Summary Despite warnings of imminent war, the world was shocked when Russia's invasion of Ukraine began from the east on February 24th, 2022. Russian President Putin called the invasion a 'special military operation', that it was necessary to defeat what he called the 'neo-nazi Ukrainian government', a claim denied by the international community. In the midst of Russia's premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified invasion of Ukraine, let us be clear - Putin had chosen a war that resulted in catastrophic loss of life and suffering for innocent citizens. A series of tough financial sanctions were put in place against Russia, by the members of NATO and the European Union, to show support for Ukraine and prove their stance against the war. Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy inspired his people to stand strong with their country and proved that they would not back down despite the conflict. As Russia continues its aerial bombardment of Ukraine, 2.5 million residents have already fled to neighbouring countries in just over a fortnight, and the number increases daily. But liberty, democracy, and human dignity were not snuffed out by Putin; freedom will prevail, and so will Ukraine. View more details

• War