Russian forces begin missile and artillery attacks, striking major Ukrainian cities including Kiev.įeb. 24: Putin authorizes 'special military operations' in Ukraine. 23: Russian-backed separatist leaders ask Russia for help repelling aggression from the Ukrainian army.įeb. Germany halts the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.įeb. 22: The U.S., Britain and their allies sanction Russian parliament members, banks and other assets in response to Putin's troop order. Putin orders what he called peacekeeping forces into two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine, after recognising them as independent.įeb. 21: In a TV address, Putin says Ukraine is an integral part of Russian history and has a puppet regime managed by foreign powers. Washington and allies say they will not send troops to Ukraine, but warn of severe economic sanctions if Russian President Vladimir Putin takes military action.įeb. 2022: Amid growing Western fears Russia could attack Ukraine, the United States says it will send 3,000 extra troops to NATO members Poland and Romania.

Two days later Russia says its demands not addressed.įeb.

26: Washington responds to Russia's security demands, repeating a commitment to NATO's 'open-door' policy while offering a 'pragmatic evaluation' of Moscow's concerns. 24 2022: NATO puts forces on standby and reinforces eastern Europe with more ships and fighter jets. 17 2021: Russia presents security demands including that NATO pull back troops and weapons from eastern Europe and bar Ukraine from ever joining.

Ukraine conflict 2020