Russian Aggression Against Ukraine: A Brief Overview of Key Stages
Throughout history, russia has repeatedly demonstrated its expansionist and militaristic ambitions. Many neighboring countries have suffered from russian aggression, and Ukraine, which endured centuries of imperial oppression and Soviet-era repression, once again faced the brutality of a full-scale invasion in the 21st century.
The world became widely aware of the war in Ukraine in 2022, when the scale of russian aggression in Europe made it impossible to ignore. However, the war actually began in 2014, when russian aggression in Ukraine started with the annexation of Crimea and the occupation of eastern regions. The roots of this war go deep, fueled by centuries of conflict, Soviet oppression, and deliberate efforts to erase Ukrainian national identity.
Crimea and Donbas: The Beginning of Russian Aggression
In 2014, russian aggression in eastern Europe escalated with a military operation to seize the Crimean Peninsula. In blatant violation of international law, russia invaded Ukrainian territory. With Ukraine’s army weakened by years of underfunding and an ousted president who fled the country, there was no clear chain of command. Exploiting this instability, russia swiftly occupied Crimea, staged a sham referendum, and formally annexed the territory in less than a month.
Emboldened by the ease of its Crimean operation, russian aggression in Ukraine intensified in the Donbas region. This phase turned into a protracted "hybrid war" that lasted until 2022. Russian-backed forces and militants seized parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, fueling an armed conflict that continued for eight years.
Despite diplomatic efforts such as the Minsk Agreements, russian aggression in Ukraine was never stopped. The international response to the annexation of Crimea was slow and ineffective. By failing to confront russia’s aggression in 2014, the world allowed it to escalate further.
2022: Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine
On February 24, 2022, russia's aggression escalated into an all-out war. In the weeks prior, russian forces had been amassing along Ukraine’s borders. Shortly before launching the invasion, the Kremlin formally recognized the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk "People’s Republics"—proxies created to destabilize Ukraine. In a televised speech, Putin called the invasion a "special military operation," citing false claims of "denazification and demilitarization" as justification.
At 4 AM, massive russian military columns advanced on Kyiv, Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Kherson, and Mariupol. In contrast to 2014, however, Ukraine was far more prepared. The Kremlin’s plan to "capture Kyiv in three days" quickly fell apart. Still, russian forces occupied Kherson and besieged Mariupol, leading to a humanitarian catastrophe.
The siege of Mariupol was particularly devastating. It is impossible to determine the exact number of civilian casualties, but during the bombing of the Mariupol Drama Theater alone, an estimated 600 people were killed. Overall, more than 20,000 civilians lost their lives in the city, though the actual number may be much higher.
The goal of russia’s aggression in Ukraine was to seize Kyiv, overthrow the government, and install a puppet regime. These objectives failed. By the end of March 2022, russian forces were pushed back from Kyiv, but the war raged on across Ukraine. Russian aviation bombed cities, artillery strikes pounded civilian infrastructure, and ground forces pressed attacks in the east and south.
Azov Brigade and the Defense of Mariupol
The Azov Brigade, a unit with a long record of successful military operations, plays a key role in Ukraine's defense. Originally formed in 2014, it was reorganized into a regiment, incorporated into the National Guard, and became central to the defense of Mariupol twice. Even when surrounded at the Azovstal steelworks, Azov fighters held their ground and resisted until the very end.
Russian aggression in Ukraine first targeted Mariupol in 2014, as the city was a crucial link between russian-occupied Crimea and the Donbas. However, thanks to the decisive actions of the newly formed Azov Battalion, russia’s plans were thwarted. On June 13, 2014, Azov, alongside the Dnipro-1 Battalion, National Guard units, and Interior Ministry forces, successfully liberated Mariupol. In the following months, Azov fighters participated in key battles, including Ilovaisk and Marinka.
In 2022, the battle for Mariupol was exponentially more brutal. This time, russian aggression in Ukraine came with aerial bombings, naval artillery, and relentless shelling. Within days, civilian infrastructure was obliterated, and the city was encircled. Fighting raged on, and many civilians sought refuge in the underground shelters of Azovstal, where they endured constant attacks.
The heroic battle for Mariupol lasted 86 days—82 of them under complete siege with minimal supplies and communication. To save the lives of its defenders, Ukraine’s military leadership ordered the last fighters to leave Azovstal and await evacuation in captivity.
The Global Impact of Russia’s Aggression Against Ukraine
Russia’s aggression in Ukraine represents the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II. This attack on a sovereign nation has undermined the global security order, exposing the weaknesses of international law and the slow response of global institutions.
Many world leaders have condemned russian aggression in eastern Europe, and NATO countries have ramped up their own defense capabilities in response. Russia has openly signaled its imperial ambitions, repeatedly threatening further invasions across Europe.
Beyond military concerns, russian aggression in Ukraine has triggered a global food crisis. Targeted strikes on Ukrainian ports, grain storage facilities, and logistics hubs have severely disrupted agricultural exports. This has led to rising food prices and shortages worldwide, particularly in developing nations.
Russian aggression in Ukraine continues to violate international law, bringing widespread war crimes. Russian forces have deliberately attacked civilian infrastructure, attempting to deprive Ukrainians of electricity, water, and heating. On occupied territories, war crimes include the forced deportation of Ukrainian children, illegal conscription, and the coercion of residents into accepting russian citizenship.
The war is far from over, but Ukraine’s resilience has inspired the world. Despite the immense challenges, Ukraine has secured EU candidate status and continues diplomatic efforts to ensure long-term security. The goal is clear: russian aggression in Europe must be stopped, and Ukraine must achieve victory to ensure that another invasion never happens again.