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A Comprehensive Portrait with global perspective
Russia-Ukraine War

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A comprehensive portrait of the war: from its origins, to societal and governmental developments, to its impact on living conditions and daily life around the world.
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First themes:
A Decade of War in Ukraine
Global Issues
Russia
Careers
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51 245
Ukrainian Soldiers Killed
The total number of Ukrainian soldiers killed since 24. 2. 2022.
Source: UA Losses, 9. 5. 2024
52 789
52 789
Russian Soldiers Killed
The total number of Russian soldiers killed since 24. 2. 2022. The probate registry estimate is~ 85 000.
Source: Mediazona and the BBC Russian Service, May 2024; estimates by Meduza, March 2024
10 582
Ukrainian Civilians Killed
The total number of Ukrainian civilians killed since 24. 2. 2022.
Source: OHCHR, 15 February 2024
6.5M
6.5M
Ukrainian Refugees in the World
The total number of refugees from Ukraine that have been recorded globally.
Source: UNHCR, February 2024
3.41M
Internally Displaced Ukrainians
The total number of internally displaced people in Ukraine.
Source: UNOCHA, 14. 5. 2024
14.6M
14.6M
People in Need in Ukraine
The total number of people in need of humanitarian assistance in Ukraine.
Source: UNOCHA, 14. 5. 2024
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TIMELINE

Historical Context of the War

An overview of the key events since the Ukrainian declaration of independence in 1991.
Swipe to navigate
Ukraine declares its independence.
24th August 1991

The declaration of independence was followed by a referendum on 1st December 1991, in which it was affirmed by an overwhelming majority of the country, including a majority in all regions of Ukraine. Leonid Kravchuk is elected the first president of Ukraine on the same day.

Leonid Kuchma is elected the President of Ukraine
10th July 1994

Kuchma defeats incumbent Leonid Kravchuk in a second round run-off, advocating for pro-market, privatizing reforms, as well as strengthening economic ties with Russia through cooperation with the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Signing of the Budapest Memorandum
5th December 1994

As signatories, Russia, the USA, and the UK commit to respect the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The soviet-commissioned nuclear weapons then stationed on Ukrainian soil were given up as a result of the treaty.

Russia and Ukraine sign the “Friendship Treaty”
31st May 1997

The treaty confirmed the two countries’ commitment to “respect each other’s territorial integrity and confirm the inviolability of their common borders”, as well as to peacefully settle any disputes.

Vladimir Putin assumes Presidency
3rd December 1999

Vladimir Putin immediately succeeds Boris Yeltsin as President following his resignation. Putin then went on to win the 2000 presidential elections, with strong support from state media outlets aiding in his campaign.

Presidential elections and the Orange Revolution
November - December 2004

Following widespread and credible claims of election fraud in favour of Viktor Yanukovych, a pro-Russian candidate backed by the incumbent Leonid Kuchma, mass protests broke out across Ukraine demanding constitutional reform and the conduct of free and fair elections. The protests were successful, leading to a revote of the second round of the election which took place on 26th December, resulting in the election of Viktor Yushchenko as the 3rd president of Ukraine

Putin addresses NATO members in Bucharest
8th April 2008

Putin sharply criticises the prospect of a NATO membership action plan (MAP) for Ukraine and Georgia, which he described as a “direct threat” to Russian security.

Discussions for an EU Association Agreement
July 2008

President Viktor Yushchenko opens talks in order to secure an EU Association Agreement for Ukraine. Political, economic, and judicial reform were required in order to more closely align with EU standards.

Viktor Yanukovych elected President of Ukraine
17th January 2010

In 2010, Viktor Yanukovych ran for president again, this time winning in a contest considered to be free and fair. Progress towards an EU Association Agreement was soured following the President’s move to detain his political opponent Yulia Tymoshenko.

The Maidan Revolution
November 2013 - February 2014

Yanukovych’s decision to withdraw from an EU Association Agreement in order to develop stronger economic ties with Russia sparked widespread protests. Attempts to put down the protest through violence saw the growth of a movement which rejected the endemic corruption of the Yanukovych regime. After Yanykovych fled to Russia, presidential elections were held in which Petro Poroshenko was elected President

Russia annexes the Crimean Peninsula
February 2014

Soldiers in unmarked uniforms seize key strategic locations on the Crimean Peninsula, facing little resistance. Within a month, a referendum, widely considered to be illegitimate, was held as a means of showing popular support for the region to become part of Russia. The following year, Putin acknowledged the presence of the Russian military in Crimea.

Uprising in Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts
March 2014

Russia-backed separatists seize Ukrainian government buildings in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Eastern Ukraine, declaring two independent republics, the DPR and the LPR.

1st Minsk Agreement Signed
5 September 2015

A ceasefire agreement, overseen by the OSCE, was signed between Russia, Ukraine, and representatives of the DPR and LPR militias. It failed to provide a lasting peace, leading to the signing of a 2nd Minsk agreement in 2015.

Vladimir Putin’s essay is published
12th July 2021

An essay attributed to Vladimir Putin argues for the historical and cultural unity of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. The essay draws criticism from within Ukraine and the West, and is denounced as both historical revisionism and a false pretext for a future invasion of Ukraine.

Russia launches full-scale invasion of Ukraine
24th February 2022

Vladimir Putin announces the launch of a “special military operation” in Ukraine in order to “demilitarise” and “denazify" the country. Russian forces cross the border into Ukraine from both Russia and Belarus. The invasion is condemned by the US and EU, and is faced by strong resistance from the armed forces of Ukraine.

Our Entries

The Story of the War

Understand the historical background of the war and its ongoing developments.
6 Entries
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Humanity, Society and Everyday Life

Focus on the impact of the war on human lives as well as on societies in Ukraine, Russia, and across the globe.
8 Entries
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Overview

Lives of Soldiers

We are looking for authors
Overview

Humanitarian Impacts of the War

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Overview

Impacts on Living Conditions and Economy: Ukraine, Russia and Across the Globe

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Overview

Impacts on Society and Everyday Life: Ukraine, Russia and Across the Globe

We are looking for authors
Overview

Impacts on Infrastructure and Nature

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Overview

Displaced in the World: Refugees & Migrants of the War

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Overview

Occupied Territories in Ukraine: Life & Conditions

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Overview

Perceptions of the War among People: Ukraine, Russia and Across the Globe

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The War in the Political Context

Explore how the war is reflected in the politics of Ukraine, Russia, and on the global level.
3 Entries
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Maps & charts

Visualising the War

Preview of selected maps and charts from specialised Organisations, which illustrate crucial aspects of the war.
-
Data analysis and visualization: Kelly Kiki/iMEdD,
based on data published by resourcetrade.earth/Chatham House
License of use: CC BY-NC 4.0
Visit liveuamap.com
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce at dui at augue volutpat sagittis. Etiam non urna rhoncus, dignissim quam a, euismod quam.
Data analysis and visualization: Kelly Kiki/iMEdD,
based on data published by resourcetrade.earth/Chatham House
License of use: CC BY-NC 4.0
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce at dui at augue volutpat sagittis. Etiam non urna rhoncus, dignissim quam a, euismod quam.
Data analysis and visualization: Kelly Kiki/iMEdD,
based on data published by resourcetrade.earth/Chatham House
License of use: CC BY-NC 4.0
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce at dui at augue volutpat sagittis. Etiam non urna rhoncus, dignissim quam a, euismod quam.
Data analysis and visualization: Kelly Kiki/iMEdD,
based on data published by resourcetrade.earth/Chatham House
License of use: CC BY-NC 4.0
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce at dui at augue volutpat sagittis. Etiam non urna rhoncus, dignissim quam a, euismod quam.
Data analysis and visualization: Kelly Kiki/iMEdD,
based on data published by resourcetrade.earth/Chatham House
License of use: CC BY-NC 4.0

Learn More from Other Resources

From documentaries to databases and debates, these resources, selected by our team from across the web, will help you understand the war and its full context.

Videos & Documentaries
Lectures & Debates
Articles, Reports & Books
Educational Resources
Stats, Databases & Infographics

Videos & Documentaries

Teaching ideas and recommendaions
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A brief history of modern Ukraine
BBC News
Brief history of Ukraine since the fall of the Soviet Union.
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Russian Roulette in Ukraine
VICE News
Collection of on-the-ground coverages of the 2014 Donbass War.
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Why Russia took Crimea first
Imperial War Museums
Explanation of the geopolitical implications behind the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014.
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Why do some Ukrainians want to be part of Russia?
BBC News
Brief documentary investigating why some Ukrainian communities on the Russian border want independence.
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Ukraine Crisis 2014 | A Divided Country
The New York Times
Report on the rise of separatist movements and the divisions within Ukrainian society in 2014.
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Why is Russia invading Ukraine?
The Economist
Weeks before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the deterioration in relations between the two countries is explained.
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Ukraine: What happened in Kiev's Maidan square?
BBC News
Investigation of the events of Euromaidan, a wave of demonstrations and civil unrest in Ukraine during the years 2013-2014.
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Putin's war on Ukraine, explained
Vox
Global and historical context behind the conflict.
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Ukraine-Russia Ties, Explained
The New York Times
Brief history of Russian-Ukrainian relations since the unification under the Soviet Union.
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Liulevicius, V. G. A History of Eastern Europe: Ukraine-Russia Crisis
Wondrium
History of the Ukraine-Russia Crisis explained by award-winning professor Vejas Gabriel Liulevicius.
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Lectures & Debates

Teaching ideas and recommendaions
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Understanding the Roots of Russia’s War Against Ukraine
Carnegie Europe
Gwendolyne Sasse and Katarína Mathernová reflect on the origins and dispell common myths surrounding the war in Ukraine.
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Explaining the Causes and Consequences of Putin’s Invasion of Ukraine with Mike McFaul
Stanford University
Former US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul discusses competing views on the causes of war in Ukraine.
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Russia and Ukraine: What Does Putin Want?
Columbia University
A few weeks before the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, four scholars discuss Putin’s possible goals and western military and diplomatic efforts aimed at defusing this crisis.
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How the War in Ukraine is Shaped by Its Past
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Discussion on the crisis in Ukraine in the context of Holocaust history and Putin's claims of "denazification".
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Snyder, T. The Making of Modern Ukraine
Yale University
Series of lectures tracing the roots of Ukrainian national identity
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Russia-Ukraine War: What Can We Learn from History?
Intelligence Squared
Panel discussion on the long path towards the current Russia-Ukrainian conflict and its repercussions for the future.
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The causes and consequences of the Ukraine war: A lecture by John J. Mearsheimer
European University Institute
Professor John J. Mearsheimer discusses the current Russian invasion on Ukraine whilst exploring the potential causes and consequences of the crisis.
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The Story of Russia - Orlando Figes
Intelligence Squared
Orlando Figes discusses the foundational myths underpinning Russian and Ukrainian historical and national identities.
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Articles, Reports & Books

Teaching ideas and recommendaions
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Ukraine Has Seen Centuries of Conflict
History
Brief descriptions of the conflicts in Ukraine since 1037.
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Russia and Ukraine: the tangled history that connects—and divides—them
National Geographic
Brief history of Russia-Ukrainian conflicts since the 13th century.
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Russia-Ukraine crisis: 9 milestone moments in history that explain today’s invasion
History Extra
Brief overview of the relationship between the two countries since the 9th century through the description of nine key events that shaped the current conflict.
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Russia’s war in Ukraine, explained
Vox
Description of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and brief background of the tensions since 2014.
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Follow Ukraine’s 30-year struggle for independence with this visual timeline
National Geographic
Visual timeline of the tensions in Ukraine since its independence in 1991.
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Ukraine’s Struggle for Independence in Russia’s Shadow
Council on on Foreign Relations
Timeline of Russian-Ukrainian tensions since 1991.
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Russia’s War in Ukraine: Identity, History, and Conflict
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Jeffrey Mankoff questions the historical justifications underpinning Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
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International armed conflict in Ukraine
Geneva Academy Of International Humanitarian Law And Human Rights
Overview of the development, legal aspects, and global context of the conflict in Ukraine starting in 2014.
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Ukraine: Conflict at the Crossroads of Europe and Russia
Council on on Foreign Relations
CFR backgrounder of the conflict since 2014.
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Ukraine Crisis
International Rescue Committee
Up-to-date reports on the humantiarian crisis in Ukraine.
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Educational Resources

Teaching ideas and recommendaions
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The Ukraine Crisis
Brown University
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Teaching Resources to Help Students Make Sense of the War in Ukraine
The New York Times
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Contextualizing the Crisis in Ukraine
Pulitzer Center
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Lesson of the Day: ‘How the Ukraine Crisis Developed, and Where It Might Be Headed’
The New York Times
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Russia and Ukraine teaching resources
The Economist
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Lesson of the Day: ‘The Invasion of Ukraine: How Russia Attacked and What Happens Next’
The New York Times
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Lesson Plan: The War in Ukraine
C-SPAN Classroom
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Instructor Resources: War in Ukraine
Council on Foreign Relations Education
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Stats, Databases & Infographics

Teaching ideas and recommendaions
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Conflict in Ukraine: A timeline (2014 – Eve of 2022 Invasion)
UK Parliament House of Commons Library
Tmeline of the conflict since 2014 prepared by the UK Parliament.
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Ukraine Refugee Situation
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Data on Ukrainian refugee numbers in European countries, along with regularly published insights into recent developments.
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Global Conflict Tracker: War in Ukraine
Council on Foreign Relations
Overview of the military and geopolitical aspects of the conflict in Ukraine starting in 2014.
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Ukraine Conflict Monitor - Interactive Map
Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project
Weekly updates dcoumenting instances of conflict on the frontline in Ukraine.
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Ukraine Conflict Updates
Institute for the Study of War
Up-to-date reports on the Russian offensive campaign in Ukraine.
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Interactive Map: Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Institute for the Study of War
Interactive map of Russian military incursions and street level assessments of the war in Ukraine.
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Refugee Data - Russia and Ukraine (2014-present)
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Data on the number of refugees and internally displaced persons from Ukraine and Russia since 2014.
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Mapping the War in Ukraine
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Interactive map tracking how the force disposition and front line have changed over the time of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
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Ukraine Humanitarian Response 2023
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Ongoing and up-to-date insights on the work of humanitarian organizations providing support in Ukraine.
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Common Questions About the War

Why did Russia invade Ukraine?

Story of the War and Its Historical Context
We are looking for authors

What do people around the world think of the war?

Perceptions of the War
We are looking for authors

Why have prices increased since the start of the war?

Global Economic Impacts, Global Energy Impacts
We are looking for authors

How many casualties have there been in the war?

Humanitarian Impact of the War
We are looking for authors

How many Ukrainian refugees are there?

Displaced in the World: Refugees & Migrants of the Russo-Ukrainian War
We are looking for authors

Is there a chance of nuclear war?

Military Action & the Armed Forces, Russia and the West
We are looking for authors
Show more

About This Project

The Russia-Ukraine War aims to provide a comprehensive portrait of the ongoing war in Ukraine. This resource goes beyond existing online sources such as the news, documentaries and analyses to capture the full reality of the conflict on the global level. Through specialist entries from academics, researchers and journalists, we hope to broaden everyone's understanding of the causes and consequences of the war in Ukraine, Russia and beyond.
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