What to Know About the Russia and Ukraine War

The growing tension between Russia and Ukraine reached its climax on February 26th when the Russians attacked the Ukraine border, including bombing the capital Kyiv. Russia first sent in ground troops to the border followed by tanks and aerial weapons that sent waves of bombs at Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to stay and fight with his fellow citizens, after he was given a ticket out of the country for his safety. Two days later, Russia and Ukraine met in a neutral area to discuss a cease fire, but the countries did not come to an agreement. Instead, Russia moved on to Kharviv, Ukraine’s second largest city. As the days compounded, Russia sent more troops and more bombs throughout Ukraine including in Mariupol and Kherson. Under Zelensky’s zeal, the Ukrainians are fighting back, holding back a powerhouse of a country.

Many outside countries are pulling out of Russian banks and oil, including the U.S. The Shell Oil Company also announced that they would be doing the same. U.S. President Joe Biden closed American airspace to any Russian travel, stating that Putin would pay for his crimes. The conflict caused the first United Nations emergency meeting in decades, approving a “non-binding resolution condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and demanding an immediate withdrawal.” The vote was supported by 141 of the 193 members.

Currently, the Ukrainian refugee number is over two million and is estimated to reach four million as the war goes on. A suggested truce was made between the two countries to allow civilians to flee the warzone and bombing areas. However, Russia supposedly violated that truce when it bombed Sumy, a city in Ukraine, late Monday night, before the truce was up.

For updates on Russia’s war on Ukraine, go to the Associated Press’ Hub for all the news.

Check back weekly for our curated list of important events going on in the conflict.