russian war on Ukraine is considered the biggest ground war in Europe since World War II, with around 200 000 Russian casualties
9. Images shared from Ukraine are heart-wrenching, with the reality on the ground no doubt much more horrifying. The confirmed number of Ukrainians killed is over 7 000, although but United Nations state the true number is much higher, with civilians raped, tortured and murdered as mass graves hide the remains.
10. In response to the war, countries have imposed political and economic sanctions to impact the Russian military aggression against Ukraine. While these are weakening Russia, the high oil and gas prices have helped fund the war. What comes next remains to be seen.
Sources:
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/02/20/europe/russia-ukraine-war-predictions-intl/index.html
https://www.nytimes.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-europe.html
https://mfa.gov.ua/en/10-facts-you-should-know-about-russian-military-aggression-against-ukraine
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60125659
