Russian President Vladimir Putin has launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, unleashing a brutal war that has caused widespread devastation and a humanitarian crisis..
**Prelude to the Invasion**.
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have simmered for years, fueled by historical grievances, political disputes, and territorial ambitions. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea and supported separatists in eastern Ukraine, escalating the conflict. In the lead-up to the full-scale invasion, Putin amassed a large military force on the Ukrainian border, citing concerns about NATO expansion and the alleged persecution of Russian-speakers in Ukraine..
**February 24, 2022: Invasion Begins**.
On February 24, 2022, Putin announced a .
