Russia-Ukraine War: Key Events, Leaders, and International Response

When did Russia invade Ukraine?

February 24, 2022

How did Putin justify the invasion?

Claimed Russia was "not safe," accused Ukraine of being run by "Neo-Nazis," and viewed Ukraine as Russian territory.

How did President Zelensky respond to Russia's invasion?

Warned that Ukraine would defend itself and its sovereignty.

How did President Biden respond to the invasion?

Vowed continued U.S. support for Ukraine in calls with Zelenskyy.

What was Putin's main view of Ukraine?

He saw it as a territory belonging to Russia.

What diplomatic tools has the U.S. used?

Meetings, negotiations, and international deals.

What economic tools has the U.S. used?

Sanctions on Russia and financial aid to Ukraine.

What military tools has the U.S. used?

Sending weapons, material support, and training.

How much has the U.S. spent aiding Ukraine?

$175 billion total ($80 billion military aid).

How much total aid have other countries given?

Around $205 billion.

What does Article 5 of NATO state?

An attack on one NATO member is considered an attack on all.

How many countries are in NATO?

32 members.

Why does this war matter globally?

It's the largest conflict in Europe since WWII and threatens European and global stability.

What is the estimated human cost of the war?

Russia: ~1 million troops killed or wounded; Ukraine: 400,000+ casualties; 10 million displaced civilians.

What are examples of overt support for Ukraine?

75 nations provided humanitarian aid; 57 nations sent military aid.

Which countries are supporting Russia?

China (dual-use goods), Iran (8,000 drones & missiles), and North Korea (weapons & troops).

What is the "Axis of growing malign partnerships"?

The alliance of Russia, North Korea, Iran, and China.

What are the estimated nuclear weapon counts?

Russia: 3,700; U.S.: 3,700; China: 600; France: 290.

What are some reasons this war matters to the U.S. and NATO?

Direct threat to European society; Clear challenge to NATO allies; Attack on shared democratic values; Assault on the rules-based international order.

What did Donald Trump say about the war?

He said the U.S. should "negotiate a deal" to stop the destruction of human lives.

What are Putin's main goals as leader?

Reestablish Russia as a dominant regional power; Oppose NATO expansion; Reclaim former Soviet states.

What does Putin fear most?

Democracy within Russia.

How has Putin structured the Russian state?

As an authoritarian regime with centralized power.

What major statement did Putin make about the USSR's collapse?

"The collapse of the Soviet Union was the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century."

What motivates Putin's leadership style?

Feelings of defeat, humiliation, and desire for prestige and influence.

What are the five pillars of Putinism?

A. Constitutional manipulation and election fraud

Putin's authoritarian control examples

Jailing opposition leader Alexei Navalny, assassinations and poisonings of dissidents, nationalizing natural gas to gain power, extending term limits.

Historical authoritarian leaders of Russia

Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great, Lenin, Stalin, and Putin.

Putin's background

16 years in the Soviet KGB (Lt. Colonel), elected president in 1999.

Putin's Cold War mindset

Belief that the West seeks to destroy Russian statehood.

Ukraine's independence

Gained independence in 1991, after the fall of the Soviet Union.

Russia's view of Ukraine as a threat

A strong, democratic Ukraine with Western ties threatens Russia's influence.

Significance of Ukraine to Russia

Fertile farmland ('breadbasket of Europe') and strategic buffer against NATO and Western influence.

Ukraine's NATO and EU membership

Ukraine is not a NATO or EU member.

Holodomor

A man-made famine (1932-1933) orchestrated by Stalin to destroy Ukrainian nationalism—considered genocide.

Stalin's control over Ukraine

Through force, intimidation, and suppression of culture and agriculture.

2014 Crimea event

Russia annexed Crimea through a fraudulent referendum and military occupation.

U.S. and EU response to Crimea annexation

Mostly with economic sanctions; little direct action.

Putin's problems before the 2022 invasion

Low approval ratings, economic struggles, protests and reform movements.

Putin's belief about invading Ukraine in 2022

U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan showed weakness, NATO unity was uncertain, no punishment for annexing Crimea.

Zelenskyy's background before politics

Actor and comedian; starred in Servant of the People where he played a teacher who becomes president.

Zelenskyy's election as President of Ukraine

Elected in 2019.

Zelenskyy's college study

Studied Law (earned a degree but never practiced).

Zelenskyy's election vote percentage

Elected in 2019, with 73% of the vote.

Zelenskyy's main campaign promises

Bring lasting peace to Ukraine, eventually join NATO, and end corruption.

Zelenskyy's popularity

His approval rating and international support surged.

Diplomatic tools used by Ukraine

Meetings with EU leaders and global allies.

Economic tools used by Ukraine

Requested aid/investment, pushed sanctions, and used frozen Russian assets.

Military tools used by Ukraine

Secured weapons and air defense systems, engaged in ground war.

U.S. foreign policy goals in the Russia-Ukraine conflict

Defend democracy, protect national and economic security, and support regional stability.

Biden's foreign policy philosophy

Idealism - Defend democracy, check aggressors, stand by allies.

Trump's foreign policy philosophy

Realism - Put America first, get the best deal, prioritize U.S. interests.

Biden's view on the Ukraine war

A worldwide struggle of democracy vs. authoritarianism.

Biden administration's view on the war

It's a 'direct threat' to European security and NATO values.

Trump's suggestion to end the war (Feb 2025)

Cede land to Russia to achieve peace ('land for peace').

Trump's 'Transactional Realism'

The U.S. should always gain something in return for foreign policy deals.

PURL program

'Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List' - Ukraine sets military priorities, NATO pays the U.S. for weapons.

Trump's position after the Alaska Summit (Aug 2025)

He agreed with Putin that a ceasefire was not essential but did not cede Ukrainian land.

Recent Russian actions after the Alaska Summit

Record drone and missile attacks, airspace violations over Poland and Estonia.

Trump's updated outlook in late 2025

Ukraine can win back its land with NATO and EU support; Russia is a 'paper tiger.'

Duration of the war

About 1,319 days (≈ 3.5 years).

Fighting styles in Ukraine

Trench warfare (like WWI), urban combat, and drone attacks.

Storm Z battalions

Russian punishment brigades using convicts and untrained troops for frontline fighting.

Displaced Ukrainians

~7 million internationally and 3.7 million internally.

Key humanitarian challenges

Lack of food, water, shelter, healthcare, education, and safety.

Destruction of Ukraine's energy grid

Around 65%.

War crimes accused of Russia

Targeting civilians, torture, mass killings (Bucha), and deporting Ukrainian children.

Ukrainian children deported to Russia

Between 19,500 and 35,000.

World response to war crimes

UN investigations, ICC arrest warrants, NGO efforts like Save Ukraine and World Food Program.

Long-term effects of the war on Ukraine

Humanitarian crisis, infrastructure collapse, psychological trauma, and mass displacement.