A Decade Of Conflict

Ten Years of Russian Aggression: Crimea Annexation and the Outbreak of War in Ukraine

A Decade of Conflict

Ten years ago, Russia's annexation of Crimea marked a significant turning point in Ukraine's history. This illegal seizure of Ukrainian territory laid the groundwork for the ongoing war that has torn the country apart.

The Prelude to War

Russia's annexation of Crimea was not an isolated incident. In the years leading up to the invasion, Russia had been steadily escalating its military presence in the peninsula, which has a large Russian-speaking population. In 2014, after a pro-Russian uprising in Crimea, Russia seized control of the region, falsely claiming that it had been acting in response to the wishes of the local population.

The Escalation of Conflict

The annexation of Crimea was met with international condemnation and sanctions, but it did little to deter Russia from further aggression. In eastern Ukraine, pro-Russian separatists, supported by Russia, launched an armed rebellion against the Ukrainian government. This conflict, which has been ongoing for nearly a decade, has claimed the lives of thousands of people and displaced millions more.