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Russia–Ukraine War

The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine since February 2022: front-line developments, territorial control, civilian casualties, sanctions, and the diplomacy around ceasefire and peace negotiations.

45 FACTSUPDATED May 12RSSJSON
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45 FACTS · 9 SPOTS IN WINDOW
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Mass graves and civilian bodies found in Bucha after Russian withdrawal2022-04-02✓ VERIFIED5 VIEWS
ICC issues arrest warrants for Putin and Lvova-Belova over Ukrainian child deportations2023-03-17✓ VERIFIED3 VIEWS
Russia claims capture of Bakhmut; Ukraine says it holds some positions2023-05-21✓ VERIFIED3 VIEWS
Wagner chief Prigozhin confirmed dead in plane crash two months after mutiny2023-08-23✓ VERIFIED1 VIEWS
Switzerland hosts Ukraine peace summit with about 100 countries, Russia absent2024-06-15✓ VERIFIED3 VIEWS
Ukraine launches cross-border incursion into Russia's Kursk region2024-08-06✓ VERIFIED1 VIEWS
Biden administration allows Ukraine to use ATACMS inside Russia2024-11-17✓ VERIFIED4 VIEWS
US and Russian officials meet in Riyadh for Ukraine talks; Kyiv not invited2025-02-18✓ VERIFIED3 VIEWS
Putin meets Witkoff in Moscow for ceasefire talks, demands sanctions relief2025-05-12✓ VERIFIED1 VIEWS

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THE WIRE

2025-05-12
12:00 UTC
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Putin meets Witkoff in Moscow for ceasefire talks, demands sanctions relief

On 12 May 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow to discuss a peace plan to end the war in Ukraine. The talks lasted nearly five hours, and the Kremlin reiterated its demand for sanctions relief as part of any settlement. Both sides described the discussions as constructive, but no agreement was announced.

✓ VERIFIED3 SOURCESMoscow, Russia
2025-03-11
12:00 UTC
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US and Ukraine agree on 30-day ceasefire proposal in Jeddah; US resumes aid and intelligence sharing

On 11 March 2025, US and Ukrainian officials met in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine accepted a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in the conflict with Russia. In response, the US agreed to lift the pause on military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. The proposal was later presented to Russia, whose president expressed conditional support. The meeting marked a significant diplomatic effort to de-escalate the war.

✓ VERIFIED1 SOURCESJeddah, Saudi Arabia
2025-03-03
12:00 UTC
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US suspends military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine in March 2025

On 3 March 2025, the Trump administration announced a suspension of US military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, as part of efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow. The suspension lasted approximately one week before Washington lifted it. Reports indicate that the intelligence-sharing relationship later returned to previous levels, though the full extent of aid resumption remained unclear.

✓ VERIFIED2 SOURCESWashington, D.C., USA
2025-02-24
12:00 UTC
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US votes against UN resolution condemning Russia on Ukraine invasion anniversary

On 24 February 2025, the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for an end to the invasion and withdrawal of Russian troops. The US voted against the resolution, joining Russia and 16 other countries, while 93 voted in favor and 65 abstained. The US had proposed its own resolution that avoided criticizing Russia, but it was amended by European allies to include language condemning the invasion; the US abstained on the amended version. The votes highlight a split between the US and its European allies under President Donald Trump.

✓ VERIFIED2 SOURCESUnited Nations Headquarters, New York City
2025-02-18
12:00 UTC
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US and Russian officials meet in Riyadh for Ukraine talks; Kyiv not invited

On 18 February 2025, senior US and Russian officials, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. The talks were a follow-up to a phone call between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin on 12 February. Ukraine was not invited to the meeting. The US State Department said that 'one phone call followed by one meeting is not sufficient to establish peace,' while Russian officials expressed readiness to negotiate with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky but questioned his legitimacy.

✓ VERIFIED1 SOURCESRiyadh, Saudi Arabia
2025-01-20
12:00 UTC
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Trump returns to White House vowing to end Ukraine war quickly

Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on January 20, 2025, and immediately signaled a shift in U.S. policy toward Russia-Ukraine negotiations. Within weeks, he held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12, 2025, and later met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on February 28, 2025, where he pressed for a ceasefire and security guarantees. The Trump administration suspended military aid to Ukraine for about a week in March 2025, resuming it after Zelenskyy agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposal that Russia rejected.

✓ VERIFIED4 SOURCESWashington, D.C., United States
2024-11-21
12:00 UTC
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Russia strikes Dnipro with Oreshnik missile on 21 November 2024

On 21 November 2024, Russia launched an experimental Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, marking its first combat use. The strike was part of Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, and President Vladimir Putin characterized it as a response to Ukraine's use of Western-supplied long-range missiles. The missile, which carries multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles, caused damage but no immediate reports of casualties were confirmed.

✓ VERIFIED1 SOURCESDnipro, Ukraine
2024-11-17
12:00 UTC
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Biden administration allows Ukraine to use ATACMS inside Russia

On 17 November 2024, the Biden administration lifted restrictions on Ukraine's use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles, permitting strikes on targets inside Russia. The decision was reported by multiple major outlets and confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Russia criticized the move as an escalation.

✓ VERIFIED3 SOURCESUnited States
2024-08-06
12:00 UTC
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Ukraine launches cross-border incursion into Russia's Kursk region

On 6 August 2024, Ukrainian forces crossed into Russia's Kursk region, marking the largest foreign incursion into Russia since World War II. Ukrainian officials reported seizing nearly 400 square miles of Russian territory within days. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the operation's progress, stating Ukraine was achieving its strategic goal. The incursion prompted Russia to withdraw some troops from Ukraine to defend its territory.

✓ VERIFIED3 SOURCESKursk Oblast, Russia
2024-06-15
12:00 UTC
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Switzerland hosts Ukraine peace summit with about 100 countries, Russia absent

On 15-16 June 2024, Switzerland hosted the Summit on Peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock resort near Lucerne. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended, along with leaders from about 100 countries. Russia was not invited, and its absence was noted as a factor limiting expectations for a breakthrough. The summit aimed to discuss a peace roadmap for the war in Ukraine.

✓ VERIFIED3 SOURCESBürgenstock, Switzerland
2024-05-10
12:00 UTC
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Russia launches new offensive in Ukraine's Kharkiv region on 10 May 2024

On 10 May 2024, Russian Armed Forces initiated an offensive operation in Ukraine's Kharkiv Oblast, shelling and attempting to breach Ukrainian defenses in the direction of Vovchansk and Kharkiv. The offensive resulted in Russia's biggest territorial gains in 18 months, according to The Guardian, before stalling by early June. Ukrainian forces subsequently launched counterattacks, recapturing a settlement on 19 June.

✓ VERIFIED4 SOURCESKharkiv Oblast, Ukraine
2024-04-24
12:00 UTC
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Biden signs $61 billion Ukraine military aid package

On 24 April 2024, US President Joe Biden signed a $61 billion military aid package for Ukraine, ending months of congressional gridlock. The package, part of a larger supplemental appropriations bill, provides critical military assistance to Ukraine to counter Russian aggression. The signing took place at the White House, with Biden emphasizing the urgency of the aid. The package includes funding for weapons, ammunition, and other defense capabilities, and is seen as vital for Ukraine's defense efforts.

✓ VERIFIED1 SOURCESWashington, D.C., United States
2024-03-22
19:58 UTC
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Islamic State claims deadly attack on Moscow concert hall

On 22 March 2024, gunmen attacked the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Krasnogorsk, Moscow Oblast, Russia, killing at least 149 people and injuring over 500. The attackers, associated with Islamic State – Khorasan Province, opened fire and set the venue ablaze. Islamic State claimed responsibility via its Amaq News Agency. Russian authorities detained suspects and later convicted 19 people, including four gunmen who received life sentences.

✓ VERIFIED3 SOURCESKrasnogorsk, Moscow Oblast, Russia
2024-02-17
12:00 UTC
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Ukrainian forces withdraw from Avdiivka on 17 February 2024

On 17 February 2024, Ukrainian commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi announced the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the city of Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast to avoid encirclement and preserve troops' lives. The withdrawal followed months of intense Russian assaults that began in October 2023, and Russia subsequently captured the city, marking its largest territorial advance since Bakhmut in May 2023. The battle was characterized by heavy casualties and significant destruction.

✓ VERIFIED3 SOURCESAvdiivka, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine
2023-08-23
18:00 UTC
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Wagner chief Prigozhin confirmed dead in plane crash two months after mutiny

On 23 August 2023, a private Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner Group, crashed in the Tver region of Russia, killing all 10 people on board. The crash occurred two months after Prigozhin led a failed mutiny against Russia's military leadership. Russian authorities later confirmed Prigozhin's death through genetic testing, and the Wagner-affiliated Grey Zone channel also reported his death. The crash also killed Wagner co-founder Dmitry Utkin and senior aide Valeriy Chekalov.

✓ VERIFIED4 SOURCESTver region, Russia
2023-06-23
12:00 UTC
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Wagner mutiny: Prigozhin seizes Rostov, marches on Moscow, then retreats under Belarus-brokered deal

On 23-24 June 2023, Wagner mercenary forces led by Yevgeny Prigozhin seized the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don and began a march toward Moscow. The rebellion ended on 24 June when Prigozhin ordered his troops to turn back after a deal brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, under which Prigozhin agreed to move to Belarus and criminal charges against him were reportedly dropped. The mutiny was the most serious challenge to President Vladimir Putin's rule in decades.

✓ VERIFIED4 SOURCESRostov-on-Don, Russia
2023-06-06
12:00 UTC
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Kakhovka Dam Destroyed on June 6, 2023, Causing Flooding and Displacement

On 6 June 2023, the Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro river in Ukraine's Kherson region was destroyed, leading to massive flooding downstream. The breach flooded dozens of villages, caused scores of deaths, and displaced thousands of residents. Ukraine accused Russian forces of blowing up the dam, while Russia claimed it collapsed due to damage. The destruction also caused a major ecological disaster, with long-term consequences for the region.

✓ VERIFIED4 SOURCESKakhovka, Kherson Oblast, Ukraine
2023-05-21
12:00 UTC
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Russia claims capture of Bakhmut; Ukraine says it holds some positions

On 21 May 2023, Russia's defense ministry and Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed that Russian forces had fully captured the city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine after months of intense fighting. Ukrainian officials, including Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar, said that Ukrainian forces still controlled a small part of the city and were advancing on the flanks, with President Zelenskyy stating that Bakhmut was 'only in our hearts.' The conflicting claims reflect the ongoing battle for the city, which had been largely destroyed.

✓ VERIFIED3 SOURCESBakhmut, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine
2023-05-03
02:27 UTC
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Two drones explode over Kremlin in Moscow; Russia calls it assassination attempt on Putin

On 3 May 2023, two explosive drones were shot down over the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. President Vladimir Putin was not in the building at the time, and no injuries were reported. The Kremlin accused Ukraine of carrying out the attack, calling it an act of terrorism and an assassination attempt. Ukrainian officials denied involvement, while U.S. officials said it was likely that a Ukrainian intelligence or special military unit was behind the incident.

✓ VERIFIED3 SOURCESMoscow, Russia
2023-03-17
12:00 UTC
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ICC issues arrest warrants for Putin and Lvova-Belova over Ukrainian child deportations

On 17 March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's Commissioner for Children's Rights, alleging responsibility for the war crime of unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children during the Russo-Ukrainian war. The warrant against Putin is the first issued against the leader of a permanent member of the UN Security Council. The ICC's investigation into the situation in Ukraine, opened in March 2022, covers alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide committed on Ukrainian territory since November 2013.

✓ VERIFIED4 SOURCESThe Hague, Netherlands
2023-02-20
12:00 UTC
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Biden makes surprise visit to Kyiv ahead of war anniversary

On 20 February 2023, US President Joe Biden made an unannounced visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The visit, kept secret for security reasons, involved a nearly 10-hour train ride from Poland. Biden's trip was seen as a show of solidarity with Ukraine ahead of the first anniversary of the Russian invasion.

✓ VERIFIED1 SOURCESKyiv, Ukraine
2023-01-25
12:00 UTC
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US and Germany announce sending Abrams and Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine

On 25 January 2023, the United States announced it would send 31 M1 Abrams main battle tanks to Ukraine, a decision reported by NBC News as a political concession to Germany. Germany, through Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, indicated it would not block Poland from sending Leopard 2 tanks, signaling approval for the transfer. The announcements followed intense diplomatic pressure and marked a significant shift in Western military aid to Ukraine.

✓ VERIFIED2 SOURCESWashington, D.C., United States; Berlin, Germany
2022-11-11
12:00 UTC
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Ukrainian forces enter Kherson as Russian troops withdraw

On 11 November 2022, Ukrainian forces entered the city of Kherson after Russian troops completed their withdrawal to the east bank of the Dnipro River. Residents celebrated in the central square, waving Ukrainian flags and singing the national anthem, despite lacking water, power, and internet. The liberation ended eight months of Russian occupation.

✓ VERIFIED2 SOURCESKherson, Ukraine
2022-11-09
12:00 UTC
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Russia announces withdrawal from Kherson to east bank of Dnipro

On 9 November 2022, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu ordered Russian forces to withdraw from the city of Kherson to the east bank of the Dnipro river, marking a major setback for Moscow. The announcement was made by General Sergei Surovikin, commander of Russian forces in Ukraine, who cited the impossibility of fully supplying the city. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it an 'historic day' as Ukrainian troops entered the city, and by 11 November Kherson was fully liberated.

✓ VERIFIED2 SOURCESKherson, Ukraine
2022-10-08
06:07 UTC
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Explosion damages Kerch Strait bridge linking Russia to Crimea

On 8 October 2022, an explosion occurred on the Crimean Bridge (Kerch Strait Bridge), causing sections of the road bridge to collapse and igniting a fire on the railway bridge. The bridge connects Russia's Taman Peninsula to the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula. Russian officials attributed the blast to a truck bomb, while some reports suggested a maritime drone. Ukraine later acknowledged responsibility. Five people were killed.

✓ VERIFIED3 SOURCESKerch Strait, Crimea
2022-09-30
12:00 UTC
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Russia Annexes Four Ukrainian Regions After Sham Referendums

On 30 September 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the annexation of the Ukrainian oblasts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson during a ceremony in Moscow. The move followed staged referendums held in Russian-occupied territories from 23 to 27 September, which were widely condemned as illegal and lacking credibility. The annexation was rejected by the United Nations and most countries, with only North Korea recognizing it. Ukraine and its allies vowed to continue resisting the occupation.

✓ VERIFIED4 SOURCESMoscow, Russia
2022-09-21
12:00 UTC
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Putin announces partial military mobilization on 21 September 2022

On 21 September 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a partial mobilization of military reservists to support the invasion of Ukraine, marking Russia's first such call-up since World War II. The announcement followed Ukrainian counter-offensives and preceded annexation referendums in occupied territories. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stated the goal was to mobilize 300,000 reservists. The move sparked protests across Russia and led to an exodus of men fleeing conscription.

✓ VERIFIED3 SOURCESRussia
2022-09-06
12:00 UTC
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Ukraine's September 2022 Kharkiv Counteroffensive Recaptures Izium and Vast Territory

In early September 2022, Ukrainian forces launched a surprise counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region, breaking through Russian lines and rapidly advancing. The operation led to the recapture of Izium and thousands of square kilometres of territory, marking a significant turning point in the war. The offensive was planned by General Oleksandr Syrskiy, who later faced criticism over losses in Bakhmut.

✓ VERIFIED4 SOURCESKharkiv Oblast, Ukraine
2022-08-20
12:00 UTC
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Darya Dugina killed in car bomb near Moscow

On 20 August 2022, Darya Dugina, the 29-year-old daughter of Russian ultranationalist ideologue Alexander Dugin, was killed when her car exploded in a suburb of Moscow. Russian authorities and international media reported the incident as a car bomb attack. Some sources suggested the bomb may have been intended for her father, who is often described as a key influence on President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine denied involvement, and the attack remains under investigation.

✓ VERIFIED1 SOURCESMoscow, Russia
2022-07-22
12:00 UTC
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Russia and Ukraine sign UN-Turkey brokered Black Sea grain deal in Istanbul

On 22 July 2022, Russia and Ukraine signed the Black Sea Grain Initiative in Istanbul, brokered by Turkey and the United Nations, to resume Ukrainian grain exports from Black Sea ports. The agreement established a Joint Coordination Centre with representatives from Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, and the UN to monitor safe passage of commercial vessels. The initiative was a lifeline for global food security, allowing millions of tons of grain to reach international markets until Russia withdrew in July 2023.

✓ VERIFIED4 SOURCESIstanbul, Turkey
2022-07-03
12:00 UTC
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Russian forces capture Lysychansk, completing Luhansk occupation

On 3 July 2022, Russian forces took control of Lysychansk, the last major Ukrainian-held city in the Luhansk region of eastern Ukraine. The capture was announced by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and confirmed by Ukrainian officials, who acknowledged the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the city. This brought the entire Luhansk region under Russian control, a significant milestone in the ongoing conflict.

✓ VERIFIED1 SOURCESLysychansk, Luhansk Oblast, Ukraine
2022-06-23
12:00 UTC
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EU grants candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova

On 23 June 2022, European Union leaders formally granted Ukraine and Moldova candidate status for EU membership, a historic step amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The European Commission had recommended the move on 17 June, and the European Council approved it at a summit in Brussels. This decision marked the beginning of a long accession process.

✓ VERIFIED3 SOURCESBrussels, Belgium
2022-06-03
12:00 UTC
fact_im3tmv8w

Russia's invasion of Ukraine reaches 100th day with heavy toll

On 3 June 2022, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on 24 February 2022, marked its 100th day. The war had resulted in thousands of military and civilian casualties, with the UN reporting over 4,000 civilian deaths and millions displaced. About 8 million Ukrainians were internally displaced and over 6 million had fled the country, creating Europe's largest refugee crisis since World War II.

✓ VERIFIED3 SOURCESUkraine
2022-05-20
12:00 UTC
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Last Ukrainian defenders surrender at Azovstal, ending Mariupol siege

Between 16 and 20 May 2022, the remaining Ukrainian defenders of the Azovstal Iron and Steel Works in Mariupol surrendered to Russian and Donetsk People's Republic forces, following orders from Ukrainian military command to cease fighting. The surrender marked the end of the nearly three-month siege of Mariupol, with Russia gaining full control of the city. The defenders, including members of the Azov Regiment, were taken into captivity, and many were later exchanged in prisoner swaps.

✓ VERIFIED4 SOURCESMariupol, Ukraine
2022-04-21
12:00 UTC
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Putin declares Mariupol captured, but Azovstal still holds

On 21 April 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the capture of Mariupol a success, claiming the city had been 'liberated' from Ukrainian forces. However, he acknowledged that Ukrainian defenders remained inside the Azovstal steel plant, and ordered Russian troops to blockade the plant rather than storm it. The Ukrainian defenders continued to resist until mid-May, when they were ordered to surrender by the Ukrainian government.

✓ VERIFIED4 SOURCESMariupol, Ukraine
2022-04-14
12:00 UTC
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Russian cruiser Moskva sinks after Ukrainian missile strike

On 14 April 2022, the Russian Black Sea Fleet flagship Moskva sank in the Black Sea. Ukraine claimed it struck the ship with Neptune anti-ship missiles, while Russia said the ship sank while being towed in stormy seas after a fire. The loss was a major setback for Russia's naval operations in the Black Sea.

✓ VERIFIED1 SOURCESBlack Sea, near Odesa
2022-04-02
12:00 UTC
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Mass graves and civilian bodies found in Bucha after Russian withdrawal

In early April 2022, following the withdrawal of Russian forces from the Kyiv suburb of Bucha, Ukrainian authorities and international media documented mass graves and numerous civilian bodies in the streets. The discoveries prompted widespread condemnation and calls for war crimes investigations. The events have been extensively reported by international news agencies and have become a symbol of alleged Russian atrocities during the invasion.

✓ VERIFIED4 SOURCESBucha, Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine
2022-04-01
12:00 UTC
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Mass graves and civilian deaths discovered in Bucha after Russian withdrawal

In early April 2022, following the withdrawal of Russian forces from Bucha, a suburb of Kyiv, Ukrainian authorities and international media documented mass graves and the bodies of hundreds of civilians, including evidence of summary executions. Local officials reported recovering 458 bodies, with 419 killed by weapons. The discoveries prompted international condemnation and calls for war crimes investigations, with the UN and Human Rights Watch documenting unlawful killings.

✓ VERIFIED4 SOURCESBucha, Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine
2022-03-25
12:00 UTC
fact_jecosf0n

Russia says first phase of Ukraine operation complete, to focus on Donbas

On 25 March 2022, Russian military officials announced that the first phase of the invasion of Ukraine was complete, claiming that Ukrainian forces had suffered significant losses. They stated that Russia would now concentrate on the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine. The announcement came as Russian forces faced setbacks near Kyiv and other areas.

✓ VERIFIED3 SOURCESRussia
2022-03-16
12:00 UTC
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Russian airstrike on Mariupol theatre kills hundreds of civilians

On 16 March 2022, during the siege of Mariupol, Russian forces bombed the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theatre, which was sheltering hundreds of civilians. Ukrainian authorities reported about 300 deaths, while an Associated Press investigation estimated closer to 600. Russia denied responsibility, but independent investigations and international bodies have classified the attack as a war crime.

✓ VERIFIED4 SOURCESMariupol, Ukraine
2022-03-08
12:00 UTC
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McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Starbucks suspend Russia operations on March 8, 2022

On 8 March 2022, McDonald's announced it would temporarily close its more than 800 restaurants in Russia, condemning the invasion of Ukraine. Within hours, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Starbucks also announced suspension of business activities in Russia, with PepsiCo halting sales of its beverage brands and advertising. The moves followed widespread international pressure on Western companies to sever ties with Russia.

✓ VERIFIED3 SOURCESRussia
2022-02-28
12:00 UTC
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Russia and Ukraine hold first round of talks in Gomel region

On 28 February 2022, four days after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian and Ukrainian delegations met for their first round of negotiations near the Belarusian border in the Gomel region. The talks, held in Belarus, ended without a breakthrough. The delegations discussed a ceasefire and other issues, but no agreement was reached.

✓ VERIFIED1 SOURCESGomel region, Belarus
2022-02-27
12:00 UTC
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EU bans RT and Sputnik, closes airspace to Russian aircraft

On 27 February 2022, the European Union imposed sanctions on Russian state-owned media outlets RT and Sputnik, banning their broadcasts within the EU. The same day, the EU closed its airspace to all Russian-owned, Russian-registered, or Russian-controlled aircraft. The measures were part of a broader response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which began on 24 February 2022.

✓ VERIFIED3 SOURCESEuropean Union
2022-02-26
12:00 UTC
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Zelenskyy rejects evacuation, says 'I need ammunition, not a ride'

On 26 February 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declined a US offer to evacuate him from Kyiv as Russian forces advanced on the capital. He reportedly told US officials, 'I need ammunition, not a ride,' a phrase that became emblematic of Ukrainian resistance. The quote has also been rendered as 'I need weapons, not a taxi' in Ukrainian. Zelenskyy remained in Kyiv throughout the battle, which ended with Russian withdrawal in April 2022.

✓ VERIFIED3 SOURCESKyiv, Ukraine
2022-02-24
12:00 UTC
fact_hld6gw1d

Russia launches full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022

On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with missile strikes on Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other cities, and ground offensives from Belarus, Crimea, and the Donbas. The invasion was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a 'special military operation' aimed at 'demilitarizing and denazifying' Ukraine. Ukraine responded by enacting martial law, ordering general mobilization, and severing diplomatic relations with Russia.

✓ VERIFIED4 SOURCESUkraine