The agreements served more as temporary pauses in fighting than genuine pathways to peace, allowing Russia to solidify its control over the occupied territories. The war in Ukraine began in the broader sense following the Euromaidan protests of 2013-2014, which triggered Russia's annexation of Crimea in February 2014 and the subsequent outbreak of armed conflict in the Donbas region.
Ukraine Conflict Beginning 2014 Timeline: Key Events from Euromaidan to Annexation
This political crisis culminated in Yanukovych's ouster in February 2014, which Russia viewed as a Western-backed coup. Within days, Russia moved to annex the peninsula through a controversial referendum held under military occupation.
This phase of the conflict, which continues to this day, resulted in thousands of casualties and established a frozen conflict that simmered for nearly eight years before exploding into full-scale war. By April 2014, armed conflict had broken out, with Russia providing crucial support to the separatists.
A Complete Timeline of the Ukraine Conflict Beginning in 2014
As diplomatic efforts between Russia, the United States, and NATO broke down, Russia presented specific security demands, including a guarantee that Ukraine would never join NATO and the withdrawal of NATO forces from Eastern Europe. With these demands unmet and intelligence indicating plans for a large-scale invasion, the international community braced for the worst.
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