0Russia–Ukraine War with key events, causes, recent developments (up to 2025), global impact, and India's role:
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Russia–Ukraine War: Full Overview (2022–2025)
Background of the Conflict:
1. 2014 – Crimea Annexation:
Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, claiming historical ties and Russian-majority population.
Triggered pro-Russian separatist movements in Donetsk and Luhansk (eastern Ukraine).
2. Ukraine’s NATO ambitions:
Ukraine showed interest in joining NATO and the European Union, which Russia considers a threat to its influence and security.
3. Putin's ideological position:
Putin claimed that Ukraine is part of historical Russia and Western powers are using Ukraine to threaten Russian sovereignty.
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Timeline of Key Events:
2022: War Begins
February 24, 2022: Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, calling it a “special military operation.”
Attacks on major cities: Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mariupol, Chernihiv.
Bucha Massacre: Evidence of civilian killings by Russian forces caused global outrage.
Ukraine successfully pushed back Russian forces from Kyiv and northern front by mid-2022.
2023: Stalemate and Counteroffensives
Ukraine launched a counteroffensive in southern and eastern regions.
Recaptured parts of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, but failed to fully dislodge Russian forces from Donbas.
Use of HIMARS (US missile system), drones, and Western tanks helped Ukraine slow Russian advances.
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Major Developments (2024–2025):
2024 Highlights:
Russian consolidation in Donetsk and Luhansk; advances in Bakhmut and Avdiivka.
Ukrainian counteroffensive faced setbacks due to insufficient weapons and manpower.
U.S. military aid slowed due to political debates in Congress.
Russian missile and drone strikes escalated, targeting Kyiv and Odesa’s infrastructure.
2025 (So Far):
Russia claimed full control of Donbas (Donetsk & Luhansk).
Ukraine launched drone attacks on Crimea and near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
NATO summit 2025: Ukraine did not get NATO membership, but received long-term military & economic pledges.
Russia imposed martial law in newly annexed areas.
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Global Impact of the War:
Economic Consequences:
Oil and gas prices surged globally – affected inflation in developing countries.
Wheat and food supply chain disrupted – Ukraine being a major grain exporter.
Europe reduced dependence on Russian energy, switching to renewables and imports from other nations.
Geopolitical Effects:
New global blocs emerging: USA–NATO vs. Russia–China–Iran.
Rise of Cold War-like tensions.
Countries like Finland and Sweden joined NATO due to Russian threat.
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Impact on India:
Diplomatic Strategy:
India maintained a neutral stance, called for dialogue and peace.
Abstained from anti-Russia votes at the UN, while engaging with both USA and Russia.
Economic and Energy Gains:
Bought cheap Russian oil, helping India manage fuel prices and inflation.
Russian arms supply delayed due to war logistics and sanctions.
Strategic Balancing:
India walks a tightrope between:
Russia (traditional defense partner)
USA and West (key economic & strategic allies)
Rise of China-Russia partnership poses security concerns for India.
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Conclusion:
The Russia–Ukraine war is not just a regional war but a global geopolitical conflict. It has:
Redefined NATO’s role,
Created massive economic and humanitarian crises,
And reshaped energy and military alliances.
The war seems far from over in 2025, with both sides stuck in a prolonged confrontation. Its long-term effects will continue to reshape global politics, economics, and security.
