Ukraine

The Ukrainian revolution of 2014, also known as the Euromaidan revolution or the Revolution of Dignity, led to the ousting of the Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and the establishment of a new government. This came after months of protests against government corruption, abuse of power, and human rights violations. The movement was motivated by Yanukovych's decision to suspend an association agreement with the EU, opting instead to strengthen ties with Russia, which fueled widespread unrest among Ukrainians who favored closer ties with Europe.

The annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation occurred in the aftermath of the 2014 Ukrainian revolution. After the ousting of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, pro-Russian protests erupted in the Crimean Peninsula. In March 2014, Russia organized a controversial referendum in Crimea under military occupation, leading to Russia's annexation of the territory. This annexation was widely condemned by the international community, leading to economic sanctions against Russia and ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

The war in Donbas began in April 2014 following Russia's annexation of Crimea. Pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine declared independence and seized government buildings in many towns and cities in the Donbas region. The Ukrainian government launched military operations to regain control, leading to ongoing armed conflict. This war, which continues to the present day, has resulted in thousands of deaths, widespread displacement, and significant economic damage to the region, affecting the geopolitical status of Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelensky, a former comedian and political newcomer, won the presidential election in Ukraine by a landslide in 2019. Zelensky defeated the incumbent president, Petro Poroshenko, with over 70% of the vote. His campaign focused on anti-corruption, transparency, and resolving the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. Zelensky's unexpected rise to power highlighted public dissatisfaction with the political establishment and symbolized a desire for change among the Ukrainian population.

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a large-scale military invasion of Ukraine, marking a significant escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War that began in 2014. The invasion, ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin, aimed at the eastern Ukrainian regions and soon advanced towards the capital, Kyiv. The conflict has been marked by brutal fighting, heavy casualties on both sides, widespread destruction, and a massive humanitarian crisis with millions of Ukrainians displaced from their homes.

Amid the ongoing war, Ukraine and Russia signed a significant agreement in June 2022 to facilitate the export of grain from Ukrainian ports, brokered with the help of the United Nations and Turkey. This deal was essential for addressing the global food security crisis exacerbated by the war, as Ukraine is a major grain exporter. Despite the war, this agreement was seen as a possible step towards mitigating some of the economic impacts of the conflict on global agriculture and food supply.

On September 30, 2022, Russia announced the annexation of four Ukrainian regions: Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, following a series of referendums conducted by Russian authorities under occupation, which were widely criticized as illegal and unrepresentative by the international community. This move represented another significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, further isolating Russia diplomatically and leading to additional sanctions and condemnation from countries around the world.

In May 2023, Ukrainian armed forces launched a notable counteroffensive aimed at reclaiming territories occupied by Russian forces. This operation marked a significant attempt by Ukraine to change the dynamics on the ground, demonstrating the ongoing resilience and strategic capabilities of the Ukrainian military. The counteroffensive included a series of coordinated attacks through the eastern front, with reported advancements in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. The struggle on the battlefield continues amidst complex geopolitical considerations and humanitarian challenges.

In October 2023, the G7 countries reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine in its conflict against Russian aggression. This pledge includes ongoing military aid, economic assistance, and diplomatic support. The commitment highlights the sustained international focus on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. As the war persists, the G7's involvement underscores the broader geopolitical dynamics at play and the determination of these major economies to stand with Ukraine against the backdrop of continued Russian military actions.