War has many dimensions—the battlefield, the volunteers who sustain the military, and the weapons and technology that define history. This article explores the war in the Ukraine, how the nation faced its most intense phase since 2014, and the events that shaped its course.
When Did the War in Ukraine Start?
At dawn on February 24, 2022, explosions shattered the silence across Ukraine—russian missiles struck command centers and airfields, while troops launched a massive ground invasion. When did the war in Ukraine start? For many, the answer is 2022, but the reality is that russia has waged war against Ukraine since 2014.
When did the war in Ukraine begin? It started with the illegal annexation of Crimea and the Kremlin’s orchestrated conflict in Donbas. However, when did the war start in Ukraine in its full-scale form? That moment came on February 24, 2022, when around 180,000 russian troops advanced toward Kyiv from Belarus, the north, and the east.
The initial phase of the russian war in Ukraine was focused on Kyiv. Western intelligence predicted that russian forces aimed to capture the capital within 72 hours. On the first day, russian troops occupied the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and launched an airborne assault on Hostomel Airport. Another invasion force moved through Chernihiv, attempting to encircle Kyiv along the Dnipro River.
Meanwhile, Russian attacks struck Sumy, Kharkiv, Okhtyrka, and Izium—cities that had already seen brutal fighting. In the east, Luhansk was under siege, with Ukrainian defenders holding the line in Severodonetsk, Lysychansk, and Popasna.
That day, when war in Ukraine started 2022, russian troops launched simultaneous offensives on Volnovakha and Mariupol—two cities that would play a critical role in delaying the russian advance and allowing Ukraine to reinforce its national defense.
The Struggle and Triumph of Ukraine
At the onset of the russian aggression in Ukraine, uncertainty loomed. Ukraine had no significant military advantage beyond the courage of its defenders, yellow-painted “Bohdan” trucks, and an unbreakable will for freedom.
Russian forces were expected to seize Kyiv within days. However, within hours, it became evident that they would face fierce resistance.
One of the defining battles took place in Chernihiv, where Ukrainian forces stopped russian columns that were meant to reinforce those already near Kyiv. The so-called “blitzkrieg” collapsed, and the world anxiously watched, questioning whether Ukraine would last beyond the first three days.
The war in the Ukraine changed course through decisive battles. One of the most significant was the 82-day siege of Mariupol. Journalist Mstyslav Chernov captured these harrowing moments in his documentary 20 Days in Mariupol, which later won an Oscar.
The defenders of Mariupol—Azov Brigade, marines, territorial defense forces, and other units—held back russian troops, buying Ukraine valuable time to regroup and establish its defenses. This battle concentrated much of russia’s personnel and equipment in one place, preventing further advances deeper into Ukraine.
In Mariupol alone, approximately 6,000 russian troops were killed, and over 20,000 were wounded. While battles like Bakhmut later saw even greater russian losses (around 20,000 casualties), at the time when the war in Ukraine started 2022, Russian forces were bogged down in Mariupol, unable to move forward.
How Long Has the War in Ukraine Been Going On?
As of today, the war in the Ukraine has lasted for over four years since the full-scale invasion. However, in reality, it has been ongoing since the russian aggression in Ukraine began in 2014. Today, combat has spread beyond Ukraine’s borders, with Ukrainian forces conducting operations in russia’s Kursk region and drones striking Moscow, marking the first time since World War II that russian territory has been contested.
Not all battles make headlines, yet every day, fierce clashes unfold along the frontline. According to Ukraine’s General Staff, on March 11, 2025, alone, there were 244 combat engagements—more than the number of sips of water a person takes in a day. Each of these figures represents soldiers who continue to fight for Ukraine’s survival.
Since August 2024, Azov Brigade has been stationed in the Toretsk sector, particularly near the settlement of New York. Ukrainian fighters have halted russian advances and stabilized the front. On the Pokrovsk front, tensions escalated in early 2024, leading to the death of Vasyl “Neznayka” Kopan, who was posthumously awarded the title Hero of Ukraine.
A War Beyond the Battlefield
Global media counts the war’s duration in days—over 1,100 since the full-scale invasion. But when did the war in Ukraine begin? The answer goes back to 2014. Recognizing this is crucial, as russia has a history of returning for revenge.
Battles for Avdiivka raged in 2017. Five years later, the city faced renewed russian assaults. The same applies to Pisky, Shyrokyne, and Vodiane—territories where every Ukrainian victory was seen by russia as an excuse to attack again.
After russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, volunteer organizations that had operated since the early days of the war gained widespread recognition. Come Back Alive and the Serhiy Prytula Foundation had existed long before the full-scale invasion, yet many assumed they emerged only after 2022.
New initiatives also took shape, such as Victory Drones, a volunteer group that supplies FPV drones to the front. They launched free courses teaching Ukrainians how to assemble and test drones, sourcing materials and tools.
In 1,000 days of full-scale war, Ukrainians donated over 78 billion UAH ($2.1 billion) to the Armed Forces through Monobank alone. Banks introduced dedicated fundraising platforms, enabling communities to collectively finance large-scale defense projects.
Fundraising and donations reshaped the role of influencers and content creators. Streamer Mykhailo Lebiga recently raised 10 million UAH ($270,000) for drones, while activist Serhiy Sternenko not only launched extensive fundraising campaigns but also established drone supply lines for multiple military units.
The War in Ukraine: A Struggle That Unites
The russian aggression in Ukraine since 2022 has mobilized even those who previously ignored the war in the east. Today, no one in Ukraine remains untouched. Every family has a relative, friend, or colleague fighting. Losses, injuries, and active participation in the war effort have become a shared national experience.
While global leaders seek diplomatic solutions, Ukraine’s defenders fight an uncompromising war. As politicians discuss “peace talks,” Ukraine’s air defense systems intercept missiles from a terrorist state. When did war in Ukraine start? It began when russia violated every previous peace agreement. Breaking promises is standard practice for the Kremlin.
Not everyone can be on the front lines, but everyone can contribute to victory. Support military units where your loved ones serve, join rallies demanding the release of POWs, and help Azov Brigade continue its fight.
